Suspension Systems suit mid-range to luxury car models.

Press Release Summary:



Active Dynamic Control Systems help resolve conflict between ride comfort and handling by replacing rigid drop links of one stabilizer bar end with hydraulic actuator. Actuators are controlled by electro-hydraulic-control-unit with information about driving conditions fed in via sensors. Combining lateral dynamic control capabilities with body roll control function, ADC2 system has 2 degrees of freedom by controlling 2 hydraulic circuits independently.



Original Press Release:


TRW Automotive Develops Breakthrough Active Suspension Systems


LIVONIA, Mich., Feb. 23 - TRW Automotive has unveiled its second generation of Active Dynamic Control -- ADC 2 -- a new technical concept in active dynamic control for mid range to luxury models. Building on its portfolio of active suspension control systems, ADC 2 combines lateral and body control to deliver enhanced performance and safety. The company has three development contracts for this technology, working with vehicle manufacturers to develop this technology for Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.

Dr. Alois Seewald, global director research and development, steering & suspension, explained: "For many years vehicle dynamics engineers have struggled to achieve a compromise between vehicle handling, ride comfort and stability. In general, at one extreme are large sedan and luxury cars with excellent ride qualities but only adequate handling behavior. At the other end of the spectrum are sports cars with very good handling but a hard ride quality.

"We have developed a family of products to address the range of suspension requirements. TRW's Active Dynamic Control Systems (ADC) help to resolve the conflict between ride comfort and handling by replacing the rigid drop links of one stabilizer bar end with a hydraulic actuator. These actuators are controlled by an electro-hydraulic-control-unit (EHCU) with information about driving conditions fed in via sensors.

"We have developed the EHCU from proven braking technology and the actuator based on a system used for hydraulic steering. We have, naturally, modified these components to meet the additional functionality requirements. With the interaction of these components we have achieved a cost effective, high quality and robust product."

The portfolio of active control systems products includes ADC 1, a lateral dynamic control system; Active Roll Control -- designed for body roll control; and the more sophisticated product ADC2. The new TRW ADC2 system combines the lateral dynamic control capabilities of the ADC1 system with the body roll control function of the ARC system. ADC2 has two degrees of freedom by controlling two hydraulic circuits (front and rear) independently. ADC2 is designed for sporty luxury cars, sedan cars and SUVs from the mid-size to premium segment.

The TRW ADC1 system has one active stabilizer bar and supports only one axle. The primary function is controlling the lateral dynamics of the vehicle by adjusting the roll moment distribution to the actual driving condition. According to the individual requirement, the car operates in different modes from very agile to stable.

Expanding the ADC1 system with an additional actuator on the second axle attached to the same hydraulic circuit creates the TRW Active Roll Control (ARC) system. ARC's function is mainly body roll compensation with no controlled effect on the lateral dynamics of the vehicle, ARC is primarily targeted for large sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and light trucks with a naturally high roll rate.

Phil Cunningham, product development director for TRW's chassis systems portfolio, concludes: "By drawing from the breadth of our experience in braking, steering and suspension and developing proven technologies for application in ADC2, we have developed a simple, yet highly effective new technology. Having secured three contracts and being in advanced discussions with a number of other vehicle manufacturers, it's clear that we've developed ground breaking technology."

About TRW

With 2004 sales of $12.0 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's top 10 automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries, employs approximately 60,000 people in 24 countries. TRW Automotive products include integrated vehicle control and driver assist systems, braking systems, steering systems, suspension systems, occupant safety systems (seat belts and airbags), electronics, engine components, fastening systems and aftermarket replacement parts and services. All references to "TRW Automotive," "TRW" or the "Company" in this press release refer to TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated. TRW Automotive news is available on the internet at www.trwauto.com/ .

CONTACT: Manley Ford of TRW Automotive, +1-734-266-2616, John Wilkerson of TRW Automotive/North America, +1-734-266-3864, or Clare Venn of TRW Automotive/Europe/Asia, + 44.121.506.5315

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