AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Siemens VDO Automotive has
developed a mechatronic, multi-function coiling motor to enhance the safety,
effectiveness and comfort of seatbelt pretensioning systems. Through the
incorporation of Siemens VDO Automotive advanced electronics, complex,
conventional mechanical and pyrotechnic coiling belt tensioning seat safety
systems can be replaced with an intelligent electric motor.
Conventional belt-tensioning seatbelt systems utilize multiple mechanical
components to correctly secure the occupant to the seat during a collision. A
spring provides belt tension and an explosive charge draws back the belt. A
latch prevents the belt from regaining slack and a torsion rod limits belt
force to a level compatible with the occupant's physical restraint needs.
The Siemens VDO Automotive mechatronic pretensioning motor solution
replaces these components with an intelligent control system integrated with
existing safety systems, such as the electronic stability program (ESP), anti-
lock braking system (ABS) and the airbag electronic control unit (ECU).
Information from these onboard systems is processed by the mechatronic
pretensioning motor to define and react to an emergency situation by
tightening the seatbelt within a fraction of a second.
Personalized Pretensioning
Powered by 42-volt architecture, the Siemens VDO Automotive motor pulls
the occupant into a desirable, upright position before collision impact and
airbag deployment. During the first fractions of a second following a
collision, the pretensioning motor selectively varies belt tension depending
on occupant size and the amount of restraint required to hold the occupant in
the optimal seat position. This better ensures occupants of varying weight
and stature are correctly seated during airbag deployment.
The mechatronic solution also makes it possible to passively tighten or
loosen the seatbelt as an adjustment to the temperature inside the vehicle.
If it's cold, the occupant mostly likely is wearing heavier clothing, so
tensioning force is increased. During warm or hot weather, an occupant can be
passively relieved of a tight-fitting belt.
Siemens VDO Automotive expects rapid market penetration of this advanced
seatbelt safety technology and its mechatronic pretensioning motor will reach
production on a European vehicle application before year-end. Industry
experts predict 10 to 30 percent of all new vehicles will be equipped with an
intelligent seatbelt pretensioning system of this type by 2005.
Smarter Safety
If an imminent collision can be avoided, the mechatronic system
immediately disengages seatbelt pretensioning coils returning the belt to a
normal fit. Unlike conventional systems, the Siemens VDO Automotive solution
is completely reversible and allows for the pretension-triggering threshold to
be set at varying levels.
Branding the Belt
In addition to optimizing seatbelt performance, the Siemens VDO Automotive
mechatronic pretensioning solution allows Original Equipment Manufacturer
(OEM) customers to customize comfort settings to compliment the nature of a
vehicle's brand image without compromising the integrity of the safety
restraint system.
For example, a vehicle designed for more leisurely driving can be enabled
to relieve tension for increased comfort, while a sportier model can have
increased tension for better seating stability and driving position.
Siemens AG (NYSE: SI), headquartered in Munich, is a leading global
electronics and engineering company. It employs more than 450,000 people in
193 countries and reported worldwide sales in excess of $72.7 billion in
fiscal 2001 (10/1/00 - 9/30/01).
The United States is Siemens' largest market, with 77,000 employees and
sales of more than $18.9 billion in fiscal 2001. Siemens is a leading
provider of advanced technology solutions in the information and
communications, medical, power, automation and control, transportation and
lighting sectors, and leverages its global network of innovation and
unparalleled technological heritage to deliver business results for Siemens'
customers around the globe. For more information about Siemens in the U.S.,
go to http://www.usa.siemens.com .
Siemens VDO Automotive is a tier-one supplier of automotive
electronic/electrical systems and components with applications covering
gasoline and diesel powertrain systems, safety and chassis systems, body
electronics and interior and infotainment. Worldwide sales reflecting partial
fiscal year 2000/2001 totaled $5.0 billion.
On Jan. 1, 2002, Siemens Automotive Corp. and VDO North America merged to
form Siemens VDO Automotive in the United States.
SOURCE Siemens VDO Automotive
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Related links:
http://www.usa.siemens.com
CONTACT:
David Ladd of Siemens Automotive,
+1-248-209-5822, david.ladd@at.siemens.com
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