Cummins says its new wedge capsule engine braking technology, which it says is designed to deliver faster engine braking and more fuel-efficient brake-assisted gear shifting, will be deployed across the HELM engine platforms.
That includes the 2027 X15, X10 and B6.7 Octane engines.
"The capabilities unlocked by wedge capsule technology, and particularly the two-step activation mechanism, are key to Cummins launching its first-ever mechanical braking system for these Cummins engines," says Gabe Roberts, director of product development, Cummins Valvetrain Technologies. "OEMs have a strong requirement for speed of brake activation, while solution that bring faster engine brake-assisted gear shifting are also highly sought after."
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The wedge capsule hardware is available on the crosshead, rocker arm and pushrod valvetrain components. It's a patented alternative to the high-pressure hydraulic chamber used in conventional compression release engine braking systems. Removing the hydraulic chamber improves brake response time by up to 60%, Cummins says, without any loss in capability.
For OEMs using automated manual transmissions (AMTs) with engine brake-assisted gear shifting, Cummins says the wedge capsule technology extends the performance envelope. The shortened response time reduces vehicle speed droop and the fuel penalty associated with re-acceleration after gear engagement, Cummins says.
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"Following over 15 years' development of collapsing technology that started with the JakeBrake and progressed into High Power Density [HPD] engine brake and Cylinder DeActivation [CDA] products, wedge capsule technology is the latest evolution in valvetrain technology from Cummins," Roberts says. "Cummins has a collapsing technology for every type of valvetrain in commercial vehicles and each of these new Cummins engines is future-proofed for the integration of advanced technologies, including and CDA."
The two-step actuation mechanism in the wedge technology protects the system during a partial engagement event, the company says. That's a known failure mode in other mechanical brake designs that use single-actuation pin lock systems. When partial engagement occurs, the wedge geometry limits load transfer to approximately 30% of full actuation force, preventing component damage, Cummins says.
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The system also requires no crank angle-based activation control, simplifying integration for OEM engine management calibration teams, Cummins says.
On the X15 engine, wedge capsule technology is deployed in the compression release engine braking system. On the X10, it is integrated into the Jacobs HPD engine braking system. Two capsules are used on the X10, one for CDA and the other for braking activation.
For the B6.7 Octane, the wedge capsule is integrated into the rocker arm and designed to be used with hydraulic lash adjusters (HLAs) and Cummins cam phasing technologies.
