Press release for the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2018 Winsen (Luhe), September 19, 2018
With the innovative “FFB Smart Silo Control Hub” solution, the Feldbinder Group is opening the doors to the digitalization of silo technology and thus setting another milestone in its consistent implementation of the company philosophy “lightest commercial vehicles with the largest possible volume and long service life”.
In cooperation with RAISA eG, a 7-chamber feed silo semi-trailer was equipped with a touchscreen to control air distribution and material line components. With the help of a CAN-BUS system, this innovation combines the previously mechanical, pneumatic and electro-mechanical control elements for air distribution and material feed into a single control element.
The optimized unloading process always in view
In future, it will be possible for the driver to control and monitor the central operation of the vehicle at a glance using a touchscreen at the rear of the vehicle/ in the rear cabinet. The unloading process is displayed to the user on the screen in a very clear graphic representation of the vehicle. Simple, intuitive menu navigation allows the shut-off flaps, air supply, material accelerator and loosening to be used in a coordinated manner.
Once good, always good: unloading processes with defined standard parameters enable highly reliable unloading results, even with changing users
With fixed unloading points, standardized unloading will always be possible with the same vehicle settings. The user can save the ideal settings for the respective unloading location and unload again with these settings the next time.
The processing of data records on unloading points, loads, filling levels, pressure development, the behavior of the butterfly valves, material flow and much more enables the customer to identify optimum operating sequences during unloading and to define them as an operating profile for each unloading point and load and store them in the software. The geo and operating data logging function provides the basis for the creation of customer-specific databases.
The knowledge of the most experienced operators can be saved in this way and converted into operating profiles. This means that new employees can also be trained in a time-saving manner and in future carry out the unloading process by selecting the standardized and optimized operating profile. Short-term personnel changes due to vacation and sick leave can be carried out in this way with significantly reduced handover costs.
Quality assurance of loading and unloading processes and occupational safety go hand in hand
Guided operation and unloading - so-called “guided discharge” - leads to a significant increase in work safety and quality in the operation of silo vehicle technology. Safety-relevant queries can be made to the operator via the control panel. Acknowledgement functions help to ensure that “checklists” are completed. This ensures that important checkpoints, such as the stability of the vehicle during unloading, are guaranteed.
Protecting people and the vehicle is a top priority for the new development. Thanks to the “FFB Smart Silo Control Hub” technology, the operational safety of the pressure vessel can be restored at the touch of a button in the event of a malfunction.
Additional payload optimization through weight reduction
The use of the “FFB Smart Silo Control Hub” results in significant weight savings and thus payload optimization, as the need for complex mechanical remote controls for shut-off devices is eliminated. The maintenance effort required to prevent mechanical wear is also reduced.
You can also operate your silo truck via APP
In addition to manual operation of the touchscreen, APP-based control via smartphone allows the user to unload without having to walk long distances around the vehicle. The usual radio remote controls with the disadvantages of short range and limited functionality are now a thing of the past. Shorter downtimes thanks to simplified functional diagnostics “FFB Smart Silo Control Hub” offers far more than just the advantages of centralized operation, weight reduction and a significant “plus” in work safety.
The customer also benefits from “FFB Smart Silo Control Hub” in the service area, as fault diagnostics can be carried out faster and more accurately. This enables downtimes to be reduced thanks to the rapid replacement of defective components and other troubleshooting.
Flexible use
The “FFB Smart Silo Control Hub” control system is designed for intuitive operation by logistics staff trained in the silo sector. The user can choose between different languages for the menu navigation. The system is not tied to specific tractor unit makes.
“FFB-Smart Silo Control Hub": The future of silo vehicle technology has begun
The Feldbinder Group is looking forward to the digital future. We want to support our customers in the upcoming challenges of cost and efficiency pressure as well as the shortage of skilled workers by further developing conventional silo technology, in particular the implementation of loading and unloading processes based on the collected operating data, through our “FFB Smart Silo Control Hub” control system. Our aim is to make life easier for you and your employees every day with pioneering technical innovations. With Feldbinder technology you are ahead.
Industrial property rights exist for the “FFB Smart Silo Control Hub”.
