As the truck industry rapidly develops towards intelligence and energy saving, sensors, as key components of the "vehicle nervous system", are no longer just simple detection devices, but basic tools for connecting vehicle control units (ECUs) and realizing multi-system collaboration. For parts suppliers, a deep understanding of the main functions of truck sensors will not only help improve product competitiveness, but also provide more accurate supporting solutions for vehicle manufacturers and system integrators.
1. Basic positioning of sensors in truck systems: data input source
The essential function of sensors is to collect physical or chemical quantities in the vehicle's operating state in real time, convert them into electronic signals, and transmit them to the electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU makes precise judgments based on these signals and adjusts multiple subsystems such as engine injection, speed control, brake response, and air conditioning operation.
It can be said that without the support of sensors, any intelligent control logic will lose its data foundation.
2. Realizing fuel consumption control-the key to driving energy saving and cost reduction
In the truck transportation industry, fuel consumption directly determines operating costs. High-precision sensors play a decisive role in fuel consumption control:
Mass air flow sensor (MAF): accurately calculates the intake volume, cooperates with fuel injection control, and improves fuel efficiency
Oil pressure and oil temperature sensors: real-time feedback of lubrication system status, assisting the engine to operate efficiently
Throttle position sensor: assists ECU to accurately control the intake rhythm and reduce unnecessary fuel waste
Wheel speed and load sensor: adjust the power output strategy in combination with real-time working conditions to optimize energy consumption performance
✅ For suppliers, improving the response speed and durability of sensors is one of the foundations for building efficient and energy-saving trucks.
3. Ensure driving safety-active prevention and response
Trucks are large in size and strong inertia, and have extremely high safety performance requirements under complex roads or severe weather conditions. The "perception network" composed of sensors is the core foundation of the intelligent safety system.
Tire pressure monitoring sensor (TPMS): warns of abnormal tire pressure to prevent tire blowout accidents
Braking system pressure sensor: assists ABS/ESC system to achieve fine braking control
Lane departure/distance radar sensor: realizes active safety functions such as LKA (lane keeping) and AEB (automatic braking)
Driver status monitoring sensor: detects fatigue driving, distraction, and warns of high-risk conditions
✅ Sensor products for heavy-duty conditions should have high reliability and high anti-interference capabilities, and adapt to complex conditions such as high temperature, vibration, and humidity.
4. Support vehicle networking and remote operation and maintenance-data linkage is smarter
In the era of smart logistics, the vehicle networking platform has become an important tool for truck scheduling, management and maintenance. Sensors serve as the front end of real-time data collection to help the entire vehicle access the "digital ecosystem".
GPS+vehicle speed sensor: provides precise positioning and driving trajectory, facilitating remote scheduling and route optimization
Oil volume and urea level sensors: remote monitoring of filling status to prevent operation interruption
Fault diagnosis related sensors (such as NOx sensors, DPF pressure difference sensors): realize predictive maintenance and reduce parking time
Environmental temperature and humidity sensors: used for cargo environment monitoring of special vehicles such as cold chain transportation
✅ The "cloud compatibility" of high-quality sensors has become a key guarantee for the stable operation of the Internet of Vehicles system.
V. Supplier focus and development direction suggestions
For sensor suppliers, the truck market is showing a technical trend of "integration, intelligence, and remoteness". The following are important directions for future product development:
Multi-function integration: integrating parameters such as temperature, pressure, and position into the same module to reduce wiring and installation space
Improved anti-interference ability: optimizing electromagnetic compatibility for high-voltage coils and electromagnetic interference environments
Supporting digital output and OTA upgrades: meeting the iteration and remote configuration requirements of smart connected trucks
Selection of high-reliability materials: adapting to special working conditions such as mud, water vapor, and high heat
