TRW Adds New Electrically Assisted Steering System
23 February 1998
TRW Adds New Electrically Assisted Steering System; EAS Portfolio Broadens Packaging Flexibility for Automakers
DETROIT, Feb. 23 -- To provide automakers worldwide with the
best steering systems solutions for a broader range of vehicle classes, TRW
announced today it has added a new member to its family of innovative
Electrically Assisted Steering (EAS) systems.
The latest addition to TRW's portfolio of EAS systems is a pinion-drive
Electrically Powered Steering (EPS) design. This revolutionary, fully electric
system complements the company's two original units -- a rack-drive EPS system
and an Electrically Powered Hydraulic Steering (EPHS) system. The new version
uses the same innovative technology as TRW's rack-drive EPS system, but the
flexibility of the pinion-drive configuration provides automakers with more
packaging options.
The global automotive supplier is displaying its broad range of modular,
ready-to-install, fully tested EAS units at the 1998 SAE International
Congress & Expo at Cobo Center here this week.
"By expanding our portfolio of Electrically Assisted Steering systems, TRW
can provide automakers with one-stop steering systems solutions that address a
wide array of vehicle classes and packaging issues," said James A. Handysides,
TRW vice president and general manager, Electrically Assisted Steering. "When
you combine these automaker benefits with the significant performance, safety
and environmental improvements of our EAS systems, consumers also gain from
this dynamic new direction in steering."
According to Handysides, the EAS systems improve fuel economy by up to 2.0
mpg; enhance performance and handling; increase energy savings up to 85
percent; enhance safety by providing power steering even when the engine
stalls; reduce overall costs; and decrease automaker assembly time. The EPS
versions also are environmentally friendly, since they lower emissions and
eliminate hydraulic fluid.
TRW's EAS systems also decrease vehicle development time and costs through
an instantaneous "tunability" feature. The systems can be tuned via a laptop
computer in minutes instead of days, allowing automakers to select and
instantaneously try out specific steering characteristics, right on the test
track. This unique programmable feature also enables auto manufacturers to
use the same steering module across their full product line -- from sub-
compact cars to luxury sedans and sport-utility vehicles to minivans.
Stellar Developments
Incorporating the latest technological advances, TRW's EAS systems use
electronic controls and software designed by the same TRW people involved in
developing programs for spacecraft systems.
According to Handysides, both EPS units use a lightweight, 12-volt, high-
output variable reluctance (VR) motor. The VR motor's low inertia provides
better dynamic performance, including enhanced system response and improved
yaw stability. Driver safety is also ensured, he said, since the unique VR
motor provides assisted-steering independent of the engine.
The EPHS module -- which combines a 12-volt DC electric motor with a
hydraulic power steering pump and a conventional rack-and-pinion power
steering system -- features brushless motor technology, eliminating brush wear
and improving system efficiencies.
TRW is currently supplying EAS systems for Ford and Chrysler electric
vehicles in North America and has secured a European contract to supply the
technology this year. By 2010, TRW estimates that one out of every three cars
produced in the world will be equipped with some form of electrically assisted
steering.
With 122 automotive locations in 23 countries, TRW Inc. is one
of the largest independent OEM automotive suppliers in the world. In 1997,
the company's automotive businesses recorded sales of $7 billion, nearly 65
percent of TRW's total $10.8 billion in sales. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, TRW
also provides advanced technology products and services for the space and
defense, and information technology markets worldwide.
SOURCE TRW, Inc.