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Anti-collision tailgate |
01/01/2008
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| The latest tailgate and trunk lid opening/closing system from Hoerbiger Automotive Komfortsysteme includes a programmable stop function which prevents interference or collisions with roof-mounted ski boxes or garage doors. The hydraulic systems have a high force density and are low weight. |
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Motorised tailgates use combined materials |
01/11/2007
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| In pursuing its modular strategy, Plastic Omnium Auto Exterior has developed new solutions in three fields – motorised rear access doors, vehicle front ends and bumpers. |
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Exterior airbags prevent T-bone intrusion too |
01/11/2007
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| The concept of exterior airbags still appears to have some support, at least among developers of SUVs, writes Roger Bishop. The latest developments are aimed not only at reducing injuries to pedestrians but also at limiting side impact intrusion when an SUV is involved in accidents with passenger
... Read more |
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Power sliding doors ready for small cars |
01/10/2007
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| Dura has developed the second generation of its innovative power sliding front and rear doors and has shown the technology on a new small four-door car at IAA, Frankfurt. |
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Harnesses integrated with crashpads |
01/09/2007
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| Rigid foam crashpads are fitted in areas that pose the greatest danger in accidents – for example, side impact protection in doors, direct impact areas for the head, in the A-pillar or headliner and front impact areas of the passenger compartment. Polyurethane foam is also used in cable sets to
... Read more |
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Novel design reduces door latch effort by 50 times |
01/09/2007
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| Pure electrical door latches without any mechanical connections to the handles are the ultimate solution to operating effort, styling and packing, writes Roger Bishop. However, because they also require mechanical links or back-up power in the event of power failure caused by a crash or battery
... Read more |
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Camera-controlled LED arrays pinpoint danger |
01/05/2007
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| Infra-red night vision systems could be revolutionised by an LED headlight technology that illuminates dangers ahead with a narrow-beam spotlight, writes Roger Bishop. It provides a far more natural warning than head-up displays or LCD screens that require a driver to look away from the road. |
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Basecoats now include primer functions |
01/04/2007
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| BASF Coatings claims a world first for its latest technology which involves specially formulated OEM basecoats that combine all the functions of the primer, such as stone chip protection and ultraviolet protection. |
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LEDs designed for dualcurrent lighting |
01/03/2007
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| New LEDs have been specifically designed, qualified and tested for use in automotive dual drive-current applications, such as rear combination lamps, providing both stop light and tail light functionality. |
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New surface process for Al trim parts |
01/10/2006
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| A special anodising process for aluminium trim parts is said to improve their resistance to highly alkaline cleaning agents and other chemicals as well as heat, cold, snow, rain and salt. |
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Schefenacker ‘flat out’ in race for LED |
01/09/2006
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| Schefenacker, a European leader in the manufacture of LED tail lamps and signal lamps, says it is now “working flat out” to develop LED technologies for headlamps. And the company reports promising developments, some of which are being road tested. |
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30deg view angle LEDs aimed at cars |
01/02/2006
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| Agilent Technologies has introduced high-brightness red, red-orange, orange, amber, green and blue LEDs in the industry-standard Power PLCC-4 surface-mount form factor, which incorporate integral lenses to produce a 30deg viewing angle. Target applications for the Agilent HSMx-A43xx series include
... Read more |
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‘Light curtain’ adds concepts |
01/02/2006
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| A ‘light curtain’ using LED technology could spawn new concepts in highly distinctive combination rear lamps.
Light from concealed LEDs radiates sideways into a flat, light-guiding plastic plate and is distributed evenly on the inside of the plate by reflection. There are light-scattering
... Read more |
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Optical filters make IR night vision safe |
01/02/2006
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| Infrared based night vision systems are likely to see rapid growth now that the technology has been tested and applied in a few high end vehicles. While the basic technology is now well understood, there are many less well-know technical issues that have to be resolved when designing a new system. |
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Smart swivelling mirror eliminates blind spot on artics |
01/04/2005
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| An intelligent mirror incorporating a CMOS camera with embedded imaging software eliminates the blind spot on articulated lorries, writes Roger Bishop. Fitted to the side of the vehicle opposite the driving position, it provides a clear view of the space on the side of the truck that is normally
... Read more |
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Sunshine heals clearcoat scratches |
01/04/2005
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| Researchers at Bayer MaterialScience have developed an automotive coating that uses the warmth of the summer sun to heal the fine abrasions and scratches that result from hand or car wash cleaning, writes Roger Bishop. They simply disappear, according to a recent technical note. |
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LED technology marches on |
01/03/2005
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| With more and more car-makers turning to light emitting diodes (LEDs) for exterior lighting applications, the market is getting keener, and the technology more robust. |
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A paradigm shift? |
01/01/2005
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| If Michelin’s radical Tweel ever reaches the production road vehicle, then it will be in the distant future — certainly not for at least 15 years. But in reality that’s only three car ‘generations’ away and well within the period covered by the industry’s most forward-thinking designers and
... Read more |
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Primer seals keep logos bright and clear |
01/11/2004
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| A new proprietary process is said to be able to produce automotive badges with perfect, inclusion-free surfaces and exceptional resistance to salt corrosion and UV yellowing. |
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