TRW’s Active Buckle Lifter seatbelt gets first order
TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. announced the first production contract for its Active Buckle Lifter (ABL) seatbelt technology. The contract is with a major European vehicle manufacturer and will start production in 2013. The system will be launched on the rear seats but is also available for front seat applications. TRW's ABL offers three main functions. It simplifies locating and fastening the belt by lifting the buckle into a convenient position once the passenger is seated; helps to reduce seatbelt slack in dynamic driving situations; and helps to reduce slack in critical driving situations, which can contribute to reducing the possibility of out-of-position occupants.
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The safety function of the ABL is activated during critical situations such as panic braking or loss of stability. The seatbelt can be quickly tightened, by up to 80 mm (3.1 in), helping to maintain proper occupant position for airbag deployment if a crash is deemed to be imminent.
Johnson Controls in bed with Harrison Spinks
Johnson Controls on Jan. 31 announced that it has formed a development relationship with luxury mattress manufacturer Harrison Spinks to integrate pocketed coil spring mattress technology into an automotive seat concept called ComfortThin. The thin-profile seats will be available for the 2015 model year. Conventional urethane foam pads are replaced with a 100% recyclable alternative that provides a 5-20% weight reduction. Applicable for first-, second-, and third-row seats, the technology provides a dramatically thinner, tailored seatback with up to a 20% reduction at the center of the seat and a 35% or more reduction in the bolsters. The active seating surface adapts to occupants of all sizes. Each spring unit is able to react independently, further improving seating life while giving occupants the right amount of support when and where it is needed, according to Johnson Controls.
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The ComfortThin concept seat offers a weight savings of 5-20%.
SAE launches A/C conformance program and database
In response to industry and consumer requests, SAE International has developed a new program to provide conformance measures for the mobile air-conditioning (MAC) industry. Overseen by SAE International's Interior Climate Control Standards Committee, the program offers a procedure for certifying compliance with appropriate SAE International technical standards. It can be used by MAC manufacturers, along with testing facilities and providers of technical training. While certification of any product is voluntary, suppliers or manufacturers that advertise their products as certified to an SAE International “J” standard are required to follow the procedures established by the respective program (the organization has similar conformance programs addressing engine power ratings). In this case, the certification is designed to raise the level of confidence and to assure consumers of MAC components, equipment, and technician training programs that the providers are following and meeting the expected performance criteria set by SAE International standards. The program is governed by SAE J2911—“Procedure for Certification that Requirements for Mobile Air Conditioning System Components, Service Equipment, and Service Technician Training Meet SAE J Standards,” a revised version of which was issued in January. MAC industry suppliers may register for the program at http://macdb.sae.org/. The SAE MAC Manufacturer Database website also provides information about companies that have submitted claims of conformance. For more information, contact SAE conformance program manager Gary Pollak at gary@sae.org.
Takata to purchase defense safety businesses
Takata Corp. recently entered an agreement for the purchase of the BAE Systems Safety Products Inc. and Schroth Safety Products GmbH businesses from BAE Systems for cash consideration of approximately $32 million. The businesses include operations in Pompano Beach, FL, and Arnsberg, Germany, and employ about 150 people who design and manufacture occupant restraints and safety products used across commercial and defense ground and aerospace platforms. The purchase of the Safety Products and Schroth businesses is expected to close during the first quarter of 2012. Takata’s technology portfolio focuses on safety restraint systems, airbags, safety electronics, interior trim, and special fabrics and textile materials.
Magna Seating expands into bus, light train sectors
Magna International Inc.’s Magna Seating operating unit has acquired the assets and business of Vogelsitze GmbH in Karlsruhe-Stupferich, Germany, a company that specializes in the development and production of seats for the bus and light train industries. Sales for 2011 are expected to be about EUR19 million. The acquisition expands Magna Seating’s global footprint, strengthens its position in the German market, and enhances its product portfolio. Vogelsitze’s current production customers include MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Bombardier, VDL, and GAZ. The company also has licensed a number of its patents to other bus seat manufacturers worldwide. No additional details regarding the transaction are being disclosed.
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