TRW Automotive

About: TRW Automotive is a company organization based out in Mesa, Arizona, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Steering wheel & Airbag. The organization has 1937 authors who have published 2563 publications receiving 16384 citations.

Recovery of calibrated center steering position after loss of battery power

Abstract: The steering angle of a vehicle is monitored using position sensors of an electric motor of an electric power assisted steering (EPAS) system. A position of the electric motor corresponding to the straight-ahead, center position of the steering system is stored in non-volatile memory during a steering calibration procedure, such as an end-of-line calibration in a vehicle assembly plant. Following power loss due to a dead battery, a steering angle zeroing procedure performed in a vehicle stability control (VSC) system generates a center position with enough accuracy to be within one electrical cycle of the motor. The pre-stored electric motor position is then used to determine the electrical cycle where the center position was located, and accurate monitoring of steering angle is resumed.

Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Magnet Designs with Skewing for Torque Ripple and Cogging Torque Reduction

Abstract: This paper examines the torque ripple and cogging torque variation in surface mounted permanent magnet synchronous motors with skewed rotor. The effect of slot/pole combinations and magnet shapes on the magnitude and harmonic content of torque waveforms in a PMSM drive has been studied. Finite element analysis (FEA) and experimental results show that for certain magnet designs and configurations the skewing with steps does not necessarily reduce the ripple in the electromagnetic torque, but may cause it to increase. The electromagnetic torque waveforms including cogging torque have been analyzed for four different PMSM configurations having the same envelop dimensions and output characteristics.

New Automotive Sensors—A Review

Abstract: This paper focuses on the primary automotive sensor technologies used today and their related system applications. This paper describes new automotive sensors that measure position, pressure, torque, exhaust temperature, angular rate, engine oil quality, flexible fuel composition, long-range distance, short-range distance, and ambient gas concentrations. In addition, new features are described for sensors that measure linear acceleration, exhaust oxygen, comfort/convenience factors, and night vision. New automotive system applications are described for sensors that measure speed/timing, mass air flow, and occupant safety/security.

Flux switching motors for automotive applications

Abstract: This paper presents a new class of brushless motor as an alternative to the permanent magnet brushed motor used in the automotive industry. The new flux switching motor is a very simple motor to manufacture and coupled with a power electronic controller requiring only two power semiconductor switches it has the potential to be extremely low cost in high volume applications. The design of the motor and its simulation using coupled circuit and time-stepping finite element analysis is presented. Tested performance has matched well with design targets and with simulation and is delivering performance comparable to a permanent magnet brushed motor. The new motor and drive are very robust, requiring only two power MOSFETs and a simple micro-controller to create an extremely low cost variable speed drive for automotive applications.

Gas bag module

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas bag module comprising a gas bag which has a gas bag wall with a front wall section. The module further comprises a cover which has a given annular section which closes an annular outlet opening for the gas bag and has a stationary central portion which is surrounded by the annular section. A section of the gas bag wall other than the front section has an outflow opening which in a folded state of the gas bag is arranged beneath the central portion in such a manner that on outlet of the gas bag, the central portion arrives via the outflow opening into an interior of the gas bag.