Expert Details
Automotive Electronics (Especially Cruise Control); Audi: R&D, Investigation, NHTSA
ID: 724730
California, USA
In 1986 when the Audi 5000 was the subject of elevated claims of Unintended Acceleration, he was charged with analyzing data and investigating the allegations and providing industry comparisons regarding the Cruise Control System; including vehicle inspections along with accident scene surveys. This provided him with in depth knowledge of various Cruise Control Systems used through out the industry. His responsibilities now included to assist Audi's legal teams with technical background and providing court room aids such as models and expert testimony. After the US assignment with Audi Germany ended per contract in 1990 he stayed in the US and opened his own Consulting Business utilizing his acquired expertise in automotive electronics, particularly the cruise control system. To date he has worked for almost every major car manufacturer in providing consultations, deposits and court room testimony.
A part of every Cruise Control System is some sort of Electro Mechanical Device which converts the electrical input to a mechanical adjustment of the throttle.
These components are intimately joined and needed to be studied in conjunction.
When searching for solutions to prevent pedal miss application and aid the vehicle operator to avoid unintended acceleration Audi developed an Anti Shift Lock Device. One of his duties was to implement a working sample of this device in a vehicle and present it to NHTSA as a possible solution for the problem. Today every vehicle on the market equipped with an Automatic Transmission has one form of Shift Lock Device.
General:
Theoretical and Practical potency of electronic components and systems in the automotive environment as factors in product liability related incidents.
Specific:
Analyze and study including testing alleged unintended acceleration scenarios as they apply to product liability.
Evaluate plaintiff’s expert’s allegations and theories
with emphasis on electronic causations.
Education
Year | Degree | Subject | Institution |
---|---|---|---|
Year: 1978 | Degree: MBS | Subject: Electrical Engineering | Institution: Techn. Fachhochschule Regensburg |
Work History
Years | Employer | Title | Department |
---|---|---|---|
Years: 1978 to 1990 | Employer: Audi AG | Title: Technical Assistance Manager | Department: R & D |
Responsibilities:Providing technical assistance between the US Market and Audis R&D Department in Germany |
Government Experience
Years | Agency | Role | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Years: 1986 to Present | Agency: NHTSA | Role: Assistance | Description: Development and Implementation of the Anti Shift Lock Device to minimize risk of unintended acceleration |
International Experience
Years | Country / Region | Summary |
---|---|---|
Years: 1978 to 1983 | Country / Region: Germany | Summary: Research, Design and Test Engineer with Audi |
Additional Experience
Expert Witness Experience |
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Accident and Vehicle Inspections; Analyzing Automotive Electronics; Observing Opponents Inspections; Consulting in FMA; Deposition Testimony; Trial Testimony, Fed and State; |
Vendor Selection |
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Negotiated Scope and Cost of Automotive Pre-Development Projects |
Language Skills
Language | Proficiency |
---|---|
German | Fluent |
Fields of Expertise
automotive cruise control system, automotive engineering, interlock switch, electromechanical control system, interlock switch, auto accident investigation, automotive transportation, access control system, speed sensor, relay contact, switch contact, toggle switch, sensor technology, automotive sensor, automotive electronic equipment, thermal sensor, acoustic sensor, electronics, particulate emission control system, automotive emission control, temperature sensor, automotive component, electronic cable, interconnector, vehicle bus (communications), pressure sensor, thermostat, electric switch, servomechanism, sensor, relay, electronic wire, electric fuse, control system, automotive electronics science