Confined space work is one of the highest-risk jobs on any maintenance routine, so anything that keeps a person out of a confined space without compromising the job is worth chasing. Checking the park brakes on Komatsu 930E, 960E and 980E haul trucks is a good example, and it can now be done over Bluetooth, from a safe standing position.
The tool was developed in collaboration with LiveTest, working with Arthur Alexiou and Robin Baier to take the idea from a concept to a working tool.
Why take confined space work out of the equation
Confined space entry carries some of the most serious risks in heavy-equipment maintenance, and it comes wrapped in permits, monitoring and access constraints that slow the whole job down. A traditional park brake check puts a maintainer inside a restricted space, in awkward positions and with poor visibility, trying to collect a critical wear measurement by hand. Managing that risk is one thing. Removing it altogether is better. If a routine park brake check no longer needs anyone in a confined or awkward space, the hazard is gone rather than simply controlled, and the task gets faster and simpler at the same time.
Park brake checks, now done over Bluetooth
The tool positions a Bluetooth dial indicator exactly where it needs to sit, then sends the reading straight to a smart device. There's no need to climb into a tight spot to take a measurement, and the reading can be watched live on a phone or tablet from a safe standing position. The measurement is captured digitally as it happens rather than written down from an awkward angle. It's a straightforward change to how the check is done, and it makes a meaningful difference to both safety and speed on a routine task.
The rundown
Everything about the design is built around getting a reliable reading from a distance:
- Three-piece carbon fibre pole for reach with minimal weight
- 3D SLS-printed head that holds the Bluetooth dial indicator firmly in place
- Built-in magnets on all three feet to help hold the head steady in position
- Bluetooth connectivity to any smart device through a free downloadable app
- LCD readout on the dial itself, for when the Bluetooth function isn't needed
- Portable hardcase with built-in charging for the dial indicator
What it changes on a routine check
The practical gains show up on both sides of the job, safety and productivity:
- Measurements are taken from a standing position outside the brake housing, keeping personnel out of the confined and restricted work area
- Awkward body positioning and poor visibility are taken out of the task, and less time is spent in the hazard zone
- Inspections are faster and more consistent, with accurate and repeatable digital measurements
- Live readings and real-time recording mean the data can be captured and used for maintenance planning
Find out more
If eliminating confined space work from routine park brake checks would make a difference on your site, get in touch with the HNA Group team for the full details on how the tool works and how it suits your fleet.
