Top products of the year
December 2002
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Suspension analyzer
The Suspension Analyzer v1.1 from Performance Trends simulates a complete double A-arm (wishbone) suspension, including bump steer, anti-dive, tire scrub, camber gain, and roll center location and movement. A detailed determination of wheel rate and roll stiffness is provided. User-designed reports and graphs can be built for most calculated results at various levels of dive, roll, and steer.
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Airflow visualization
The FlowMarker portable fogger for airflow visualization was developed by Cambridge AccuSense to enhance and facilitate the analysis and measurement of airflow in indoor environments such as wind tunnels. The instrument does not cause air to rise, allowing for visualization of the air's natural movements without adding any disturbances. According to its developers, the fogger emits an environmentally safe fog that breaks down into carbon dioxide and water.
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Quiet brake pads
Wagner ThermoQuiet brake pads from Federal-Mogul Corp. combine quiet operation, enhanced stopping power, and good durability. The technology features a one-piece design combining a sound insulator, application-specific friction material, and a backing plate for high strength, ease of installation, and dissipation of heat and noise.
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ABS sensor
A contactless ring sensor for antilock brake systems from AB Elektronik can detect wheel movement at speeds as low as 2 km/h (1.25 mph). The two-part system consists of a stationary ring sensor and a multi-pole wheel mounted on the wheel hub. As the multi-pole wheel rotates along with the automobile's wheel, its position and speed are detected by the second half of the system, the ring sensor. The sensor is mounted on the wheel bearing bolt and features six serially mounted, current-fed, variable-reluctance coils. It provides an electronic input signal to the ABS electronic control unit via a two-pin connector. The system is suitable for operation from -40 to +150°C (-40 to +302°F), with peak temperatures up to +170°C (+338°F) allowable for up to 10 min.
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Telemetric steering wheels
Two new telemetric-instrumented steering wheels from RS Technologies and Caesar Data Systems are self-contained and portable for real-time mobile vehicle testing applications. The Model C1 steering wheel measures and transmits data on torque, absolute angle, and angular rate of change; Model C2 adds the ability to measure and report triaxial acceleration (vibration) and angular acceleration of the steering wheel. Powered by an internal rechargeable battery pack, both models are mounted to the steering shaft with a cylindrical adapter and, according to the companies, can be installed in less than 90 min. Their noncontact telemetry link to the portable data processor/display unit eliminates frictional losses and data-transmission cables connected to the steering wheel. Data is displayed on a 3.5 digit LED panel on the compact receiver/control and can be recorded for later analysis.
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High-beam bulbs
The HB3-XW xenon white bulb from Harison Toshiba Lighting has an infrared-reflective coating to provide a high-beam light that is suitable for low-beam HID lighting systems. The bulb's shape and coating reflect yellow and red light back into the bulb while radiating outward a bright blue/white light. It delivers 1750 lumens at a maximum of 69 W with a life rating of 500 h.
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Rotational speed sensors
Philips Semiconductors' KMI20 noncontact, rotational speed measurement sensors increase air gap by over 50%, which is the highest value for automotive sensors that do not use rare earth magnets, according to the company. Other features include offset cancellation, automatic gain control, and insensitivity to vibrations. The sensors are designed for anti-lock braking systems and other applications.
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Porosity sealant
Loctite Corp.'s Resinol 88C is a low-viscosity liquid resin formulated for sealing porosity in metal castings against leakage of air, water, coolants, oils, and other fluids. It is 50% less viscous than typical sealants. The material is suitable for use on automotive transmission cases, intake manifolds, compressor housings, and fluid-handling systems.
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Pedal sensor
Designed to fit a variety of pedals with an adjustable vise clamp for mounting of sensor, Lebow Products' Model 3663-111-300 Pedal Effort Sensor is suitable for testing automobile and truck pedals. Standard output is 2.0 mV/V ±0.25%. Nonlinearity specification is ±0.25% of rated output while the hysteresis and repeatability specification is ±0.10% of rated output. The sensors have a nominal bridge resistance of 350 ohms and can be powered by up to 20 V ac or dc. Safe overload range is 150% of rated capacity.
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Position sensors
BI Technologies' Dual Triangle Wave sensor applies accurate position feedback for steering control as well as a range of computerized vehicle control systems, including antilock braking controls and active suspension components. The combination position/torque sensor module gives all-electric power steering systems the ability to operate on-demand instead of continuously drawing power from the engine through drive belts.
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