New fully variable hydraulic valve control
system cuts CO2 emissions by up to 25 per cent

A collaborative development between the Schaeffler Group and Fiat Powertrain has resulted in a groundbreaking new engine system, the world's first fully variable hydraulic valve control system.

A groundbreaking system for automotive power transmission systems has been launched, which reduces vehicle fuel consumption and cuts CO2 emissions by up to 25 per cent.

UniAir, a joint development between the Schaeffler Group and Fiat Powertrain, is a unique fully variable hydraulic valve control system that will make its debut on Fiat's new Alfa MiTo 1.4 MultiAir. This is the first vehicle within the Fiat Group to be equipped with this innovative technology.

As well as offering car manufacturers a more compact valve control system, UniAir will help the automotive industry meet future CO2 emissions targets for passenger cars. UniAir provides improvements in start-up, part load and acceleration behaviour of the vehicle. During the engine warm-up phase, for example, hydrocarbon (HC) emissions are up to 40 per cent less, and nitrogen oxide (NOx) is reduced by up to 60 per cent. In addition, UniAir offers a greatly improved driving experience through more power, higher engine torques and optimised engine response.

A groundbreaking system for automotive power transmission systems reduces vehicle fuel consumption and cuts CO2 emissions by up to 25 per cent.

Car manufacturers will be particularly impressed by the fact that UniAir enables car engines to be downsized. Fiat uses UniAir in its four-cylinder FIRE series of engines and in its small volume two-cylinder engines that are currently being developed. As well as petrol engines, UniAir will also be available for diesel engine applications.

Developed for series production by Schaeffler, UniAir refers to the system as MultiAir. This name follows the style of the MultiJet CommonRail direct diesel injection system, which was also initiated by Fiat. UniAir/MultiAir is also based on an invention by the Centro Ricerche Fiat (CRF). The takeover of the license in 2001 marked the beginning of successful development collaboration between Fiat and Schaeffler, culminating in series production and market launch. In 2003, the first functioning prototype was developed. Further prototype vehicles were manufactured two years later.

The final design specification was completed in 2007 and manufacturing facilities for series production started at various Schaeffler Group locations in 2008. MultiAir has been in development for Fiat and Alfa Romeo since May 2009.

"The development of the fully variable valve control system to production standard has involved complex efforts in the fields of mechanics, hydraulics and valve control software," explains Michael Haas, Director Advanced Engineering and Business Development at Schaeffler Group Automotive's Engine Systems unit. A 45-strong development team undertook these tasks.

How it works
UniAir is a cam-actuated, electro-hydraulic valve train system. The fully variable valve control can be used for both petrol and diesel engines and is supplied via the existing engine oil circulation system. For petrol engines, UniAir enables throttle-free, continuously variable, software-based load control across the entire engine map. With diesel engines, regulation of the temperature of the combustion chamber is achieved due to the precise control of exhaust gas recirculation rates. At the same time, the effective compression ratio in the cylinder can be varied and a homogeneous combustion ensured.

For the first time, UniAir allows not only variations in the valve stroke, but also in the opening and closing of valves several times during one cycle, at different points in time. Therefore, the system significantly expands the potential of traditional valve train mechanisms.

UniAir can provide full coverage of every conceivable airflow possibility, from zero lift to maximum lift, dictated by the camshaft lobe for each individual cylinder or valve. With the de-throttling of the engine, UniAir can provide early intake-valve closing or late intake-valve opening in order to maximise engine breathing relative to certain engine speed and load conditions. UniAir offers unique valve lift events for every valve - individually and cycle-to-cycle. In contrast, an electromechanically actuated, fully variable valve train requires several cam events to achieve the same lift differential.

"UniAir is the beginning of a new era in valve trains and therefore in technology, producing engines that are eco-friendly and dynamic at the same time," commented Dr Peter Pleus, Executive Vice President of Schaeffler Group Automotive.

For further information on Schaeffler's range of automotive engine components, view website: www.schaeffler.co.uk   Refer to next page

First-ever ride-on long-distance vehicle mover

The first-ever ride-on vehicle mover on the market has been developed by Swedish technology company Famek AB of NylanD near Kramfors, Sweden. The Stringo 700 can operate continuously for six hours on a single charge. This means that it can be used for an entire shift without having to stop for charging. Capable of moving vehicles weighing up to five tonnes, the Stringo 700 can shift vehicles far heavier than an ordinary private car.

"Moving vehicles over long distances makes heavy demands on the strength, durability and ergonomics of the equipment. Our new model meets the requirements for a safe and ergonomically correct working environment for the operator," says Anders Bergkvist, Head of Marketing at Famek AB.

Refer to picture: The Stringo 700 ride-on vehicle mover can move vehicles weighing up to 5 tonnes and operates for six hours on a single charge.

There are many areas where cars need to be moved with a power source other then their own engine. Car factories, testing labs, car design companies and car showrooms are examples of such places, but the police, customs and airport personnel may also need to move vehicles over long distances. The Stringo 700 is claimed to be the first car mover where the operator can sit and steer the equipment with a mini steering wheel.

"Strain and crush injuries are avoided with the Stringo 700, and the driver sits comfortably and has good visibility in every direction. Our other models are a good choice where the distances involved are shorter, but in ergonomic terms it's far harder work moving a vehicle 500 metres at 6 km/h with the operator standing all the time," Anders Bergkvist explains.

The Stringo 700 is capable of moving vehicles weighing up to 5 tonnes. It's easy to manoeuvre and can be used efficiently even in confined spaces. The turning circle is the length of the car plus 110 cm. The vehicle is held in place on the Stringo by hydraulic arms. There is a telescopic adjustment to allow for variations in the distance between axles and the front or rear of the vehicle. The Stringo 700 can be used at the front or rear wheels of the car. It is powered by an electric motor and traction batteries.

The mini steering wheel has an adjustable armrest which can angled at up to 10 degrees. The seat is adjustable in all positions, compensates for the operator's weight and has a 100 mm height adjustment. The floor, including the pedals, can be raised from 350 mm to 430 mm.

Easy to move crashed vehicles with the Stringo 550 Crash
Famek AB continues to develop its customized, environment-friendly and ergonomically correct vehicle movers. The latest addition to the range is the Stringo 550 Crash, a vehicle transporter developed specially for the safe and efficient movement of crashed vehicles in workshops, testing laboratories or dismantling facilities, for example.

"Instead of using a fork truck, as many companies do today, it's far easier to use the Stringo 550 Crash in places where space is limited," says Anders Bergkvist, Marketing Director at Famek.

Famek has become renowned for its vehicle movers and has developed systems for moving vehicles safely and efficiently. The Stringo range is especially well suited for use in confined spaces such as vehicle showrooms, laboratories, dismantling facilities, and so on. What makes the Stringo stand out is the tight turning circle, just the length of the vehicle plus about hundred centimetres. Stringo is at its best where there is the minimum space.

The new Stringo 550 Crash is designed to be used when moving crashed damage vehicles, for example in forensic testing facilities after road accidents or in the vehicle industry for vehicles that need to be moved after a crash testing.

"When lifting a crash tested vehicle with a fork truck, you may damage critical measurement points and lose other necessary information, leading to incorrect readings when the effects of the test are measured," explains Anders Bergkvist.

Famek AB in profile
Famek is a Swedish company which specialises in developing customised equipment for moving cars safely, ergonomically and in an environment-friendly way. The company has 20 years' experience of vehicle moving. Today, Stringo is in use in more than 35 countries.

For further information, view website: www.stringo.se