Unique design delivers game changing value

Samvardhana Motherson Reflectec (Formerly Schefenacker Vision Systems)

Automotive Component design demands the lowest costs and very high reliability. Power folding side mirrors on cars were new for mainstream cars at this time. The only existing solution for motor control was proprietary, expensive and was easily damaged by surges on the power lines.

Don Alan was able to determine the costs and technical merits for each of the candidate technologies before the design using any particular technology was complete. This identified the correct technology to use very early in the process. Once the technology was chosen, a new unique design topology was required. Standard sub circuits could have been cobbled together but a much more elegant solution was possible. The solution was inherently immune to power surges and also reduced mechanical stress.

The use of generic easily substitutable components put the power over pricing for components in our customers hands and made it easier to ensure reliable supply. The result was not just an improvement, but game changing.

“Donald developed a very unique and original powerfold circuit (since patented) that has been the main stay of our powerfold range of products. It gives us a significant advantage through limiting the stall torque of our drive motors, giving lower stall forces on the mechanism as a whole and allowing a lower cost construction. This product is made in volumes of above 10 million per annum and is used by Ford, Chrysler, Renault and other customers worldwide.”

Roger Duance, Schefenaker Visions Systems 2007.