Technology company Continental combines its products and systems with innovative sensor technology so that the condition of important components in agricultural machinery and vehicles can be determined at any time – therefore making rubber tracks, air springs and drive belts intelligent. But this is just the beginning: Further connected components are already in the pipeline and are to be integrated in a holistic concept.

In the meantime, Continental wants to use the data it acquires to offer its customers additional services. “We rely consistently on digitalization and connectivity. Therefore, the focus is on prevention, because every unexpected downtime is a drain on productivity. Predictive maintenance concepts help our customers to increase efficiency and operating safety and, at the same time, to reduce downtimes and costs,” explains Hans-Jürgen Duensing, member of the Continental Executive Board responsible for the ContiTech division and the off-highway segment.

Sensor technology reduces wear of rubber tracks

A world first at Agritechnica: Rubber tracks with sensor technology are among Continental's latest technological highlights. This technology allows the carcass temperature of the rubber tracks to be measured and monitored during use on vehicles. The company will present this innovation to the general public for the first time at Agritechnica. Targeted monitoring of this kind helps operators of agricultural vehicles to extend the service life and efficiency of these components and helps avoid repair costs. If something becomes critical, the driver receives a corresponding warning on a display in the driver's cab. This is particularly beneficial when traveling on asphalt roads, as the rubber tracks are particularly susceptible to wear on this surface. The following is true here: the higher the speed, the greater the frictional effects within the rubber tracks and between the components and the road surface. They are exposed to greater strain and become hot.

Intelligent solution from Continental: Sensor technology measures the temperature of the rubber track and warns of an impending critical heat build-up. Photo: ContiTech

Previously, drivers therefore had to considerably reduce their speed on asphalt, more than would perhaps be necessary, in order to protect the components. With the intelligent rubber tracks, drivers always have an overview of the temperature and can tailor their speed as effectively as possible. This allows them to get a longer service life out of the rubber tracks without having to reduce their speed. Another advantage is that preventive maintenance ensures that action can be taken before a defect actually occurs. Prompt replacement of components avoids unscheduled vehicle downtime, thereby increasing the progress of work during operation.

Control the height of vehicles and attachments, from the driver's cab with intelligent air spring technology

Thanks to innovative sensor technology, Continental air springs can adjust their height electronically, monitor the internal pressure, and measure the internal temperature. Potential problems are detected in real time and the journey can be stopped before any damage occurs. Another plus is that the cause of the problem can be precisely determined from the recorded data. This makes repairs easier and therefore minimizes downtimes and costs. With the intelligent air spring, this means that, for the first time, it is possible for drivers of agricultural vehicles to electronically control the height of vehicles and their attachments from the driver's cab. The driver requests the change in height using the human-machine interface and the vehicle height is then controlled through a pressure adjustment in the air spring. As soon as the application conditions change, such as a difference in height due to an increased load or uneven surfaces, the system reacts and ensures the change is compensated for. Users can automatically move to different driving situations. The system is very compact for installation and uses few assembly components, therefore also reducing the overall cost of the system.

With Continental's intelligent air springs, it is possible for the first time to electronically control the height of agricultural vehicles and their attachments from the driver's cab. Photo: ContiTech

Drive belts of the future collect data

Continental's innovation management team is working flat out on providing real time information on the status of belts. With continuous monitoring, the status of belts can be controlled at all times. Customers will benefit from predictive maintenance in two important ways. If the belt shows signs of wear, these can be detected early on by the sensor technology. Mechanics can then replace the belt before it leads to total failure or greater damage. Firstly, this prevents downtime – particularly in peak seasons, such as harvest – and secondly, prevents costly repairs. Operations become more efficient, too.

The aim is for smart belts to provide information on belt states in real time – and Continental's innovation management team is working intensively on achieving this. Photo: ContiTech

Continental at Agritechnica

Technology company Continental will be presenting its latest technological highlights for the agricultural industry from November 12 to 18 at Agritechnica (Hall 3, booth F19) in Hanover. It will be showcasing a range of products from predictive maintenance solutions to camera systems, displays and catalytic converters right the way through to tires.