U.S. Carmakers Adopt TRW Electric Park Brake

TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. says three major North America-based carmakers are adopting the company's fifth-generation electric park brake system. The first of the EPB applications is due next year.

Such systems are already in widespread use in Europe. The technology eliminates the need for a handbrake lever, mechanical cable and separate park brake drums. TRW says switching to an EPB system can eliminate as much as 16 lbs from a large SUV or pickup truck.

TRW points out that its EPB unit also can do much more than simply hold a vehicle in a stopped position. For example, it could provide four-wheel antilock capability if the normal pedal-actuated brake fails. The system also can include a "traffic jam" feature that holds a vehicle stationary without the need to continually press the brake pedal. And it could be used to prevent accidental rollaways by applying the brakes when the driver opens the door.

TRW says the key to these capabilities is a fifth-generation electronic control unit. The device features a dual microcontroller architecture and application-specific integrated circuit that can include built-in longitudinal, lateral and yaw rate sensors. As much as 1MB of additional memory can be added to the stand-alone system. Control of the EPB also can be integrated into the vehicle's slip control system including one from another manufacturer.

TRW predicts that EPB-equipped vehicles in North America will reach about 10% of sales by 2015.