SHANGHAI, April 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- We are entering an era in which car owners demand more of their driving experience: new dimensions of comfort features, a reduction in potential risks and higher efficiency with lower fuel consumption. In response to these megatrends, international mechatronic specialist Brose offers innovative solutions with its expertise in mechatronic system integration and years of experience in mechanical, electrical and electronics engineering.
More comfort throughout the journey
Today's passengers have come to expect a comfortable, relaxing journey on both short and long-distance drives: whether it is the ability to open doors with more ease, sit more comfortably with the correct posture, turn the steering wheel with less effort or simply enjoy the ride in a quieter surrounding, Brose covers all of the dimensions of comfort features mentioned above with its global systems know-how and in-house development expertise. Through electrification and sensor technology, it provides solutions such as noise reduction for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and the cooling fan module, power assistance from steering motors, and various position adjusters in the seat structure, etc.
A typical example is the hands-free opening and closing function featured in the power liftgate. A gentle kicking motion below the bumper opens the trunk lid automatically. It greatly reduces the stress involved in loading and unloading at the rear of the vehicle, especially when people return from shopping with groceries or packages in their hands. Already fitted in twelve models made by three OEMs by 2013, five additional customers will have installed this technology in 36 models by 2015.
A safer ride away from risks
Potential hazards in vehicles can cause severe injuries if not prevented early on. One of the risks is becoming trapped in a partially open car window: when the window moves upward, there is a risk of injury, particularly for small children who accidentally place their hands or fingers between the glass and the seal. Another hazard exists in the cargo area: injuries can extend well beyond severe bruising if the power liftgate lowers accidentally during loading and unloading.
To minimize these risks, Brose has applied its 30 years of expertise in anti-trap functionality to both the electric window regulator and power liftgate. This ensures that the window glass or trunk lids reverse direction when they meet with obstacles. To entirely prevent a collision, the mechatronic specialist has also developed a contact-free feature of the anti-trap function that detects obstructions and stops the liftgate without contact. As the first to apply anti-trap technology to window regulators and power liftgates, Brose was also the first supplier to meet the strict criteria of S5 of the American FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards).
With an integrated sensor that "memorizes" positions, this technology has also been applied to the front seat: the seat returns automatically to its previous position when it comes across an obstacle from behind.
Higher efficiency with lower fuel consumption and CO2
As fuel costs continue to rise, most drivers are looking for cars that can strike a balance between economy and performance. How can today's vehicles deliver both? One solution is to change the traditional way of continuous operation, which wastes fuel. Another possibility is a more compact and lightweight design.
Brose brings over 50 years of experience in electric motor design to the development of fuel-saving applications. One example is its electric power steering (EPS) motor: its on-demand actuation technology will activate the motor automatically only when needed. This reduces emissions by about seven grams CO2 per kilometer and lowers fuel consumption by up to 0.5 liters per 100 kilometers. By replacing carbon brushes with electronics, Brose also makes its EPS motor smaller than similar products. Another example of Brose's lightweight design is the HVAC blower with electronically commutated motor: the blower weights around 500 grams less than a comparable mechanically commutated variant, achieving a maximum efficiency of over 80 percent and reducing noise to less than 40 dB(A).
Armed with its integrated approach to lowering fuel and CO2 emissions, the mechatronic specialist is on its way to meeting the targets of both the European Union and the Chinese government for tomorrow's passenger cars.
