Federal-Mogul Lighting Sophisticated Distributive Lighting
1 March 1999
Federal-Mogul Lighting Products Develops Sophisticated Distributive Lighting Targeted for Year 2001
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., March 1 -- Federal-Mogul Corporation's
, Lighting Products group today announced it has recently developed
an improved method of using a single light source to illuminate several areas
of a car or truck, from cup holders and map pockets to door handles, glove
boxes and conventional switches. Called "distributive lighting systems
(DLS)", Federal-Mogul Lighting Products management expects the new technology
to be included on a production vehicle by 2001.
"Distributive lighting is a method of piping light to various parts of a
car or truck, using one or a few light sources," said Keith Bucher, product
engineering manager at Federal-Mogul's lighting facility in Sparta, Tennessee.
"It cuts costs and saves energy for automakers because it reduces the load on
the electrical system and engine. This equates to gas mileage savings while
adding supplemental vehicle lighting features for consumers, too. The
distributive lighting system is like a spider web, with the light source in
the middle. It's comprised of an illuminator that houses the light source
(bulb), and either thermoplastic light pipes or fiber optic cables that carry
the light to the desired locations."
The technology has been widely used in the telecommunications industry and
for lighting large buildings, but has seen limited use for automotive
applications. "Simple distributive lighting systems have been used," said
Bucher. "One bulb may light the door handle, switches and mirror, for
example. We're talking about a much more sophisticated approach."
Federal-Mogul Lighting Products' approach provides automakers the
flexibility of using fiber optic cables or light pipes, or a combination of
the two, to establish several subsystems in the door or headliner, for
example, to "pipe" lighting through any part of these distinct areas of the
vehicle.
"Light pipes are durable, heat-resistant and rigid, making them easy to
install either manually or robotically," said Bucher. "Fiber optic cables are
flexible to fit the contour of the area in which they're housed, but it's a
more expensive alternative. Fiber optics are better for very remote locations
or for long distances between the light source and the light output location.
For shorter distances and where accessibility during assembly isn't an issue,
light pipes are more cost effective.
"Automakers can choose from a variety of light sources, as well," said
Bucher. "High-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs, used to light airport runways,
produce a brighter and greater amount of light, and use less wattage, making
them highly efficient, lasting four times longer than traditional halogen
bulbs. Existing technology such as incandescent bulbs are less expensive than
HID. The suitability of each is dependent on the application. HID is more
appropriate for exterior lighting because of the output requirements.
Incandescent and halogen bulbs cost less and are better suited for interior
applications."
"Much of the growth of distributive lighting systems will be tied to the
increased security and luxury requirements of the car and truck-buying
public," said Bill Buchman, vice president, sales and marketing, Federal-Mogul
Lighting Products. "In the 1960s, there were only enough lights in vehicles
to meet basic requirements. In addition, consumers want lighting in a vehicle
for safety, convenience and comfort reasons. This challenges us at Federal-
Mogul to find ways of distributing light to various areas, while saving cost
and energy."
Distributive lighting systems also eliminate many sockets, wires and
housings through the application of light pipes and fiber optics into an
assembly, simplifying installation. "The interior environment is enhanced as
well," said Bucher. "Colored plastic filters can be used in some areas if
desired to create a subdued or unique lighting environment."
Buchman predicts that distributive lighting systems will expand and be as
widely used on cars and trucks as anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and airbags.
"We'll start with one subsystem, all the lighting in a door panel, for
example. Larger cars and minivans with more interior space to illuminate
probably will set the trend. I expect to see these systems on 10 to 20
percent of all cars and trucks in five to ten years."
Buchman stated that Federal-Mogul Lighting Products is poised for
leadership in automotive distributive lighting systems. "We have years of
experience developing various light source and distribution technology and as
a total lighting systems producer, we understand what it takes to design,
manufacture and produce lighting components and systems better than our
competitors. We're just taking lighting systems a step further to provide
more value and cost-effective products and systems for our customers."
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.