Visteon Engine Induction System Helps Give Customer Truck 'Tough' Sound
October 30 2003 - 1:00PM
PR Newswire (US)
Visteon Engine Induction System Helps Give Customer Truck 'Tough'
Sound DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The
"sound" of a vehicle has become an increasingly important part of
its brand image. Automakers spend a great deal of time and money to
match each vehicle segment with the perfect sound. (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO ) After
months of market research, the Ford F-150 launch team agreed upon a
"Tough Truck" rumble for its redesigned flagship vehicle. The
challenge was to make this "acoustic signature" affordable and easy
to manufacture. Many engine components affect a truck's acoustic
signature, but in essence, the sound exits the truck from two
openings -- the exhaust pipe in the rear and the engine induction
system (EIS) inlet duct under the hood. Because the EIS sound path
is the most apparent to the driver and passengers, Ford enlisted
help from the engine induction experts at Visteon Corporation
(NYSE:VC), supplier of nearly 30 percent of the content of the new
F-150. Acoustic innovation The challenge to Visteon was to come up
with a robust, low-cost Engine Induction System that created the
perfect "Tough Truck" sound. The system designed by Visteon
integrated resonators into the air intake duct at maximum cost
efficiency. Visteon engineers developed a robust, low-cost,
acoustically accurate method of locating specifically sized and
strategically placed drain holes in resonators. This approach to
fine tuning the resonators eliminated the need for even more
resonators and sound tuning devices. Virtual models indicated that
these holes -- which are necessary in case water gets into the air
inlet duct -- would take out the frequencies that were annoying to
the driver's ear, or that took away from the desired V-8 engine
rumble. Using a unique method of combining two or more analysis
tools, Visteon engineers have learned how to create the industry's
most reliable virtual models. Using Computer-Aided Engineering
(CAE) modeling and advanced proprietary tuning methods, Visteon
engineers were able to build virtual designs to simulate the
acoustic environment. In practical terms, this means that the
number of prototypes was reduced, saving both Visteon and the
customer significant development costs. After driving the truck
with the prototype EIS in a variety of environments, Ford
management agreed that Visteon had accomplished the task of
creating a signature "Tough Truck" sound at a lower cost and
reduced complexity, without negatively affecting horsepower. Other
features of the Engine Induction System The air filter and box in
the F-150 EIS is also unique. The patent- pending design features a
drawer-type functionality that is quicker and easier to change than
ever before. A felt-type seal, rather than the usual urethane,
allows smooth operation while providing an airtight seal. To help
increase efficiency, especially at low speeds and idle, the
manifold features a unique Charge Motion Control Valve, or "swirl
control" valve. This butterfly valve speeds up the intake charge
and causes a "tumbling" effect in the combustion cylinder,
guaranteeing the optimum mixture of air and fuel. This not only
helps improve horsepower at low speeds, but burns more cleanly than
conventional designs. Visteon Corporation is a leading full-service
supplier that delivers consumer-driven technology solutions to
automotive manufacturers worldwide and through multiple channels
within the global automotive aftermarket. Visteon has approximately
75,000 employees and a global delivery system of more than 180
technical, manufacturing, sales and service facilities located in
25 countries.
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO DATASOURCE:
Visteon Corporation CONTACT: Media Inquiries: Robin Pannecouk,
+1-313-755-9121, , or Jim Fisher, +1-313-755-0635, , both of
Visteon Corporation Web site: http://www.visteon.com/
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