CONEXPO 2023: New Sensor, Hydraulic and Electromechanical Component Launches
Although the International Fluid Power Exposition (IFPE) contains a vast array of technologies from the fluid power and motion control industries, the co-located CONEXPO-CON/AGG features several relevant components and systems as well.
These include batteries, sensors, hydrostatic transmissions and more — some of which are becoming increasingly more important as construction equipment and other heavy machinery push further toward electrification, automation and other major trends. As such, the Power & Motion team has collected product launch news from companies exhibiting at CONEXPO which could be applicable to those working in the fluid power and motion control markets.
Visit our IFPE channel for more news, interviews and other content related to the year's largest event for the fluid power, motion control and power transmission industries.
Dana Launching Hydrostatic Driveline for Telehandlers
Dana Inc. plans to launch a hydrostatic driveline for telehandlers in North America which it will showcase during CONEXPO & IFPE 2023. The driveline features a modular architecture to enable OEM customers to transition to a hydrogen or battery-electric vehicle design.
Dana's new driveline was developed for telehandlers capable of lifting up to 12,000 lbs. and is equipped with the company's compact Spicer 312 dropbox for use with high-power hydrostatic motors. Per the company, the new hydrostatic dropbox functions as a continuously variable transmission without torque interruption and delivers enhanced performance with precise movements at low speeds, reduced fuel consumption, and an integrated spring applied hydraulic release parking brake.
The driveline can be paired with Dana's Spicer 222 front and rear heavy-duty axles, and the entire driveline system is optimized for efficiency, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) said the company in its press release announcing the new driveline.
Optimization for efficiency was a key design aspect for Dana to ensure the new hydrostatic driveline can help meet the heavy equipment industry's move toward zero-emission vehicles. With its modular design, customers can choose the powertrain architecture they desire — hydrogen or electric — while retaining the same driveline solution, helping ease the move to zero-emissions solutions for customers.
Learn more about the new hydrostatic driveline at Dana's booth #S84815 in the upper level of South Hall.
Eaton Showcasing Low-Voltage Electrical Components
Eaton's Vehicle Group will exhibit its range of low-voltage electrical components which can be customized to meet the requirements of specific applications. The company says these components help to meet the growing power and control requirements of construction equipment and other off-highway machinery.
"There are stair-step requirements to reduce nitrogen oxides and particulates in the commercial vehicle space and it is expected the off-highway segment will have to adhere to similar regulations in the near future," said Craig Pytel, product manager, Vehicle Controls and Wireless, Eaton’s eMobility business, in the company's pre-show press release. "Manufacturers are striving to electrify all aspects of vehicles and are in various stages of the technology curve. Eaton’s low-voltage products are rugged and able to withstand harsh environments, making them ideal for off-highway applications."
The range of low-voltage components aid with vehicle component interaction, such as its control modules, while switches and keypads enable operators to easily control machine functions. Eaton notes that although many OEMs are moving to higher voltage architectures, there is still a need for running lower-voltage systems; as such the company offers DC-DC power conversion units to enable use of high and low voltages.
Eaton will also show its line of power connectors and terminals which can be used with electric- and diesel-powered machines. Among these are the high power lock box (HPLB) power connectors which the company said are well suited for current and future electrified off-highway equipment. Low-profile and round versions are available in this product line to meet varied application needs.
See these and other products on display at Eaton's booth #S60228 in the lower level of South Hall.
Schaeffler to Show Range of Solutions for Construction and Aggregates
Global industrial supplier Schaeffler intends to show a wide range of products for the construction and aggregates industries during CONEXPO 2023. Among these will be:
- a portfolio of products to help OEMs increase reliability, reduce emissions, optimize power density and transition from hydraulic to electromechanical actuation
- technologies to support the shift to zero-emissions including thermal management modules, e-motors, e-axles and current-insulated bearings
- split bearings and mounted products to help improve reliability of aggregate conveyor systems
- condition monitoring and automatic lubrication solutions
As part of its exhibit, Schaeffler plans to debut a new interactive display to provide an overview of its products for off-road equipment. Eight categories of products will be featured in this display which include bearing solutions, actuation, fluid power, e-mobility, sensors and more.
Schaeffler will showcase its range of products at booth #W41574 in the West Hall.
Donaldson Introducing New Filtration Technology
At CONEXPO, Donaldson will showcase its range of filtration technologies including the new Alpha-Web hydraulic media technology. This new filtration media is designed to ensure the cleanliness of hydraulic fluids. It is a fine fiber technology which captures and contains contaminants in harsh operating conditions.
