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[edit] Torque - EPAS

• An electrical power assisted steering (EPAS) vehicle only draws power from the battery when manoeuvring at low speed, improving fuel consumption by 2 to 5%
• Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) is set to overtake conventional hydraulic power steering.
• Transense's torque sensors for EPAS provide improved driver steering feel, a more robust design and lower manufacturing cost.
  • Power economy – switches on only when required
  • Fuel economy
  • Better acceleration
  • Lighter – has fewer components. 3-5kg lighter

• • The use of a hydraulic pump that must run at a minimum of 3-4 bar all the time. This is a continual parasitic power loss that results in reduced fuel economy and reduced acceleration

[edit] Torque - EPAS

• Other market approaches are potentiometers (currently being produce by TT Electronics – note that TT Electronic is a licensee), optical sensors (TRW already has a product to market) and also magnetic sensors. As a consequence of the increased competition in this market the group’s likely penetration into this market will be less than that for TPMS

[edit] Torque - Drivetrain

• Current vehicle engines are managed by a control unit (ecu) which cannot adjust for manufacturing tolerances or in-service wear.
• By directly sensing torque in the driveline, it is possible to optimally control the engine and automatic transmission generating significant fuel savings and improvements in vehicle drive smoothness.
• The measurement of torque is of critical importance in the control of power supplied to wheels. Historically it has been difficult to determine how much torque is distributed throughout the driveline. This is an even more critical and more difficult feature with off road vehicles as power is divided between the front and rear axles according to terrain
• The power-assisted market will experience considerable enlargement. It is anticipated that by 2002 about 90% of all automatic braking systems (ABS) will include traction control. While other products already exist to give traction control Transense has been approached by several OEMs and tier one suppliers with a view to developing SAW sensors for new vehicle stability systems

• To put Transense technologies contribution into context: tyre pressure maintenance, EPAS and driveline efficiency gains could provide cumulative fuel consumption benefits up to 10%