The CLIPLOCK was recently put through 24-hour vibration testing. Image: GP Truck Products It’s been about a year since the innovative CLIPLOCK Coupling was launched to the market, with numerous fleets reporting positive results out in the field. Taking that another step further, the company behind CLIPLOCK has commissioned accelerated independent laboratory testing conducted to consolidate the product’s long-term reliability. [caption id="attachment_106923" align="alignleft" width="225"] CLIPLOCK helps to ensure truck and trailer couplings are securely connected. Image: GP Truck Products[/caption] CLIPLOCK helps operators ensure that their truck and trailer couplings are properly and safely connected. CLIPLOCK was developed by GP Truck Products, which was created as a division of General Pneumatics in 2011, to support the truck and trailer industry. CLIPLOCK is specifically designed to ensure a positive and secure connection of trailer airline couplings while simultaneously preventing unintentional decoupling. During September, the CLIPLOCK was put through a 24-hour vibration test, conducted by Compliance Engineering. As General Manager of GP Truck Products, Joe Borg explained, “We wanted proof that the structural integrity of our product is 100 per cent, so the end user has peace of mind and knows that it won’t fail out in the field. Now we have the results of that testing.” This vibration testing confirmed that the CLIPLOCK was verified in accordance with the manufacturer’s reliability expectations and conformance to ISO 16750-3:2012. During testing, the CLIPLOCK was connected to a ball valve and SAE J1402-A rubber air brake hose to simulate what would happen in a worst-case scenario, with acceleration applied on three different axes – vertical polarisation, transverse polarisation and longitudinal polarisation. “The CLIPLOCK has a locking clip as an added layer of protection to stop any unintentional decoupling. We decided we wanted to test the product without the locking clip to prove just how well made these couplings are,” added Joe. “This also gave us the opportunity to see how the CLIPLOCK performed under vibration and with the weight of the hose and valve attached to the coupling.” The CLIPLOCK was visually inspected to detect any structural defects or faults both before and after each stage of testing – with the product passing with flying colours. It was found to have no observable structural degradation, surface deterioration, or deformity under the applied test conditions. “From a safety point of view, these tests help put us above our competitors, because CLIPLOCK customers can be certain that the product performs exactly as it should, adding an additional layer of safety,” said Joe. GP Truck Products produces a range of products for industry including air brake fittings and truck and trailer components that range from suzi coils to trailer couplings, air brake filtration systems and associated products. The CLIPLOCK is available with an optional second stage locking system, exclusive to GP Truck Products. It features a two-stage locking mechanism, with a patent pending stainless steel locking clip and locking groove, as well as a unique bright yellow cable which acts as a visual lock indicator. Connected to the locking clip, the visual lock indicator makes it easy for operators to quickly notice potential connection issues or if it isn’t engaged, ensuring incomplete connections of the truck and trailer airline couplings can’t occur. For an additional visual confirmation, if the yellow cord and locking clip are dangling, it means the coupling may not be securely connected. Additionally, if the locking clip can’t be inserted into the locking groove of the coupling, it means the male and female couplings haven’t been connected properly. If the female coupling isn’t fully connected to the male coupling, the coupling collar will partially cover the CLIPLOCK locking clip groove, preventing access to the locking clip. “Ultimately, the CLIPLOCK helps put the minds of operators at ease,” added Joe. CLIPLOCK locking clips can also be purchased separately and retrofitted to couplings with certain CLIPLOCK grooves. For more information, visit gptruckproducts.com.au or call 03 9580 1811. [signup] The post Coupling innovation is put to the test appeared first on Big Rigs.