Delphi Technologies and Innovation Recognized By the Society of Plastics Engineers

TROY, Mich., Nov. 25, 2002; The Society of Plastics Engineers added two Delphi Corp. technologies to its Hall of Fame. The Door Lock Actuator and the Mini Wedge Latch won the recognition, announced during the SPE Automotive Division's 32nd Annual Innovation Awards Program. Also, Delphi's Power Decklid Closer, as well as under-hood air meter components utilizing the MuCell(TM) injection molding process, were award finalists.

"Recognition by SPE for our products is an honor valued highly among engineers who mold a variety of plastics into original, useful design and engineering solutions," said Suresh Shah, senior technical fellow at Delphi. "The technologies in the Hall of Fame represent automotive advancements that bring benefits to the vehicle manufacturer as well as the vehicle owner."

To honor the pioneering use of plastics that replace metals or create original parts and systems, the SPE Awards Committee recognizes an original equipment manufacturer and an application that has "withstood the test of time" of at least 10 years of continuously expanding use.

Delphi's Mini Wedge Latch was the first door latch in the market with an integral door lock actuator. Today, more than 75,000 latches are produced in one day in North America and Asia Pacific. A variety of door latch models, spanning more than 250, are shipped to OEMs in Europe, Asia Pacific and North America. In production for more than 11 years, an estimated 44 million vehicles currently feature both the Mini Wedge Latch and the Actuator.

The Mini Wedge Latch was the first door latch design with a plastic housing to integrate several functions. One of these functions is an integral living hinge, which compresses an extruded overslam bumper to absorb energy during door closing and add stiffness. The housing, made of acetal, is capable of withstanding repeated impacts while maintaining flexural stability throughout its life. The Actuator design integrates the switches for door ajar, the dome light and the key minder.

Additionally, the Rear Compartment Release Actuator of Delphi's Power Decklid Closer was a finalist for the Chassis/Hardware/Assembly category of the Most Innovative Use of Plastics Award.

It integrates several features such as vehicle attachment brackets, mechanism housing, rear crash protection umbrella and others. The injection- molded components are recyclable and fewer in number than conventional designs. They are also lighter, smaller and more economical.

The power deck-lid drive-unit assembly provides power function to the deck-lid up and down movements with controlled speed. Also, obstacle detection is integrated in the system.

Delphi was also honored by SPE as a finalist in the "process/enabling technologies" category for utilization of the MuCell process. In partnership with Pixley Richards Inc., Delphi utilized the MuCell process to develop a more accurate air meter, helping to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. The MuCell process allows Delphi to improve directional tolerances and stability of critical sealing and plastic latch geometry, while improving the durability of the plastic parts. Delphi also realizes reduced part weight as a result of implementing the process.

"Everyone who supported these products or processes along the way, from the design and process engineers to the plant employees, contributed to Delphi's innovative solutions and increased efficiencies," said Shah, who is also an SPE board member.