Systems expertise down to the last detail

2016-01-11 | 000-006-538 DE-EN

SCHAEFFLER AG, DETROIT

Mobility for Tomorrow: Schaeffler at the North American International Auto Show 2016

Systems expertise down to the last detail

The future of the automobile will be determined by increases in efficiency and progressive electrification of the drivetrain, as well as changing patterns of mobility and continuous digitalization. This paradigm shift in automotive engineering is increasing both the complexity and demands of a holistic, systemic way of thinking. As an internationally renowned supplier and development partner, Schaeffler understands these global challenges and is presenting products and solutions for Mobility for Tomorrow at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

Schaefflers systems expertise is based on a comprehensive product portfolio that comprises precision components and systems for engine, transmission, chassis and electric mobility applications. The main focus is, as ever, the increasing worldwide demand for reductions in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, whilst not losing sight of the diverse global demands for customized drive solutions. To help meet these challenges the company is increasing its research and development capacity. The R&D team in North America will expand by approximately 80 employees to 680.

The highlight at Schaeffler's NAIAS exhibit is the glass car, a scale model packed full of around 40 Schaeffler products and technological developments. The model is brought to life by a movable screen which acts as an x-ray scanner and explains all the drivetrain components throughout the vehicle.

On the road to optimum total system solutions

Transmissions will have an important part to play in the future of the engine and the overall efficiency of the drivetrain. Continuous increases in efficiency and high levels of electrification will define the technological path of the drive architecture. A key to success is the interdisciplinary developmental work at Schaeffler, where expertise from different specialist areas is brought together. The internal combustion engine, the electrical components and the transmission are considered as a single item in order to develop solutions together. This is one of Schaefflers major strengths on the road to optimum total system solutions for the automotive industry.

Optimizing the internal combustion engine is a particular point of focus. A key element here is the thermal management module. It controls the temperature balance and allows the ideal temperature window for the engine and the transmission to be reached rapidly. This innovative and individually adaptable module is key to reducing both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and will be an important topic for the North American market in the coming years. Another approach is replacing hydraulic systems with electromechanical systems. Schaefflers electromechanical camshaft phasing units adjust valve drives more quickly and accurately to the engines current operating conditions. This innovative technology reduces consumption and emissions, and increases comfort during start-stop operation. The fully variable electrohydraulic valve train system UniAir from Schaeffler selectively controls the intake valves on each cylinder as required. This system has already achieved sales of over one million units in the United States and over two million will be sold globally in 2016.

Schaefflers modern transmission technologies have a decisive role to play on the road to optimum total systems solutions. One thing is obvious - transmissions are key in reducing consumption and emissions. Modern transmissions allow an engines operation to be maintained at an optimum point by means of an increasing number of up to 10 gears. Innovative damping concepts reduce vibrations and lower speeds to a point of optimum consumption. A number of new transmissions have been developed in recent years and brought into volume production. Through its innovative components and systems, Schaeffler is pushing forward the development of all designs and concepts towards more driving comfort, lower consumption and more space.

Solutions for electrification of the drivetrain

An increase in the number of hybrid and electric vehicles on the road is absolutely essential if stated emissions targets are to be achieved. The need for drivetrain electrification solutions will also increase in North America. Schaeffler offers a range of products and technologies for every aspect of efficient electrification of the drivetrain. Schaeffler, with its expertise and experience in electric mobility and a correspondingly broad product portfolio, is the perfect partner for these future challenges. From hybrid modules and the electric axle through to wheel hub drives, Schaeffler's products can be integrated into hybrid or fully electric vehicles.

Schaefflers 48-volt hybrid module provides the step up to hybridization, offering financially attractive potential in CO2 reductions. Schaefflers P2 high-voltage hybrid module provides a drivetrain electrification solution that can be matched to a large number of drive concepts on a modular basis. With its high versatility and wide torque range, the P2 hybrid module can be used in both medium and high performance transmission concepts, and can make a considerable contribution to reductions in consumption and emissions in fleet vehicles. Schaeffler has developed a variation of the P2 hybrid module for the North American market with an integrated torque converter. The mobility supplier is combining its expertise in the fields of torque converters and hybrid modules. The two-speed E-axle combines a completely electric drive with the option of wheel-selective drive power control. A single-speed variant is also possible due to Schaefflers modular design. It's compact design frees up important space for other hyb

LINK:	http://www.ina.de/content.ina.de/en/press/press-releases/press-details...
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