Delphi's Advanced Safety Interior Offers State-Of-The-Art Protection Today
19 October 1999
Delphi's Advanced Safety Interior Offers State-Of-The-Art Protection Today
TOKYO, Oct. 19 -- Delphi Automotive Systems at
the Tokyo Motor Show today announced that many elements of its Advanced Safety
Interior (ASI) portfolio of advanced technologies have already been sourced by
major motor vehicle manufacturers. ASI -- Delphi's evolving portfolio of
safety technologies designed to provide unparalleled protection in frontal,
side and rear collisions, and in vehicle rollover situations -- is a feature
display at Delphi's booth at the Tokyo Motor Show.
"As the integration of interior systems and electronics continues to
evolve, the future of occupant protection technologies is looking brighter
with Delphi's Advanced Safety Interior portfolio," said Rodney O'Neal, vice
president of Delphi Automotive Systems and president of Delphi Interior
Systems. "In a perfect world, we could design a car with total walk-away
protection. In the real world, we have ASI, which is continually raising the
bar in occupant safety."
At the Tokyo show, Delphi is highlighting aspects of its ASI portfolio
that interact as a system to reduce injuries in case of a vehicle rollover
accident, including Rollover Sensing Systems, Seat Belt Hypertensioners and
Pretensioners, and "Curtain Type" Head Airbags.
"Delphi is actively involved in studying the vehicle rollover problem and
the development of rollover sensing systems for introduction by several
vehicle manufacturers," said Dan Salmons, product line manager from Delphi
Delco Electronics Systems. "Our rollover sensors use sophisticated inertial
sensors and algorithms to gain valuable milliseconds of time in rollover
accidents for the deployment of optimal occupant protection countermeasures."
Working in conjunction with rollover sensing systems, the conventional
Pretensioner tightens the seatbelt system, while the shoulder belt
simultaneously is pulled through the free-sliding mechanism latch plate by
Delphi's outboard belt Hypertensioner, coupling the occupant firmly to the
seat.
As the occupant is drawn into the seat, the Head Airbag deploys to protect
the head from violent contact with the vehicle interior. If the occupant does
not wear his or her seatbelt, the curtain helps keep the occupant inside the
vehicle, away from harmful exterior surfaces or objects.
"Forward-thinking vehicle manufacturers are already taking advantage of
the many ASI technologies that are available today and in the near-term," said
James A. Maniscalco, general director of engineering, Delphi Interior Systems.
"For example, Delphi has already been sourced to supply both Rollover Sensors
and a version of the 'Curtain Type' Head Airbag for upcoming vehicle
platforms."
The curtain airbag contract is for a patent-pending system jointly
developed by Delphi and Simula, Inc.
Delphi offers its ASI products as a comprehensive integrated package or
can provide any portion of the system to meet customer requirements. Delphi
is the leading global supplier of interior systems and the only major supplier
of both interior systems and occupant protection systems worldwide. This
versatility and experience is unique to Delphi's portfolio.
Delphi Automotive Systems, with headquarters in Troy, Mich., USA, is a
world leader in automotive component and systems technology and the leader in
automotive interiors. Delphi's three business sectors -- Dynamics &
Propulsion; Safety, Thermal & Electrical Architecture; and Electronics &
Mobile Communications -- provide comprehensive product solutions to complex
customer needs. Delphi has approximately 201,000 employees and operates 168
wholly owned manufacturing sites, 38 joint ventures, 51 customer centers and
sales offices, and 28 technical centers in 37 countries. Regional
headquarters are located in Paris, Tokyo and Sao Paulo. Delphi can be found
on the Internet at http://www.delphiauto.com