MSC.Software Helps SmarTire Systems Reduce Materials Costs by 40 Percent for Tire Monitoring System
SANTA ANA, Calif.--June 26, 2002--MSC.Software Corp. , the leading global provider of simulation software, services and systems, today announced that Richmond, B.C., Canada-based SmarTire Systems Inc. used MSC.visualNastran for Windows to design and test their leading tire monitoring system, saving more than 40% on material costs and working to decrease occurrences of tire-related automotive accidents.
"For today's automotive suppliers, the best way to increase profitability is to reduce the time and costs associated with bringing products to market," said Frank Perna, chairman and chief executive officer of MSC.Software. "Our work with SmarTire is an excellent example of the ways in which our software products can help companies dramatically reduce their costs while simultaneously increasing the level of safety for passenger cars."
According to the Transportation Recall Enhancement Accountability Documentation (TREAD) Act passed by Congress in November 2000 in the wake of multiple tire-related accidents and a recent ruling by the National Highway Transportation and Safety Association (NHTSA), tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) will be installed in passenger vehicles and light trucks to warn the driver when a tire is below specified pressure levels. During the first year of the implementation schedule ending October 31, 2004, at least 10% of each auto manufacturer's total production must be equipped with TPMS. This requirement increases to 35% during the second year, 65% by the third and 100% after October 31, 2006. This has dramatically increased the demand and time-to-market pressures for tire monitoring systems such as those produced by SmarTire.
The tire pressure data transmitters (which are located within the tire) developed and manufactured by SmarTire are subject to rigorous simulated and physical tests as the devices have to function in extreme conditions. The monitors face temperatures ranging from -40 deg C (- 40 F) to 125 deg C (257 F), loading conditions that include very fast acceleration and deceleration, bumpy roads and G forces up to 3000. SmarTire tests transmitter performance up to 400 km/h under those conditions. By running linear static, nonlinear and dynamic/vibration analyses, SmarTire was able to save more than 40% on material costs and ensure the system's parts would all function properly under the most demanding conditions.
"SmarTire tire monitoring systems have to work under a variety of extreme environments, monitoring tire pressure level and temperature continuously to ensure the safety of vehicle occupants no matter what the driving conditions," said Kian Sheikh Bahaie, senior mechanical engineer for SmarTire Systems Inc. "Thanks to the data we obtained with our MSC.visualNastran for Windows software, our tire monitoring system successfully passed rigorous automotive tests without failure."
For more information on MSC.visualNastran for Windows, please visit http://www.mscsoftware.com/products/.
About MSC.Software Corporation
MSC.Software is the leading global provider of simulation software, with related services and systems, that helps companies make money, save time and reduce costs associated with designing and testing manufactured products. MSC.Software works with thousands of companies in hundreds of industries to develop better products faster by utilizing information technology, software, services and systems. MSC.Software employs more than 1,500 people in 22 countries. For additional information about MSC.Software's products and services, please visit www.mscsoftware.com.
About SmarTire Systems Inc.
SmarTire Systems Inc. is a pioneer and market leader in the development of direct measurement tire monitoring technology for all sectors of the automotive and transportation industries. With the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rulemaking that requires the installation of tire pressure monitoring systems in all passenger vehicles and light trucks beginning November 1, 2003, there is enormous market potential for SmarTire technology. SmarTire is positioned strategically, competitively and technologically to take full advantage of this opportunity. Incorporated in 1987, SmarTire is a NASDAQ-listed company with offices in Canada and the United Kingdom. Additional information can be found at www.smartire.com.