TRW Rain Sensor Allows Drivers to 'Set and Forget' the Wipers
2 March 2000
TRW Rain Sensor Allows Drivers to 'Set and Forget' the Wipers; Advanced Design is Smaller, Lower Cost, More Robust, and Easier to Assemble
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich.--March 1, 2000-- Wouldn't it be great if you could turn on your windshield wiper switch and never have to touch it again -- no matter what Mother Nature threw at you or what speed you were driving? With TRW's rain sensor, you can "set it and forget it."TRW's rain sensor is a fully automatic moisture-activated system that detects how hard the rain or snow is falling and determines how fast to run the wiper motor.
"Our rain sensor technology automatically provides drivers with added safety, convenience, and comfort in various weather conditions, such as drizzling rain, a downpour, freezing rain, snow, and ice," said Heinz Pfannschmidt, executive vice president and general manager, TRW Automotive Electronics. "Our newest rain sensor design provides significant advantages to automakers and completely 'wipes away' everyone else's product. It is lower in cost, more robust, and about 90 percent faster to install at the vehicle manufacturing plant than previous versions."
TRW will showcase its broad product line of rain sensor products, including a multiple-function light and rain sensor design, and a host of other automotive electronics, at the SAE 2000 World Congress in Detroit March 6 - 9.
TRW -- which was the first company to launch a viable rain sensor in North America -- has five contracts worldwide for the wiper system. The unit is already in volume production on luxury and family vehicles for customers in the United States and Asia. The company will be launching a new rain sensor system this year for mid-range vehicles and minivans.
Pfannschmidt said automakers also benefit since TRW's sensor easily interfaces with every wiper system on the market. It is the only sensor in production today that works on the wide variety of glass surfaces used in windshields (solar reflective, solar absorbing, and heads-up display windshields). Because of its numerous mounting options, it also allows the most flexible vehicle styling. The rain sensor can be integrated into current technologies that address various driver preferences, such as memory for seats, mirrors, and radio stations.
Advanced Technologies Provide Clear Advantage
TRW's rain sensor, which is the brains of the wiper system, uses an advanced optical sensing system, analog signal processing, and a control algorithm. When the system experiences an interruption to its infrared signal, such as moisture striking the windshield, the advanced analog processing detects the occurrence of a true rain event -- rather than stray signals, such as sunlight -- and activates the wiper motor at the appropriate speed.
The system is fully adjustable, allowing drivers to select up to seven sensitivity levels. The driver also can override the system and take manual control of the wipers -- a useful feature when entering a car wash, for example.
TRW's optical sensing system uses infrared emitters and detectors arranged in a four-emitter-by-two-detector array. This configuration creates a large target area that estimates true rain intensity while minimizing the number of components. Since black lens materials are used -- made possible by utilizing infrared technology -- the TRW rain sensor appears less obtrusive from outside the vehicle.
In addition, the TRW sensor can adapt to changes in the glass surface, due to aging or the application of waxes or other coating materials.
TRW Automotive Electronics, a business unit of TRW Inc., is a leading producer of safety and security systems, body control systems, chassis and powertrain controls, engineered fasteners, and sensors and components for the global automotive market and of sensors and components for industrial applications.
With 200 automotive locations in 25 countries, TRW Inc. is among the world's largest OEM suppliers. The company is a leading producer of steering and suspension systems; braking systems; occupant restraint systems, including air bags, seat belts, and steering wheels; electronic safety and security systems; engineered fastening systems; engine components; commercial steering systems; and aftermarket replacement parts for the global automotive industry. In 1999, TRW's automotive businesses recorded sales of more than $11 billion, approximately two-thirds of the company's total $17 billion in sales.
Based in Cleveland, Ohio, TRW also provides advanced-technology products and services for the aerospace and information technology markets worldwide. For more information about TRW, including its news releases, visit the company's Web site at www.trw.com.
