TRW Automotive, a US-based global automotive supplier, is set to introduce a new vacuum sensor for brake actuation systems. The sensor has a flexible configuration and is designed to measure the level of vacuum in brake boosters.
TRW vacuum sensor
The company developed the sensor by leveraging the knowledge gained from developing satellite pressure sensors.
TRW’s brake actuation systems comprise of a master cylinder and a brake booster. They are normally used with internal combustion engines, which have the capacity to generate sufficient vacuum. The vacuum generated can be used to increase the force of the brake and the pressure of the brake fluid in order to actuate the brakes.
Current generation of vehicle trains employ diesel, direct injection, full or hybrid electric power that generate vacuum much lower than internal combustion engines. Hence, an electric vacuum pump is used to sustain vacuum amplification or offer sufficient levels of power to halt the vehicle in case of vacuum depletion. TRW's vacuum sensor transfers the data on the amount of vacuum available to the controller, which in turn ensures that sufficient brake boost is delivered for efficient brake action.
A new application of the company’s vacuum sensor is anticipated to hit the markets in 2013.