ZF TRW, the active and passive safety division of ZF Friedrichshafen AG, is to start production of an innovative heated steering wheel technology in 2017 with a major European automaker. But what exactly is a Conductor Insert Heating System (CIHS)?
CIHS is essentially a better way of manufacturing heated steering wheels that also results in a better final product. By placing the heating wire directly on the steering wheel surface, you eliminate the heat induction carrier material, saving weight, and the steering wheel also warms more swiftly. Independent testing has confirmed that heating performance is up to 45 percent better.
Development of CIHS involved the design and industrialization of several proprietary tools, and by simplifying the manufacturing process and using state-of-the-art, fully automatic multi-move robot machinery, product quality is improved:
Finite element simulation allows engineers to verify the heating performance of a design prior to any physical testing
A cutting and wire laying tool inserts the conductor into the steering wheel’s rim in one step
A fully automatic harness feeding and connection system ensures a high-quality electric connection
A fully automatic end of line tester
CIHS also makes it simpler to integrate other steering wheel functions. ZF TRW says the design can also be combined with ‘Hands On Detection’ (HOD) to enhance safety and comfort, and support the development of automated driving.
“As the vehicle’s primary Human Machine Interface, the steering wheel plays a critical role in driver comfort and control,” says Guido Hirzmann, group leader, New Technology for steering wheels at ZF TRW. “Automated driving and the increased demand for driver assistance systems are changing the way we drive and are playing a significant role in making our roads safer.” Even in an age of hands-free driving, steering wheels will remain a key safety feature.
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