AB Automotive Electronics, a subsidiary of global electronics manufacturing company TT electronics, has developed a new concept in parking aids - e-Park™ - which is both accurate and invisible to the eye.

AB Automotive Electronics in Cardiff has patented the e-Park system™, which fits behind a manufacturers' existing bumper and avoids any drill holes. The e-Park™ system allows drivers to use smaller parking spaces with confidence and safety.

e-Park™ can be built into the extremities of most vehicles. In the parking aid application, activation occurs when reverse gear is engaged or, in the case of a front sensor being fitted, when the manoeuvring speed threshold is reached. If required the vehicle can be set up so that the front sensor operates while reversing, offering protection to the front quarter areas while the driver concentrates on rearward progress.

Attractively priced, the e-Park™ system has the unique advantage of being field based with no intrinsic gaps in the sensing zone. Coupled with lowest system weight and installed bumper weight, it has the best impact survivability of all system types - giving an additional potential to help attract a lower insurance classification.

The system consists of two key elements : a flat laminate plastic sensor mounted inside a plastic bumper or trim finisher, and a small electronic module. The module can be remote from the sensor - or it can be built into the bumper with the sensor if space and other considerations allow.

It works by sensing the ambient capacitance in the detection zone when the ignition is switched on and then monitors for changes in capacitance within specified parameters. A change indicates the presence of an object.

The detection 'bubble' is of a regular size and shape without any gaps that could allow small objects to pass unnoticed. Within the bubble, there are three zones, extending to 1,200mm. An audible tone signals at the outer boundary. The frequency and pitch increases at a middle zone, to become a solid tone at the near 'stop' boundary. As pre-set thresholds of increasing capacitance are reached, the audible signal to the driver is set to increase to indicates proximity.

The intermediate boundaries are programmable but are normally set to between 600mm to 700mm for the second level and 300mm for the stop signal. In all cases the coverage of the sensor is completely consistent, without any gaps in the sensing zone.

An inward facing conductive layer of the sensor acts as a guard, screening out the effect of the mass of the vehicle. The outer conductive layer is the sensing part of the capacitor. The electronics are connected to the sensor by a screened co-axial cable to allow installation to be remote from the sensor, if desired.

The e-Park™ system is easy to install and as a result is competitively priced. It can be fitted within an OEM situation, as a dealer-fit or as a professionally fitted aftermarket service. There is no bumper area preparation, no conventional harness to be fitted and no additional constituent parts. These advantages are coupled with an efficient use of space - a depth of 0.5mm is all that is required to install the sensor within the bumper moulding. The design also offers a high resistance to accident damage.

David Oates, managing director of AB Automotive Electronics, says: “e-Park™ provides automotive designers and manufacturers with an accurate and cost-effective parking aid which does not compromise the design integrity of the vehicle. We are confident that European vehicle manufacturers currently trialling the system will be impressed."

For further information please contact: -

Ruth Phillips
AB Automotive Electronics +44 (0) 29 2030 0000

Roland Cross/ Sara Champness
Broadgate +44 (0) 20 7726 6111