PR96174

GRAND BLANC, Mich., May 24, 2022 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

-Flexible, Cost-Efficient Software Functions Enhance Safety Redundancies for

EPS & SbW Systems

Further leveraging technology building blocks from its parent companies,

Nexteer Automotive and Continental Automotive, CNXMotion expands its

Brake-to-Steer (BtS) technology with two new software functions that provide

backup safety layers for all variants of Electric Power Steering (EPS) and

Steer-by-Wire (SbW) systems and across all SAE levels of driving automation

(levels 1 – 5).

CNXMotion's BtS technology portfolio includes:

-Driver Effort Support: SAE Levels 1-3 – NEW

-Steer-by-Wire Support: SAE Levels 1-5 – NEW

-Automated Driving Support: SAE Levels 4-5 (launched in 2020)

"These new Brake-to-Steer software functions further enable safety redundancies

across all electric power steering applications and SAE driving levels without

the cost and complexity of additional hardware," said Greg Katch, General

Manager, CNXMotion. "Our advanced Brake-to-Steer technology can help ensure the

safety net is always on through driver effort support and steer-by-wire

support, as well as automated driving support."

Brake-to-Steer Driver Effort Support

EPS systems are designed with multiple protective layers to ensure the steering

safety net is always on. When paired with a traditional EPS system, BtS Driver

Effort Support adds another safety layer and can provide up to an additional

25% reduction in torque. While steering traditionally manages the lateral

control of a vehicle, BtS enables the braking and powertrain systems to

contribute to lateral control to reduce steering efforts when necessary.

Brake-to-Steer Steer-by-Wire Support

SbW replaces the mechanical steering connection between the hand wheel and road

wheels with algorithms, electronics and actuators. In this type of steering

system, the BtS SbW Support function adds another safety layer by translating

the driver's steering inputs into brake system control of the vehicle's lateral

motion.

Brake-to-Steer Automated Driving Support  

Launched in 2020 (

https://www.nexteer.com/release/nexteer-and-continental-joint-venture-cnxmotion-develops-brake-to-steer-technology/),

CNXMotion's original BtS function pioneered the use of electronic braking as an

additional layer of steering control for traditional, highly automated and

autonomous vehicles (SAE Levels 4–5). This BtS function earned an Automotive

News PACEpilot Innovation to Watch in 2021.

"Brake-to-Steer's expanded software functions highlight how collaboration

through our CNXMotion joint venture with Continental leads to innovation in

motion control solutions and further enhances the steering safety net for all

assisted and automated driving levels," said Robin Milavec, President, Chief

Technology Officer (CTO), Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) and Executive Board

Director, Nexteer Automotive. "When combined with Nexteer's industry-leading,

advanced steering systems like Steer-by-Wire or High Availability EPS,

Brake-to-Steer provides OEMs with a cost-efficient, flexible way to add yet

another layer of safety and redundancy."

Brake-to-Steer Benefits for Drivers & OEMs:

Value: Leverages the vehicle's existing steering, braking and powertrain

systems. The portable software functions can reside on an existing controller –

eliminating the cost of any additional hardware.

Flexibility: Provides an additional layer of vehicle safety and redundancy on

all vehicles with EPS and SbW. The three BtS software functions cover all types

of vehicles with or without a driver.

Safety: Enhances safety through an additional layer of steering redundancy.

"As the industry progresses toward highly automated and autonomous vehicles,

Brake-to-Steer's advanced functions allow for critical safety features across

all levels, enabling increased safety for all road users," said Lutz Kuehnke,

Head of Safety and Motion Business Area, Continental Automotive, North

America.  "CNXMotion's Brake-to-steer technology offers a flexible and

cost-effective way to achieve and to prioritize safety needs by leveraging

existing systems in the vehicle, e.g. Continental's 1-box brake controls unit

MKC1, and eliminating the need for additional components.

ABOUT CNXMOTION

CNXMotion was established as a joint venture between Continental and Nexteer

Automotive in 2017 to innovate motion control solutions for advanced

applications and accelerate R&D activities for the parent companies. CNXMotion

employs about 30 people in its state-of-the-art facility located in Grand

Blanc, Michigan.

CNXMotion focuses on R&D activities, including rapid evaluation, design and

prototyping. Capitalizing on Continental and Nexteer's history of innovation

and leadership in advanced braking and steering respectively, the joint venture

combines global resources and expertise to deliver advanced motion control

systems solutions for the challenges in a quickly evolving mobility landscape.

www.cnxmotion.com　

ABOUT CONTINENTAL

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and

connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology

company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for

vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2021, Continental generated

sales of €33.8 billion and currently employs more than 190,000 people in 58

countries and markets. On October 8, 2021, the company celebrated its 150th

anniversary. www.continental.com　

ABOUT NEXTEER

Nexteer Automotive (HK 1316) is the global leading motion control technology

company accelerating mobility to be safe, green and exciting. Our innovative

product and technology portfolio includes electric and hydraulic power steering

systems, steer-by-wire systems, steering columns and intermediate shafts,

driveline systems, eDrive and software solutions. The company solves motion

control challenges across all megatrends – including electrification,

software/connectivity, ADAS/automated driving and shared mobility – for more

than 60 customers around the world including BMW, Ford, GM, RNM, Stellantis,

Toyota and VW, as well as automakers in India and China. www.nexteer.com

Link to Brake-to-Steer Media Kit

(https://nexteer.canto.com/v/HHIRQT4PC7/album/U0O0V?viewIndex=0)

Source: Nexteer