This next-generation steering wheel system increases the protection potential during different crash configurations, particularly for vehicles with extreme angled windshields and/or A-pillars in oblique crashes, according to the company.
"New car designs and safety regulations have challenged vehicle manufacturers to rethink the shape of the driver's-side airbag," says Mehran Khazami, European engineering director for driver airbags and steering wheel systems. "A crash simulation, based on regulated industry tests, showed that TRW's asymmetrical airbag technology provides very impressive safety benefits."
In addition to the safety benefits, having a station-ary steering module allows automotive designers to add more convenience and aesthetic features to the steering wheel system. The non-rotating driver airbag module can accommodate the use of multifunction switches that remain in the same location, even when the steering wheel is being turned by the driver.
Additional design elements and parts of the instrument panel display also can be integrated into the steering wheel module.
In order to uncouple the rotation of the steering wheel from the driver airbag module, TRW has developed a system with a circumferential gear to keep the airbag module in a stationary position.
The system utilizes direct force transmission from the steering wheel spokes into the steering column. This improves steering feel by giving the driver less resistance when the wheel is being turned.
The key to sobriety
Saab has received the 2006 Swedish Automobile Association award for safety contribution for their AlcoKey device, which prevents intoxicated drivers from starting their cars. The device is now being tested in Sweden, and could become mass-produced for everyday use. The AlcoKey is smaller than a cell phone, with a flip-top cover and a mouthpiece for the driver to breathe into. A radio transmitter sends a signal to the car's electronic control unit, and if the sample is found to be above the legal limit for alcohol, the car cannot be started. Alco-lock devices have been recognized around the world for their effectiveness in lowering re-offending drunk-driving rates. Alco-locks are already enforced in many U.S. states and Canadian provinces.Battery-powered
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has built a new research vehicle, the Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle (MiEV), a next-generation electric vehicle (EV) that will be used for joint research programs with power companies that have been working on the promotion of EVs. The new research EV is based on Mitsubishi's "i" mini-car, and is named "i MiEV." It is powered by a compact, lightweight motor and high-energy density lithium-ion batteries, and encompasses Mitsubishi's whole technological concept of lithium-ion battery, in-wheel motor and other technologies related to EV, hybrid electric vehicle and fuel cell vehicles. The rear-midship layout enables the power train to be placed in front of the rear axle line, which ensures ample cabin space for passengers (four-occupant capacity). It also provides ample space for battery storage, which could achieve the desired daily driving range of a number of customers. An on-board charger allows the vehicle to be charged from ordinary electric outlets.Light-control film technology
Three investors from the group of accredited investors that invested $2 million in August 2006, in Research Frontiers Incorporated have invested an additional $700,000. Research Frontiers is the developer and licensor of SPD-Smart light-control film technology used in windows, skylights, sunroofs, aircraft windows and other products. The company currently has 35 licensees, including the world's three largest glass companies, and several of the world's largest chemical companies. The investors received 179,487 shares of Research Frontiers common stock. These securities were sold pursuant to Research Frontiers' effective shelf-registration statement filed with the SEC, and the proceeds will be used by Research Frontiers to fund the development and improvement of its next-generation SPD light-control film technology, and for working capital and general corporate purposes. When using VaryFast SPD-Smart technology in a window, sunroof or other product, the user can manually or automatically "tune" the amount of light, glare and heat coming into a vehicle. When used in homes, SPD-Smart windows can reduce energy consumption, block over 99 percent of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation to protect occupants, and substantially reduce the fading of carpets, furniture and artwork.
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