System supplies data for traction control and recognizes rear wheel
lift-off
FRANKFURT and COLOGNE, Germany, Oct. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The Motorcycle
Integral Brake System (MIB), jointly developed by Continental Automotive
Systems and BMW, has been successfully launched in eight K- and R-series
motorcycles. The smallest electronically controlled integral brake system
in the world is now being offered as standard or at extra cost on the R1200
GS, GS Adventure, RT and R boxer models and on the four-cylinder K1200 S, R
and GT models. Due to its innovative valve technology, the MIB is
especially effective during reduced vibration of the brake lever. It also
offers additional functions for improved driving safety.
Ideal brake force distribution, rear wheel lift-off protection and
traction control
The MIB from Continental Automotive Systems generates pressure in the
wheel brake without the need for a brake booster and therefore does not
make a loud noise. The continuously variable (analogue-controlled)
activation of the innovative valves allows a smooth and hence extra
effective modulation of the brake pressure. Less brake fluid has to be
pumped back and forth during ABS intervention than with conventional
valves. The driver feels the difference immediately: the brake lever
vibrates just enough to show that there is ABS activity. Originally
developed for brake systems on passenger cars, this valve technology also
enables the motorcyclist to obtain the maximum possible deceleration, even
on poor road surfaces.
The MIB used by BMW is a partially integrated ABS system. The rider
controls the rear wheel brake using the brake pedal alone. The pressure for
the front wheel brake is generated using the hand lever, while the ABS
electric pump specially adapted for this partially integrated system
actively increases the pressure on the rear wheel brake. The integrated
rear wheel lift-off protection (RLP) represents a further safety benefit.
It briefly stops the pressure build-up or gently reduces the pressure in
the front braking circuit whenever the wheel speed sensors indicate that
rear wheel lift-off is imminent. This maintains the minimum load on the
rear wheel necessary for lateral guidance and prevents an imminent rollover
within the bounds of physical possibility. In addition, the MIB supplies
data from the wheel speed sensors to the engine management system via the
CAN bus. This means that BMW can provide an electronically controlled
traction control system that reduces the engine output before lateral
stability is lost during acceleration.
Compact, lightweight, advanced technology
The MIB is the smallest electronically controlled integral system in
the world. Easily integrated into the vehicle, the system is made even more
appealing by the use of components whose quality has already been proven in
passenger cars and the fact that it weighs just 2.3 kg. In addition to this
system, Continental Automotive Systems is also developing a fully
integrated ABS and a conventional dual-channel ABS that weighs just 1.2 kg.
The development of a family of 4-piston calipers for motorcycles in close
partnership with the French company BERINGER S.A. is on schedule and the
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is ready for production.
"We see great potential for our company in the motorcycle market," said
Dr. Ralf Cramer, Head of the Business Unit Electronic Brake and Safety
Systems at Continental Automotive Systems. "Together with our air spring
damper units, our modular portfolio of brake systems and components will
keep motorcyclists safer. With products such as these, we are contributing
to the European Safety Charter to achieve its aim of halving the number of
motorcycle accidents between 2004 and 2010."
The Continental group is a leading supplier of braking systems, chassis
components, vehicle electronics, tires and technical elastomers to the
automotive industry. In 2005, the company achieved sales of euro 13.8
billion and currently employs a workforce of roughly 80,000 throughout the
world.
As a leading global technology and systems engineering partner to the
automotive industry, the Automotive Systems Division of Continental AG
combines comprehensive know-how and uncompromising quality in the areas of
active and passive driving safety, telematics, hands-free communication
systems, drive systems and comfort. In 2005, this Division generated sales
of roughly euro 5.2 billion with a workforce of more than 24,000.
Continental Automotive Systems develops and produces electronic and
hydraulic brake, stability and suspension control systems, electronic
pneumatic suspension systems, sensors, engine management and transmission
control systems, hybrid drives, radiator fan modules and electronic devices
for comfort and safety applications and is a leading global producer of
telematics and communications solutions for the automotive sector.
In 2006, the Division can look back over a total of 100 years of
successful automotive engineering. Its motto, "Forward Thinking," reflects
its conviction that it will continue to exploit new aspects of automotive
safety and driving pleasure for drivers of the future.
Internet media databases: http://www.contiautomotive.com .
SOURCE Continental Automotive Systems
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http://www.contiautomotive.com
http://www.conti-online.com http://www.contitevesna.com
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CONTACT:
Katja Mattl, External Communications, +49
(0)911 9526 2591, Fax: +49 (0)911 9526 2537,
katja.mattl@contiautomotive.com , or Jim Gill, +1-248-393-5210,
Jim.Gill@usa.contiteves.com , both of Continental Automotive
Systems
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