Per Donaldson, the fine-fiber layer of the Alpha-Web media provides a high level of filtration efficiency during cyclic flow conditions. It is able to do so while minimizing dynamic events during which particles could become dislodged during fluid flow changes.
The company will also show a range of fuel and other filter technologies, including those for hydrogen fuel cells.
Donaldson can be found at booth #S85128 in the upper level of South Hall.
elobau Exhibiting Modular Armrest and Tilt Sensors
Sensor and operator controls technology developer elobau plans to show its 225MA midi armrest and new generation of tilt sensors at CONEXPO.
The 225MA midi is a customizable, modular multifunctional armrest featuring an ergonomic design to ensure the comfort of machine operators. Five modules are available which can be individually designed by OEM customers:
- joysticks and hand throttle,
- operating unit,
- armrest and storage compartment,
- hitch wheel and potentiometer and
- the connection panel.
All operator controls on the armrest easily communicate with various machine functions via CANbus.
elobau will also show its N6 static and N7 dynamic tilt sensors providing high-precision measurements. The N7 dynamic features an integrated gyroscope for optimized measurements in dynamic applications. Both sensors include high protection ratings for use in harsh operating conditions.
The tilt sensors can easily be configured and communicate with a machine's CANbus system. Two-point mounting with M6 screws enables 30% faster installation of the sensors. The N7 dynamic sensor is suited for applications in which a piece of equipment will be working on uneven surfaces and exposed to vibrations and shocks.
elobau is exhibiting at booth #S85221 in the upper level of South Hall.
igus Highlighting Plastic Solutions for Construction Applications
During CONEXPO 2023, igus will showcase its various plastic solutions for cable protection and guiding, cables for dynamic continuous motion as well as its bearing technology.
Among the products on display will be the company's Hybrid YE e-chain cable carrier which is 50% lighter in weight than comparable steel versions. The e-chain cable carrier also features 50% more unsupported span than a plastic chain. It is also resistant to corrosion, UV, chemicals and does not require the use of screws or bolts.
Also on display will be the TX1 Bearings with up to 21,755 psi static. These bearings are temperature resistant from -212 to 482 F and feature low moisture absorption. The bearings offer good liquid media resistance as well, ensuring durability and longevity in heavy-duty equipment applications.
Visit igus at booth #S62829 in the lower level of South Hall to learn more about these and other products it will have on display.
POSITAL Launches Upgrade to IXARC Rotary Encoders
Position sensor developer POSITAL has launched an upgrade to its IXARC line of incremental rotary encoders which it plans to show at CONEXPO. Features include new magnetic sensor technology and energy-efficient embedded microcontrollers.
Compatible with earlier models, the company said the new versions offer the benefit of reduced power consumption. The upgraded IXARC encoders utilize tunnel magneto-resistance (TMR) sensing technology instead of the previously used Hall-effect sensors. Doing so provides a higher level of magnetic sensitivity, leading to the potential for improved resolution. The company said TMR sensors are also less temperature sensitive.
POSITAL said the upgraded IXARC encoders will be part of a series of new products it intends to launch over the coming year.
"Our aim here is to improve the performance, ease-of-use, and availability of our encoders and inclinometers," said Christian Fell, head of POSITAL’s American operations, in the company's press release announcing the launch of the upgraded encoders. "This program, labeled NeXtGen, will update the core technologies used in our products, both to improve performance and to strengthen our supply chains."
Learn more about the new rotary encoders and other POSITAL sensing products at booth #S61620 in the first level of South Hall.
Vanguard to Display Battery and Engine Technologies
Like many engine manufacturers, Briggs & Stratton has expanded into the field of electrification with the development of battery packs. The company intends to show its range of batteries alongside its engine systems.
Among these will be the new Vanguard 1.5 kWh Swappable Battery Pack which is a finalist for the CONEXPO Next Level Awards Program. The battery can easily be swapped between applications on a job site to help customers maintain productivity. To demonstrate this capability, the company plans to show it in use in various pieces of compact equipment.
Briggs & Stratton's latest engines will be on display as well such as its recently launched Vanguard 40.0 gross hp BIG BLOCK V-Twin engine. Integrated into the engine is a flywheel speed sensor capable of detecting changes in speed which it sends to the throttle body to ensure consistent engine speed is maintained.
View these and other Vanguard products at the company's booth #D1033 in the Diamond Lot.
