Control system specialist Preh developed a solution for the rear climate control system for the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which sets new standards in reducing weight, feeling, lighting, accurate processing and software development.
An example of total weight — compared to the previous version, the weight of the rear control system can be reduced by more than 50% to about 200 g. The decisive factor is an elaborate design which allows for light guide lighting control panel with only 10 LEDs. So, the power requirements were greatly reduced. As a result of this new development, the massive and consequently heavy heatsinks can be omitted.
Using a combination of snap disks and Silicon contact mats with 0.5 N, Preh action achieved excellent haptics, as well as the perfect alignment of the individual function keys within the line.
Systems for a variety of control situations lie well on the side of the software. If, for example, the driver gets out and leaves the vehicle at rest at low temperatures, then backseat passengers can retrieve the motor waste heat from climate control system, even when the ignition is switched off.
Significant software development took place at Preh in German Development Center in Bad Neustadt and also in collaboration with software development at the factory. From this, the control system specialist could fulfill all the SPICE level 3 requirements, as confirmed by an assessment of MBtech (Mercedes-Benz technology) and has already taken place by the end of 2011, on behalf of Daimler. Software development processes of Preh were put under the microscope, a week-long. As a result, the automotive supplier has been certified to the standard of all their scope in SPICE level 3.
Jochen Ehrenberg, Executive Vice President of product development, said, "we have been a supplier to Mercedes-Benz S-class for more than 10 years and it is amazing how much progress we have made in the development of rear climate control system. Overall, our contribution to the new S-class is just a detail. But the sum of perfect details, finally makes the Mercedes flagship that is. "
About Preh
Preh GmbH is a subsidiary of Exchange-listed Joyson electronics, Ningbo, China (600699: Shanghai) and represents the automotive electronics division in Joyson group. As a global automotive supplier with 3,210 employees, Preh reached 462 million euros revenue in 2012. Based in Bad Neustadt a. d. Saale, in Germany, the company has production facilities in Portugal, Romania, Mexico and China, as well as sales and Development Center in Novi/Detroit, Michigan, USA. Development and manufacture of Preh's skills are focused on climate and driver control systems, electronic control units, sensors and mounting systems for all major automakers.