‘Encapsulated’ wiring harness makes debut
Beru F1’s ‘Wiring in Composite’ has been used in the Jaguary C-XF concept cat
A wiring harness system that encapsulates wires in a solid composite sleeve has been used for the first time on a concept car.
* A longer article on this technology appears in the Automotive & Motorsport technical report in the February issue of Eureka.
The Jaguar C-XF is the first to use Beru F1’s ‘Wire in Composite’ system. F1 Beru has high hopes of transferring the technology to the defence, aerospace and motorsport markets.
The necessary cables are positioned in a mould, and the composite material is cured around it. The encapsulated part is then very robust and easier to service – as well as being more attractive.
John Bailey, managing director of Beru F1, told Eureka: “When you cure carbon fibre, the resins turn into ‘water’. We can stem that flow, so that it does not run into the connectors.”
An aerospace engine manufacturer and an F1 racing team are currently running projects that are looking to use the technology.
