Magna Closures designs, engineers and manufactures a range of vehicle closure modules, systems and components for the automotive industry. In this interview, Matthew Beecham spoke to David O'Connell, Vice President – Global Engineering and R&D, Magna Mirrors & Magna Closures about the company's SmartLatch, PureView sliding window and how it strikes a balance between providing a door which improves side-crash safety yet reduces overall vehicle weight.
We are seeing a development trend towards electrical latch systems. In this regard, we believe that Magna Closures developed and supplying a door latch for the BMW i8. Is this a game changer?
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The SmartLatch is definitely a game changer. This extremely advanced latching system has been applied to one of the most technologically advanced vehicles to date – an excellent fit.
SmartLatch requires no cables, rods or moving handles in the door. The benefits include significant weight savings and a reduced number of components, the flexibility to be used in any type of car or truck, and improved safety, sound quality and craftsmanship. Combined with the elimination of the lock rods, release cables and handles, SmartLatch provides an innovative, lower-cost door latching system to global automakers. This product will change the way vehicle latching systems are designed going forward.
We also understand that your PureView seamless sliding window has attracted attention for its innovative design. Could you tell us more about its unique features?
PureView offers customers the first-to-market, continuous defrost sliding window with seamless glass and sealing system. In the Ford F-150, on which PureView makes its debut, we have eliminated the frame structure around the glass and offered a substantial weight savings while improving performance of the system.
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By GlobalDataI guess that there is a fine balance between providing a door which improves side-crash safety yet reduces overall vehicle weight. Could you provide an example of how Magna Closures has contributed toward both?
Magna Closures is committed to providing latching components that provide industry-leading safety, and at the same time we strive to improve our products as they relate to weight. Through innovation we are able to both improve side-crash safety and help reduce overall vehicle weight.
Through the usage of electronics we are now able to control motors to power multiple functions where in the past multiple motors were required.
Most problems in side crash come from mechanical outside handles, which are sensitive to inertia. By going to a Smart Latch design with an electronic release handle, you are eliminating the mechanical features which are impacted by inertia during crash – the result being a vehicle which is both safer and lighter.
What do you see as the future optimisation potential for door closing systems?
The remainder of this interview is available on just-auto's QUBE Global light vehicle door modules market- forecasts to 2030
