Above: Smart products continue to be part of Timken's growing product offering. The king pin sensor (above) increases vehicle safety. The Timken Multiplying Encoder Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) is used in a number of sensored products. |
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Dr. Mircea Gradu, chief engineer – axle centers and active differential inventor, Timken Automotive Group |
The core of what drives technology at Timken is improving the performance of our customers’ products, combining know-how through technical partnerships and extending our line of “smart” products. In the automotive industry, safety and performance are key. Timken is working with North American and European automakers to improve the safety of SUVs by creating the active differential prototype, which also has a positive impact on vehicle performance.
The active differential enables the wheels of the vehicle to receive optimum torque for traction and handling. The vehicle becomes easier to steer and is less likely to lose control at high speeds or in hazardous weather. The device consists of a unique assembly of planetary gear sets, magnetic particle clutches and complementary software. This program will leverage the planetary gear design technology used in Torrington products to increase opportunities for the new differential.
Creating smart products that use sensors to improve performance is one way Timken differentiates itself from competitors. The Timken Multiplying Encoder Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) is used to sense speed, direction, position and temperature. The innovative ASIC technology is used in a range of Timken industrial sensor products and its use will grow as it is incorporated into new technology for electric power steering.
Another smart product is the king pin sensor. Designed to increase safety, control, efficiency and power on construction and agricultural vehicles, this sensor is proving its reliability and performance.
In 2003, Timken expanded its sensor technology for rail bearings. We began field testing the Guardian™ bearing – a new wireless, self-powered sensing system that transmits speed, temperature and vibration data to a receiver on the train or to off-site computers. The rail business also is testing a bearing, equipped with a rotor and stator, enabling the bearing to generate electricity as it rotates. The added power can be used to charge the batteries of railcar tracking devices. The Federal Railroad Association is currently testing both the Guardian bearing and Generator bearing in a demonstration project.
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Left: Timken entered new territory in 2002, when it began a technical partnership with Sumitomo Metals Kokura of Japan to make a proprietary grade of steel in the U.S. to replace leaded steels. In 2004, we will begin to see results, as this steel will be included in vehicles made by a Japanese automaker. Our expanded materials science base will give us a competitive advantage as more Japanese customers shift production to the U.S. |
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