PRECISION DRIVING
Automotive technology soars despite recession
The wheels of automotive technology are turning faster than ever, even amidst automakers’ trying times. Vehicle manufacturers are adjusting to a lower level of light vehicle sales in the United States: a total of barely 10 million for 2009, which is a significant decline compared to 14 million in 2008 and 17 million in 2007.
With the 2010 forecast reflecting the new norm of around 10.5 million units to be sold in the U.S., carmakers have effected major modifications to their product lines, manufacturing facilities and distribution channels. And at least one thing is certain: those product line changes will include generous applications of new technology.
If a wave of patent applications is an indicator, the automakers’ collective scramble to innovate new and improved products is in full swing. Compared to 2003, patent requests have increased markedly in all automotive categories, and more than doubled in some.
Leading the way for increased auto-related patent applications are those pertaining to alternative power. According to an “Automotive News” report, last year saw 15,077 patents for non-gasoline power plants compared to only 6,847 for 2003. It’s more than likely that the futures of electric, natural gas, clean burning diesel and even hydrogen powered cars are not distant realities.
Patents sought for ideas that improve gasoline-fueled engine efficiency are on a steady upswing too. Fuel-saving cylinder deactivation, direct fuel injection and efficient air conditioning systems are examples of popular patent activity.
Beyond propulsion methods, just about every other vehicle system is represented on this technological fast track. Cars have changed more in the last twenty years than in the first one hundred years of manufacture; the next decade will exhibit an even greater pace.
Last year, research in vehicle navigation systems, security systems and safety systems all generated patent applications at a pace greater than the five-year-old rate. Navigation systems, once only available on luxury brands and from the aftermarket, are appearing ever more commonly. Based on popularity, they may soon become standard equipment.
Adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, collision warning, stability control, rollover control and traction control are all within the safety systems category. Mixing radar scanning with systems such as engine power management and anti-lock brakes leave creative computer programmers virtually no limits in safety advancements.
Applications for patents involving traditional safety systems have decidedly outpaced the levels seen five years ago as well. Steering, brakes, air bags, seats and seatbelts are all evidently under scrutiny for improvement according to new patent inquiries.
Every conceivable auto part is subject to improvement. Patent requests have not quite doubled, but are markedly higher lately for vehicle entertainment systems, transmissions, tires and suspensions. Many of the patent applications for car and truck tires pertain not only to safety, but fuel savings.
Patents lead to product, and previous patents have led to products that are finalists for this year’s PACE awards. PACE stands for Premier Automotive Suppliers’ Contribution to Excellence. Products under consideration are: Electronically Scanning radar, by Delphi; Super High Power Electrocoat (paint), by PPG Industries; Long Range Radar, by Robert Bosch LLC; Adaptive Driving Beam, by Valeo Lighting Systems; and High Precision Electro-Erosion Machining, by Federal-Mogul Corporation.
Blending new and existing technology will produce beneficial features for consumers. For example, software upgrades, applied to back-up cameras, navigation systems, and engine/brake management, can create an automatic parking feature when grouped with newer features like radar and electric steering controls.
The hardware is already in place via antilock brake, traction control and object- proximity features; by adding a steering fix and some innovative software, a car can be made to drive along a row of vehicles, identify a space that it will fit in and parallel park itself! Do you suppose that novice drivers could use that feature during a license exam?
Automotive innovation covers the gamut from efficiency to safety to comfort, involving vehicle basics to complex systems. Patents can regularly take four to five years to grant, so based on current evidence, we’ll see plenty of product change over the next few years.
Readers may write to Bill Love, c/o The Spokesman-Review Auto Section, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210. Or you may contact him via e-mail at precisiondriving@spokesman.com.
