TRW's Integrated Pyrotechnic Fuse Box Reduces Risk Of Vehicle Fires
24 February 1999
TRW's Integrated Pyrotechnic Fuse Box Reduces Risk Of Vehicle Fires, Related Injuries and Decreases Overall CostsDETROIT, Feb. 23 -- To reduce the risk of electrical fires and related occupant injuries that may result from a vehicle crash, TRW has developed an integrated pyrotechnic fuse box, which it will unveil here next week at the 1999 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International Congress & Exposition at Cobo Center. TRW's pyrotechnic fuse box -- which is available as an integrated design or as an add-on component to an existing fuse box -- works in conjunction with the vehicle's crash-sensing module to provide a quick, controlled disconnection of electrical power when a crash occurs. Here's how it works: In a crash, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) sends a signal that causes propellant in the pyrotechnic fuse box to expand. In less than one millisecond, this expansion forces a sharped-edge piston to cut select high-current connections, such as the fuel pump, starter, alternator, cooling system fan and various power sources. The unit still allows for a failsafe emergency power circuit for safety-related features, such as the air bag control unit, cellular phone and hazard lights. "By utilizing the same proven pyrotechnic technology used in safety systems, TRW's pyrotechnic fuse box provides an electrical disconnect in three-tenths of a millisecond, versus about one second with conventional systems," said Dana Stonerook, vice president of customer development, TRW Automotive Electronics. "This quicker response can prevent problems, such as vehicle fires and related injuries, as well as decrease costs associated with an accident." Building upon its expertise in vehicle safety and electronics -- which includes air bags, inflators, seat belt systems and ECUs -- TRW developed the pyrotechnic fuse box in less than two years. According to Stonerook, TRW's integrated pyrotechnic fuse box design offers considerable assembly savings for automakers, since the modular unit -- which has only one part number -- requires automakers to simply attach the system. In 2001, TRW will begin production of a fully integrated pyrotechnic fuse box for a major European automaker's 2002 model-year vehicle. The company also is in discussions with other automakers worldwide. TRW's Automotive Electronics business is a leading producer of electronic safety, security and convenience systems for the global automotive market. Its major product lines include air bag crash sensors, smart restraint electronics, remote keyless entry systems, switch and control systems, advanced theft-deterrent and security systems, driver information systems, body controllers, tire monitoring systems and electrically assisted steering control units. TRW Inc. is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, and has sales of nearly $12 billion. The company is one of the largest independent automotive suppliers in the world with more than $7 billion in worldwide automotive sales in 1998. TRW also provides advanced technology products and services for the space, defense and information systems markets worldwide.