The Japanese technology company THK will show the LSR-05 for the first time at an international auto show in the Paris Auto Salon.
The LSR-05 of its fully functional electric car, previewed at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 in Tokyo, and created in partnership with Shiro Nakamura and SN Design Platform.
Founded in 1971 in Tokyo, THK first became renowned for its linear motion technology and has subsequently grown to supply the machine tool industry and automakers around the world through thirty-seven factories. THK has a substantial presence in Europe including a manufacturing facility in Ensisheim, France.
Akihiro Teramachi, Chief Executive Officer of THK commented:
This will be a very special day for our company to have a presence at the Paris Auto Salon and for the first time show a THK prototype vehicle outside of Japan.
LSR-05 was developed to be a realistically feasible prototype vehicle and showcases a number of significant THK technologies. These include the Stealth Seat- slide system, in-wheel motors with four-wheel steering system, active suspension, and a contactless charging system.
LSR-05 was developed with leading global design house, SN Design Platform, and was designed – as the name details – to represent Luxury, Sportiness and Revolution delivered as a crossover sport four-seater crossover coupe with a dynamic and elegant exterior design measuring 4995 mm long, 1965 mm wide and 1530 mm tall.
Shiro Nakamura, Chief Executive Officer of SN Design Platform explained:
LSR-05 represents Japanese innovation and precision. In particular, the smart packaging has enabled a roomy and comfortable interior utilizing a unique seating arrangement using the THK developed Stealth Seat slide system.
At a media presentation on the THK stand at the Paris Auto Salon, Takashi Teramachi, Chief Operating Officer of THK, will present many of the company’s technologies featured on LSR-05. In detail, LSR-05 is based on a platform integrating two of THK’s original 93 kW (800 V) variable-flux in-wheel electric motors in the rear, complemented by a 220 kW (800 V) electric motor in the front, forming part of a four-wheel steering system. This, coupled with features such as active suspension, MR fluid active dampers, and electric brakes, delivers exceptional ride comfort and handling stability.
In addition, the cabin is equipped with a hidden seat adjustment system that ensures a flat floor and creates a luxurious and comfortable interior. The LSR-05 also features a contactless charging system that perfectly embodies THK’s forward-looking vision for future mobility.
We are not stopping with LSR-05 as a dynamic showcase for our technologies – said Takahashi Teramachi. We are already working on LSR-07 as a next-generation prototype, and you can expect to see more of this program at next year’s Japan Mobility Show.
Key technology details:
Stealth Seat-Slide System SLES
Linear guides are attached to the inside of the seat and to the bottom of the seat base. Using a special actuator, a large stroke can be achieved even in a compact installation space.
Variable Magnetic Flux In-Wheel Motor enemo
This wheel hub motor increases reliability as it drives the left and right wheels independently. Additionally, both high-torque and high-speed rotations are possible thanks to a variable magnetic flux system that utilizes a highly rigid ball screw/spline. Furthermore, installing the THK R guide in the rear wheel steering enables all-wheel steering, which has a large steering angle and contributes to the ideal driving line.
Active Level Control Suspension ALCS
This system enables vehicle height adjustments and stability control according to the roughness of the road by operating a THK ball screw/spline.
It lowers the height of the vehicle when driving at high speeds to reduce air resistance, and it improves power supply efficiency when using contactless floor charging. It can also raise the height of the vehicle when off-roading or when driving over uneven surfaces.
MR Fluid Active Damper Tube MRDT
THK offers seismic isolation technology with a range of rotary dampers that use ball screws and a viscous element that absorbs and dampens shock. By combining this product technology with magnetorheological fluid, the damping performance of the suspension can be electronically controlled to absorb vibrations, and it can be used in conjunction with ALCS vehicle height control.
Contactless Power Supply CLPS
Through the DWPT (dynamic wireless power transfer) method, a power transmitter is embedded in the ground, and a power receiver is installed in the vehicle. Lowering the height of the vehicle with the ALCS increases charging efficiency, so power receivers are expected to be smaller and more lightweight. With this method, driving distances can be increased even with shortened charging times and fewer batteries in vehicles.
Electric Service Brake ESB
This system controls four brakes independently through bi wiring (electric control). It contributes to significant weight reduction and a compact size by utilizing a highly rigid THK ball screw inside the actuator.
Source: THK
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