Federal-Mogul Develops New Front-End Lighting Technology
1 March 1999
Federal-Mogul Lighting Products Develops New Front-End Lighting Technology
SOUTHFIELD, Michigan, March 1 -- Federal-Mogul Corporation's
, new Lighting Products group today announced it will design and
manufacture several innovative lighting technologies for the front-end of
future-model U.S. cars and trucks. The new technologies include a forward
lighting module, a new optics for a clear lens reflector and the first use of
clear lens reflector optics headlamps on a light-duty truck.
Forward Lighting Module (FLM)
Leading the new innovations is the FLM, designed by Federal-Mogul
engineers, in which headlamp assemblies are integrated into the grille opening
reinforcement (GOR), providing the potential for incorporating the grille,
wiring, sensors and other components. "The FLM is produced off-line, allowing
automakers the ability to install one module, rather than several separate
components, as part of the front body structure," said Jerry Anway, director
of OEM sales, Federal-Mogul Lighting Products.
"This modular systems engineering approach allows for faster development
times, increased cost reduction and optimization of designs feature, material
selection and dimensional capability," said Anway. "This new approach to the
front-end also means additional benefits to the vehicle assembly plant --
inventory and floor space reductions and labor capital investment savings."
"In addition, front-end gap tolerances can be held much tighter -- plus or
minus 1.5 mm -- because they're designed into the FLM upfront," said Anway.
"We're at the forefront of FLM technology. As long-standing designers and
manufactures of lighting systems, we can optimize the entire process: the
material selection, because we understand the design constraints and
dimensional integrity needed; the development time, because automakers work
with one engineering team on-site at the OEM facility; and cost, because we
can decrease the hardware needed by designing innovative fastening schemes."
Anway added that the FLM offers automakers the opportunity for modular
sequencing based on body color, vehicle market (domestic or export) and
product content. "Automakers can sequence in a series of modules for a red
right-hand drive vehicle with fog lamps, for example, to meet a specific build
schedule. DaimlerChrysler's Extended Enterprise(TM) philosophy provides the
environment for these successes to be achieved by the OEM's and their Tier One
suppliers."
First Production of Clear Lens Reflector Optics Headlamp on a Truck
In addition to the new FLM, Federal-Mogul Lighting Products also will
introduce the first-ever headlamp with clear lens reflector optics for use on
a light-duty truck manufactured by a domestic OEM during the next year. This
unique headlamp system uses two dual-filament halogen capsules. Traditional
designs utilize two single-filament bulbs.
"We took the current design and packaging constraints and improved the
product performance and safety requirements -- all in 18 months," said Anway.
"A key strength of Federal-Mogul Lighting Products is our quick time to
market, allowing us to meet our customer's compressed timing."
In addition, the lens is made from Bayer's APEC material, a high-
temperature resistant polycarbonate needed in the smaller packaging space
designed into the new headlamp. The lens is manufactured by Federal-Mogul
Lighting Products.
New Clear Lens Reflector Optics Fog Lamps
The lens on the redesigned fog lamps on a 1999 light-duty truck are made
using a high-temperature polycarbonate. "The new design is more cost
effective and can withstand the heat generated by this smaller package size,"
said Anway. "The fog lamp utilizes a 37 1/2 watt bulb to accommodate the
smaller package size, reduce cost and power consumption and deliver an optical
performance equal to that of the more expensive 55 watt fog lamp systems."
Federal-Mogul Lighting Products includes well-known brand names such as
Wagner and Blazer lighting products, Zanxx sockets and connectors and Signal-
Stat lighting and safety products.
Headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, Federal-Mogul is an automotive
parts manufacturer providing innovative solutions and systems to global
customers in the automotive, light truck, heavy-duty, railroad, farm and
industrial markets. The company was founded in 1899. Visit the company's web
site at http://www.federal-mogul.com for more information. Federal-Mogul's
press releases are available by fax through Company News On-Call, call
800-758-5804, ext. 306225.