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TRW's Integrated Pyrotechnic Fuse Box Reduces Risk Of Vehicle Fires

24 February 1999

TRW's Integrated Pyrotechnic Fuse Box Reduces Risk Of Vehicle Fires, Related Injuries and Decreases Overall Costs

    DETROIT, Feb. 23 -- To reduce the risk of electrical fires
and related occupant injuries that may result from a vehicle crash, TRW has
developed an integrated pyrotechnic fuse box, which it will unveil here next
week at the 1999 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International Congress
& Exposition at Cobo Center.
    TRW's pyrotechnic fuse box -- which is available as an integrated design
or as an add-on component to an existing fuse box -- works in conjunction with
the vehicle's crash-sensing module to provide a quick, controlled
disconnection of electrical power when a crash occurs.
    Here's how it works:  In a crash, the air bag electronic control unit
(ECU) sends a signal that causes propellant in the pyrotechnic fuse box to
expand.  In less than one millisecond, this expansion forces a sharped-edge
piston to cut select high-current connections, such as the fuel pump, starter,
alternator, cooling system fan and various power sources.  The unit still
allows for a failsafe emergency power circuit for safety-related features,
such as the air bag control unit, cellular phone and hazard lights.
    "By utilizing the same proven pyrotechnic technology used in safety
systems, TRW's pyrotechnic fuse box provides an electrical disconnect in
three-tenths of a millisecond, versus about one second with conventional
systems," said Dana Stonerook, vice president of customer development, TRW
Automotive Electronics.  "This quicker response can prevent problems, such as
vehicle fires and related injuries, as well as decrease costs associated with
an accident."
    Building upon its expertise in vehicle safety and electronics -- which
includes air bags, inflators, seat belt systems and ECUs -- TRW developed the
pyrotechnic fuse box in less than two years.
    According to Stonerook, TRW's integrated pyrotechnic fuse box design
offers considerable assembly savings for automakers, since the modular unit --
which has only one part number -- requires automakers to simply attach the
system.
    In 2001, TRW will begin production of a fully integrated pyrotechnic fuse
box for a major European automaker's 2002 model-year vehicle.  The company
also is in discussions with other automakers worldwide.
    TRW's Automotive Electronics business is a leading producer of electronic
safety, security and convenience systems for the global automotive market.
Its major product lines include air bag crash sensors, smart restraint
electronics, remote keyless entry systems, switch and control systems,
advanced theft-deterrent and security systems, driver information systems,
body controllers, tire monitoring systems and electrically assisted steering
control units.
    TRW Inc. is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, and has sales of
nearly $12 billion.  The company is one of the largest independent automotive
suppliers in the world with more than $7 billion in worldwide automotive sales
in 1998.  TRW also provides advanced technology products and services for the
space, defense and information systems markets worldwide.