LIVONIA, Mich. — TRW Automotive has announced the launch of its LCCI (Low Cost Clamp-In) sensor for Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) applications in 2011 model year vehicles.
The new design, which TRW says results in significantly lowered costs for the system, features a valve that screws directly into the housing, allowing for a single housing with multiple valve design capability. This results in fewer parts and higher reliability than using a screw and nut, according to the company.
The new design also features laser welding of the cover to the housing, a compliant pin battery and valve connection, and a heat-resistant, long-life battery capable of operating within a range of -40 to 120 degrees Celsius.
"This new, low-cost sensor design is a first step in our roadmap to fundamentally lower the cost of TPMS, which is good news for a technology with recognized value being mandated in North America and soon in Europe and South Korea. These systems must first and foremost have robust performance across a range of challenging operating conditions, but must also be affordable for vehicle manufacturers and their customers," said Martin Thoone, vice president, global electronics engineering for TRW.
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