US: TRW develops new braking system for Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon Hybrids
Thursday, November 08, 2007, AutomotiveWorld.com
TRW Automotive has announced that its Kelsey-Hayes subsidiary will supply Slip Control Boost (SCB), an advanced regenerative-compatible braking system for the forthcoming Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid SUVs.
According to TRW, its SCB system is integrated with stability control and brake actuation within a 12-volt architecture. SCB replaces traditional boosters, master cylinders and vacuum pumps with an electro-hydraulic control unit (EHCU) and brake pedal simulator unit with a twin master cylinder to supply brake pressure.
The system is also claimed to offer the following advantages:
- easy installation with fewer components to fit;
- improved packaging in the front dash area versus traditional vacuum boosters;
- a decoupled brake pedal that is ideal for integration into autonomous or emergency braking systems;
- improved NVH characteristics.
Peter Lake, the executive vice president of sales and business development for TRW Automotive, says that the company worked closely with engineering teams at General Motors to develop SCB.
In addition, the company has also announced the development of a new electric drum-in-hat (eDIH) parking brake concept, which is expected to free up interior space to offer greater freedom of vehicle cockpit design.
The company claims the new parking brake concept means easier installation thanks to fewer components. The system also integrates with other safety technology, the company notes, and eliminates the need for a hand lever or pedal. The system features cable-free connections, meaning significant cost and complexity reductions during the OEM's assembly process.
The system is also integrated with Auto Hold and Hill Hold. When activated, Auto Hold holds the vehicle in a stationary position until the driver presses the accelerator and eliminates the need to keep the brake pedal depressed in situations such as traffic jams. Hill Hold prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards on a hill either from a parked position or in situations such as traffic lights.
According to TRW, the eDIH system is ideal for larger vehicles which require a greater clamp force for parking than is currently available from electric park brake caliper systems. The company expects that this new system will be production-ready by 2011.
Published on Thursday, November 08, 2007
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