Johnson Controls, a global leader in automotive seating systems and components, is presenting its redefined Metals & Mechanisms product range for the first time at the International Motor Show (IAA) 2013 in Frankfurt. The portfolio of adjustment mechanisms and metal structures focuses on innovative high-performance products
After its acquisition of metal experts Keiper and C. Rob Hammerstein (CRH) in 2011, Johnson Controls grouped its metal seat component products and services into a new product group called Metals & Mechanisms.
“We were able to harness the concentrated know-how, decades of experience in metals, and outstanding design and production expertise to create a global metals organization, the likes of which has never before been seen in our industry,” said Heinz Voss, vice president Engineering, Product Group Metals & Mechanisms for Johnson Controls Automotive Seating. “We have worked intensively on analyzing our metals portfolio in all product segments and consistently compare it with market and customer needs as well as our own standards in terms of quality, performance, and potential for innovation.”
This approach has led to a product portfolio focused on one or only a few premium products for each component. Johnson Controls is to present this portfolio for the first time at the IAA.
“All of our metal components offer an optimum combination of weight, packaging space and safety. We have achieved this with unique construction ideas, the use of innovative materials and new manufacturing processes. The modularity of our metals portfolio reduces complexity and enables us to supply our customers globally with the same uniform quality of components,” said Voss.
A few examples illustrate this approach: Johnson Controls is presenting the new Track 2000, a lightweight, easy-to-operate, asymmetrical seat track offering flexible connection options. The highlight among symmetrical seat tracks is a new additional version of the Track 2000, with a fully integrated memory module in the packaging space of the track. As a solution for three-door vehicles with easy entry to the seats, it increases ease of use for passengers by enabling one-handed operation.
When it comes to recliners, Johnson Controls is focusing on its top two products: Taumel 3000 and Lever 3000. Both boast clear weight savings, minimum space requirements, exceptional strength, and free play as well as a high degree of modularity. Johnson Controls also will premiere the Center Freeswing module at the IAA, completing its portfolio of recliners for three-door vehicles. In order to facilitate easy passenger access to the rear seat, the front seat backrests can be folded forward with one hand. The Center Freeswing mechanism, now also available in the 3000 product family, assumes the function of a coupler that locks the reclining backrest during normal operation for the greatest crash resistance. In addition, it unlocks the backrest to allow forward movement of the seat for rear seat passenger entry. The use of a centric bearing makes the entire module a space-saver.
Johnson Controls’ new Height Adjuster 3000 is setting industry standards in weight and ease of use. Its intelligent, compact design ensures improved performance, simple operation, and easy adjustment.
In the area of seat structures, Johnson Controls is presenting both front and rear seat innovations. These include the Synergy Structure, which offers weight savings and maximum modularity. It combines premium products from the company’s portfolio of components and is ideal for use in platforms with different body types and customer-specific requirements for weight and packaging space. Its modular design reduces costs while minimizing technical risks and reducing development times.
Johnson Controls will present its innovations from Sept. 12–22, 2013, at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany, in Hall 5.1, Booth B28.
