NTN will run a booth at “Tokyo Motor Show 2015” with the theme “New Technology Transforms the Next.”
The booth will feature an actual vehicle equipped with the Two Motor On-board Drive System, as well as other products in 8 different areas contributing to electrification, lower fuel consumption and higher efficiency.
The main stage of the booth will also use a vehicle as a screen for projection mapping to show visitors where and how the newest products are used.
The module product area will give visitors a chance to use a drive simulator offering steer-by-wire functions equipped with the Mechanical Clutch Unit (MCU) for Next-generation Steering.
The engine area will feature tablets that can be used to view AR* on engine cutaway models. The internal structure of the cutaway models and the way products move will be visible on the actual display as well as AR videos.
The bearing assembly area will give visitors the opportunity to come in contact with bearings, which are used in various rotating parts but rarely accessible, so that they can learn about the structure and functions of bearings.
*AR: abbreviation of Augmented Reality. A technology that uses computer processing to overlay virtual information on actual exhibits.
Main exhibits
Two Motor On-board Drive System
A drive system for next-generation EV with the left and right wheels powered by individual motors. Using individual motors to drive the left and right wheels and controlling the drive power of each wheel to suit the driving conditions improves driving stability and turning capability drastically over the conventional one motor type system. Optimally designed hub bearings and driveshafts are supplied as a package for better performance and cost efficiency.
Mechanical Clutch Unit (MCU) for Next-generation Steering
A compact clutch product for steer-by-wire systems that combine an electromagnetic clutch and roller clutch. A high load capacity design ensures a high level of reliability when the mechanical link is active. The system is used as a backup mechanism that provides a mechanical link between the steer-by-wire steering system and tires, which is linked in the event that there is an electrical malfunction to allow ordinary steering operations.
A drive simulator will also be on show so that visitors can use the features of steer-by-wire. The functions of the next-generation steer-by-wire system equipped with the MCU will be outlined in an easy-to-understand manner on the large monitor in the simulator. Visitors will be able to experience for themselves the difference in steering that conventional systems cannot provide.
Linear Type Electric Actuator
An actuator designed for applications that require direct operated movement, including electric actuators for cars and motors. The unit now incorporates an IC sensor that can directly detect the output axle stroke position. It converts the rotational power of drive motors to high-response, high-thrust linear motion.
Rear-wheel Independent Steering System
A steer-by-wire steering system that converts the steering amount of the steering wheel to an electrical signal to drive the wheel-turning actuator according to the amount, and changes the direction of the tires, has been applied to the rear wheel steering. It is also capable of toe angle control while consisting of a left-right combined-type steering layout, contributing to better driving performance.
Ball Screw Drive Module for Electric Hydraulic Brake
Compact drive module product that combines support bearings and sintered materials for a high load capacity ball screws. It converts rotational motion of the motor accurately to linear motion, with more accurate control of brake force providing a greater amount of driving energy, contributing to a longer driving range.
Low Torque Seal Ring
The seal rings for automotive transmissions that deliver low torque, low wear and fewer oil leaks by optimizing the plastic composite material composition, as well as incorporating a world first V-shaped lubrication groove on the surface of the seal rings.
