TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. is rolling out an integrated Electric Park Brake (EPBi) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system for vehicle manufacturers in Europe and Asia Pacific in 2014, adding availability for North American light vehicle makers at a later date.
The integration of the two technologies eliminates the need for a separate electronic control unit in the system network, as the EPB control functions are performed within the upgraded ESC electro-hydraulic control unit, noted Josef Pickenhahn, TRW’s VP-engineering for braking systems.
"We can realize significant benefits when integrating the two technologies: reducing system complexity, weight and installation effort, in addition to offering vehicle manufacturers a potential cost reduction resulting from the elimination of the ECU [electronic control unit],” he said.
Pickenhahn added that the EPBi package includes additional functions such as drive away assist, automatic hill hold and electronically controlled deceleration – features which are not available with conventional mechanical park brake systems – and that the system will launch on C, D, E and MPV vehicle segments in Europe and in China in 2014.
