TRAVERSE CITY, Mich.,
Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- TRW Automotive, the global leader in automotive
safety systems, will launch its new occupant weight- sensing system
and its first direct tire pressure monitoring system for the 2004 model
year.
Smart Airbag System Uses Strain Gauge Technology
TRW will launch
its new occupant weight sensing system on a major automaker's 2004 sport
utility vehicle, the first of many applications over the next several
model years.
This system uses
strain gauges at each corner of the front passenger seat frame to directly
measure the occupant's seating weight, which is, in turn, used to classify
occupants as infants, children or adults. This classification is then
used to determine the appropriate air bag deployment for the occupant,
ranging from a full deployment for larger adults to a gentler deployment
for small adults and larger children, to no deployment for infants,
small children and some small stature adults. The system provides highly
reliable performance from a direct weight measurement and eliminates
the need for calibration at the seat or in the vehicle assembly plant.
"This system
has been developed in conjunction with our customer's engineering counterparts
with the intent of better protecting occupants and meeting the intent
of new FMVSS 208 requirements that go into effect for the 2004 model
year," said Doug Campbell, vice president, engineering for Occupant
Safety Systems. "This weight sensing solution is designed to provide
highly reliable occupant classification data that will lead to enhanced
protection by providing a more appropriate airbag deployment for each
passenger type and by helping to reduce the number of inappropriate
deployments."
Direct Tire Pressure
Monitoring System Debuts
TRW is also introducing
its second generation direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
for a major Japanese vehicle manufacturer on a 2004 model year application.
TRW, in cooperation
with Michelin, has developed the "EnTire Solution," an advanced
direct TPMS. The system delivers accurate readouts, has the ability
to indicate what tire is under-inflated, front or rear, left or right,
and offers other major benefits to the driver.
Using predictive
algorithms, the driver can be warned that there will be a low-pressure
tire problem in the near future. This warning can alert the driver to
take action before getting on a long stretch of highway.
False alarms are
another concern that can cause a true low-pressure warning to be ignored
even by the most conscientious driver. TRW Automotive and Michelin have
incorporated such advanced monitoring algorithms into the EnTire Solution
TPMS that detect slow leaks, yet also account for driver habits and
environmental conditions to reduce the occurrence of false warnings.
"Generally,
the benefits of tire pressure monitoring and correct tire pressure include
improved vehicle dynamics behavior, fuel saving, longer tire life and
a significant reduction in the number of tire blowouts," said Alain
Charlois, director of product planning for Occupant Safety Systems.
"We are pleased to offer a system that will help enhance safety
and reduce potentially dangerous situations on the roadway."
About TRW
With sales of $10.6
billion in 2002, TRW Automotive Inc. ranks among the top 10 suppliers
in the world. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the company employs
approximately 63,000 people in 22 countries. Its products include integrated
vehicle control and driver assist systems, braking systems, steering
systems, suspension systems, occupant safety systems (seat belts and
airbags), electronics, engine valves, fastening systems and aftermarket
replacement parts and services. TRW Automotive news is available on
the Internet at www.trwauto.com
.
Source: TRW
Automotive
