TRW launches low-cost tyre pressure sensor

ERJ staff report (DS)

Livonia, Michigan -- TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. is launching its LCCI (Low Cost Clamp-In) sensor for Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) applications in 2011 model year vehicles. The company said its new design significantly reduces system costs.

The new design 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. 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 recognised 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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Press release from TRW