UT Automotive Manufactures High-Tech Electrical Distribution System
12 December 1997
UT Automotive Designs, Manufactures High-Tech Electrical Distribution System For New Ford Ranger Electric Vehicle
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Dec. 12 -- UT Automotive, a United
Technologies company, designed and manufactures the high-tech electrical
distribution system for Ford Motor Company's new Ranger electric vehicle (EV)
pickup truck.
UT Automotive also provides full-service electrical distribution system
(EDS) design and manufacturing for Ranger internal combustion engine models.
The EDS, which features high- and low-voltage buses, is on display
Dec. 12-16 at the EVS-14 International Electric Vehicle Symposium in Orlando,
Fla.
"We're proud to be part of the Ford team that has made the vision of this
electric vehicle possible," said Dale Lammers, program manager for UT
Automotive. "We've worked hard in support of Ford's efforts to develop and
incorporate technologies that will make the Ranger EV a reliable, safe,
rewarding vehicle to drive and own."
Key functional and safety components of the Ford Ranger EV's EDS include:
* High-Voltage Power Distribution Box -- Provides fusing and power
distribution from the high-voltage battery pack to auxiliary components. The
high-voltage power distribution box (PDB) features printed circuit board
construction, utilizing four fuses (max 25 amps) that distribute power from
the high-voltage bus to all high-voltage vehicle systems.
To enhance safety, the PDB is splash-proof, features safety interlocked
connectors and a redundant safety interlock design that shuts down the high-
voltage system if the box is opened. In addition, the PDB is vented to
prevent internal condensation and corrosion.
* Contactor Box -- Controls switching of the high-voltage system and
limits power to the system during vehicle initialization. The contactor box
also controls thermal management of the battery pack, using input from the
battery control module.
* "First Break Last Mate(TM)" High-Voltage Connector -- An environmentally
sealed connection system specifically designed to meet the performance,
durability, assembly and safety requirements of the Ranger EV and the electric
vehicle market, UT Automotive's First Break Last Mate high-voltage connector
meets all USCAR connector specifications. Its unique design protects users
from inadvertent shock, even when disconnected under load.
The connector is designed to handle a maximum 500 volts and 80 amps at an
operating temperature of 23 degrees Celsius. A linear-cam mechanical assist
aids in the attachment and detachment of the connector during assembly and
service. It also features a polarized design, available in four
configurations, to help prevent misconnection of circuits.
The connector's modular design can incorporate one to four circuits in a
completely sealed connection system. Additionally, the Fast Break Last Mate
high-voltage connectors are panel-mount compatible.
* Battery Jumper Connectors -- Connects battery modules in a sealed
system. The patent-pending jumpers feature a partially closed cover that
prevents inadvertent short-circuiting of battery modules from dropped tools or
other conductive sources. The jumpers' cover design also helps eliminate
battery terminal corrosion buildup, thereby reducing high-voltage tracking,
which can be a shock hazard.
UT Automotive is an industry pioneer and leader in the design and
manufacture of smart junction boxes, power distribution boxes and electronic
controls for passenger cars and light trucks -- conventional and electric --
around the world.
UT Automotive is a major supplier of electrical, electronic and interior
trim systems and components to car and light truck manufacturers. The company
serves automotive customers around the world, with locations in North America,
Europe, South America and Asia.
UT Automotive is a subsidiary of Hartford, Conn.-based United Technologies
Corp., which provides a broad range of high-technology products
and services to the aerospace, building systems and automotive industries.
SOURCE UT Automotive