GM Highlights Future QUADRASTEER(TM) Technology By Delphi At Media Preview Event
Delphi integrates QUADRASTEER with Traxxar(TM) Vehicle Stability Enhancement to give drivers greater directional control
Technology can help reduce risk of rollovers
TROY, Mich., June 24 -- During a media preview event this week, General Motors will highlight a future Delphi Corporation system that can help drivers reduce the risk of a rollover.
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As part of GM's Annual Full-Line Preview at the Milford Proving Grounds, Delphi will show an advanced version of its four-wheel-steering QUADRASTEER technology integrated with Delphi's brake-based Traxxar Vehicle Stability Enhancement System. The system will be featured as part of in the Technological Showcase at GM's 2004 Full Line Preview event for more than 200 journalists.
In 2001, General Motors became the first automaker to introduce Delphi's current QUADRASTEER system to the market featured on several different full- size GMC and Chevrolet SUV and truck models. The system uses all four wheels to steer the vehicle providing superior maneuverability, improved stability and enhanced trailering capabilities.
Delphi engineers have taken this innovative electronic steering system to the next level by "closing the loop," allowing the sensory inputs (vehicle speed, hand wheel position, vehicle yaw rate, and lateral acceleration) to be continuously fed back into the controller so that the steering system can actively respond to the vehicle's actions.
In addition, Delphi engineers have integrated this closed loop QUADRASTEER system with Delphi's brake-based Traxxar(TM) Vehicle Stability Enhancement System. The electronic integration of these two vehicle systems helps take safety to a new level. Until now, brake-based systems have been the standard for achieving vehicle stability control. However, these systems react only during emergency driving situations, applying the brakes to help maintain control.
Loss of directional control is a primary cause of rollovers. By bringing rear steering into the equation, QUADRASTEER constantly helps reduce loss of directional control before the driver even realizes the vehicle might become unstable.
The QUADRASTEER system control module processes information on hand wheel position, vehicle speed, yaw rate and lateral acceleration. Simultaneously, the Traxxar system control module analyzes hand wheel position, engine torque, vehicle yaw rate, lateral force, and independent wheel speed.
These two control modules share information through a system communication bus to jointly determine how to balance rear steering angle and independent braking at all four corners of the vehicle to help keep it stable and under control. For example, if the control modules determine that the vehicle is about to spin out, they will activate the desired rear wheel steering angle and apply the appropriate corner brake in a coordinated effort to help maintain control. This smart technology analyzes driver and vehicle input in milliseconds. Unlike brake-only systems, the correction often takes place before most drivers even become aware of a potential hazard.
The integration of QUADRASTEER with Traxxar vehicle stability systems helps minimize over-steer and under-steer at all speeds, and on all surfaces without aggressively slowing the vehicle. Emergency lane changes become more predictable, and more manageable.
"Sport utility vehicle and truck customers gain added peace of mind, especially while driving on snow and ice, and in wind and rain, explained Robert J. Remenar, president, Delphi Saginaw Steering Systems. "Less experienced drivers can gain added confidence on the road in all driving conditions as this innovative system continually works to minimize the amount of driver effort required to maintain control."
QUADRASTEER integrated with Traxxar also provides added stability during braking maneuvers. Varying surfaces, for example two wheels on ice and two on pavement, can create a potentially hazardous driving condition. With a typical Antilock Brake System the vehicle's stopping distance may be extended for improved lateral stability.
However, when QUADRASTEER four wheel steering is integrated with Traxxar controlled braking, the system allows braking to focus on stopping distance and active rear wheel steering to focus on stability, helping bring the vehicle to a stable, controlled stop. By adapting to changing surfaces, and maintaining earlier intervention, the system aids lateral stability and improves vehicle stopping distances by up to 14 percent which can mean a real difference in an emergency situation.
In addition to all of the benefits just described, QUADRASTEER integrated with Traxxar also provides the benefits associated with the current QUADRASTEER system including superior maneuverability and enhanced trailering capabilities.
For more information about Delphi and its operating subsidiaries, visit Delphi's Virtual Press Room at www.delphi.com/media/ .
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