AEI's What's New at SAE 2002

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Charge meter

The 5015A piezoelectric sensor charge meter from Kistler Instrument combines the features of a traditional charge amplifier with a digital-measurement meter and signal-analysis instrument. All operational features are menu driven. Features include an extended measuring range; both digital and bar graph display of measured values; and recording and storage of up to 100 measurands and their statistical evaluation, viewing, and editing. Instantaneous, peak, average, and min/max values along with the number of samples are captured and indicated. A measuring widow function allows signal evaluation of one or two measuring cycles.

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Check valves

The Lee Co.'s CCPI Series Press-In Chek is a miniature cartridge-style check valve designed for installation into plastics. Available in 5.5- and 8-mm (0.22- and 0.31-in) diameters, the valve features a robust barbed design, which allows easy installation, provides retention, and prevents any bypass leakage around the valve. Each valve is tested for flow, leakage, and cracking pressure to ensure consistent long-term performance. The device is offered in cracking pressures from 0 to 500 kPa (0-72.5 psi) and is compatible with most fluids.

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Plastic welding

Leister Lasersystems' Novolas OEM is an integrated system that can be used for plastic welding and soldering with lasers. It is available as an -S version with a fiber-coupled spot laser and an -L version with a line laser. Optics, clamping devices, positioning, and process control can be selected to match each application. The graphical user interface uses Windows NT-based software and provides for simple and quick programming of all machine parameters.

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Magneto-rheological fluid

Lord Corp. and Delphi Automotive Systems co-developed the magneto-rheological (MR) fluid used in Delphi's MagneRide semi-active suspension system, which features a monotube design with no electromechanical valves or small moving parts. The peak power is 20 W at each of the system's four dampers. The specially formulated MR fluid has a low viscosity that is forced through a magnetized opening in the MagneRide damper. The material changes from a fluid state to a semi-solid state that is directly proportional to the magnetic field applied to it. Magnetic particles in the fluid form a dense network of chains when a magnetic force is applied to them. When it is removed, particles revert to their free, unchained form and allow movement of the dampers. MagneRide provides a 5-ms response time, which is three to five times faster than the hydraulic system in the CVRSS damper.

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Anti-pinch protection

Mayser's anti-pinch protection systems for side windows are equipped with pressure-sensitive sensors. Two conductive surfaces are either integrated directly in the rubber seal of the window or are inserted in an additionally mounted rubber profile. If something gets caught between the rubber and the window, the contact is closed and the window movement is stopped or reversed. An advantage of the pressure-sensitive protection is its extremely short response time. In addition, the switching behavior of the sensors is consistent; the weather and strong vibration do not affect it. The sensors switch only if a small amount of pressure is applied to them. The company is currently working on a presence sensing anti-pinch protection system that uses ultrasonic technology. Ultrasonic sensors can be used in power roofs for convertibles that require other solutions because of a lack of a solid frame.

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Inertial sensor

The MX2000 from MEMSIC, Inc. is a fully integrated two-axis sensor built on a CMOS platform. The device offers inertial sensing on two independent axes and is available in a wide range of sensitivities, g-sense levels, and output modes. The available acceleration sense options include ±1 g to over ±50 g full scale, all of which operate continuously with a supply voltage range of 2.7-5.5 V. Unlike conventional MEMS, the product is offered with either analog (true ratiometric or ideal absolute settings) or digital PWM output modes, allowing for minimization of component count/cost as well as direct facilitation of microcontroller interface.

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