SKF goes further than supplying components to OEMs based on supplied specifications. Passenger and heavy vehicle manufacturers rather regard the company as a close working partner and a trusted technology developer from concept to reality.

"Virtually since the invention of the automobile, SKF have been providing innovative bearing and sealing solutions for engines, transmissions, drivetrains, steering, and wheel end systems," said SKF South Africa's Vehicle Service Market Manager, Marchant Taylor.

"SKF works closely with the majority of the world's leading automakers to support the evolution-and the revolution-of automotive design: Corner assemblies that reduce weight, extend performance, and simplify assembly; integrated electronics that enhance safety and functionality; sophisticated sealing solutions that reduce noise and vibration".

"SKF has also led the way in the development of sensorised bearings, and in improving safety and performance by enabling communication of data from hub units to the vehicle's CPU," Taylor continued

Sensor integration in hub bearing units is one of the older examples of mechatronics in vehicles but the range, sophistication and availability of sensors have increased dramatically over the past few years. As a key element in the dynamic environment of a vehicle, the hub bearing is an ideal assembly to capture specific data for processing in vehicle performance and condition monitoring systems.

SKF was the first company to introduce "smart" hubs with integral electronic sensors to communicate wheel speed data to ABS and Traction Control Systems (TCS).

"However" explained Taylor, "there are even more innovative and exiting developments around the corner - Intelligent bearings (iHBUs) that will monitor wheel-end temperature, measure vehicle loads, evaluate noise and vibration levels, and then convert this data to intelligent signals via embedded software-and "talk" to the vehicle's CPU to improve safety and performance. SKF HBUs are already fluent in five languages fluently, with more to be added soon, making partnering with SKF in the aftermarket a very smart move", concluded Taylor.

Pioneering developments in engineering often start in vehicle construction. For reasons of both weight reduction and safety, more and more vehicles are being equipped with speed sensing devices. The optimum wheel speed sensor solution is however unique for each individual application. Depending on requirements the sensor can be either non-integrated or integrated to improve reliability, safe weight and ease assembly. The sensor may also be either:

* the passive type, which is capable of providing signals down to a speed of a few km/h sufficient for ABS or

* the active type, which can provide signals down to zero speed, necessary for systems such as traction control or navigation.

How does a sensor bearing work?

A magnetic impulse ring divided into a sequence of north and south poles is attached to the inner ring of the bearing. The outer ring carries a sensor body with embedded Hall cells. When the inner ring rotates, the impulse ring moves past the stationary sensor ring, generating a magnetic field of changing polarity. The sensor outputs a pulse, its frequency depending on the number of polarity changes per second.

Via a connection cable, the signal is transmitted from the SKF sensor bearing unit to an electronic processing unit, which evaluates the signal and provides application-specific information.

Sensor bearings were first developed for anti-lock breaking systems in passenger vehicles, when "intelligent bearings" were required to record the variations in the circumferential speed of the wheel.

SKF will find the right solution and will assist with taking advantage of these developments and opportunities by offering a wide range of existing solutions for both passenger and heavy vehicle hub units.

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