Partial range scaling method based washout algorithm for a vehicle driving simulator and its evaluation

Unlike an actual vehicle, a vehicle driving simulator (VDS) has limited kinematics, workspace, and bounded dynamic characteristics making it very difficult to simulate dynamic motions of an actual vehicle. To solve these problems, a washout algorithm was developed. The developed algorithm restricts the workspace of the VDS to within the kinematic limit and makes the person driving the VDS perceive movement of an actual vehicle. However, the classic washout algorithm contains several problems, such as time delay and the generation of a wrong motion signal caused by characteristics of the filters. So the driver feels “simulator sickness,” such as fatigue, nausea, headache and so on because of differences between the sense of movement of the VDS and that of a real vehicle. In this paper, a partial range scaling method based washout algorithm, including a tilt coordination system, is developed to enhance the perception of motion and reduce simulator sickness. It is verified by a simulation, a survey, and a bio signal analysis using an electrocardiogram (ECG).     

Experimental study of the characteristics of idle vibrations that result from axial forces and the spider positions of constant velocity joints

The vibrational characteristics of automotives during idling were studied experimentally by considering the axial forces of the drive shaft and the spider positions in a constant-velocity joint. The generated forces, such as PF (plunging force) and GAF (generated axial force) in the assembly of the drive-shaft module, were measured directly by an experimental apparatus. Measurements of the GAF and PF did not show the same trends as the joint angles. They depended instead on the types of CV joints. In addition, the relationship between the offset values of the shaft and the spider positions in the tulip of the constant-velocity joint were studied. As a result, the idle vibration characteristics were affected by the variation of the spider positions and the vibrational characteristics in the axial direction of the shaft, including the amplitude and the harmonic periods.     

Simple design approach for improving characteristics of interior permanent magnet synchronous motors for electric air-conditioner systems in HEV

In this paper, a simple design method for improving the performance of an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM), for driving the air-conditioning compressor used in hybrid electric vehicles, is presented. There are many design methods that optimize the IPMSM. Each method deals with a variety of design factors, such as slot opening, pole arc, and rotor shape. However, as the number of design variables increases, a lot of modeling and analysis time is needed in order to improve the characteristics of an IPMSM. This paper demonstrates that the optimization of a double-layer IPMSM, satisfying the given design conditions, is possible with only a flux barrier shape design. Then, response surface methodology is applied as the optimization method, and the validity of the design approach is verified by comparison with test results.     

用低成本的单个DSP控制多个单相PFC模块

提出了用低成本的单个数字信号处理器(DSP)控制多个单相功率因数补偿(PFC)模块的新方案.该方案允许不同电流额定值的多个模块并联工作,并通过单个DsP控制.基于DSP的控制,易于分流,设备小巧.文章叙述了每个PFC模块电流的测量技术和多个模块工作的输出电压和输入电流闭环控制方法.在该设计例子中,开关频率设定为120kHz,2级连续导通模式的PFC并联工作,并由单个TMS320LF2407DSP控制.实验结果表明,现代开关电源可采用该方案.     

Semi-Active Suspension with Preview Using a Frequency-Shaped Performance Index

The objective of this study is to develop a control law for a semi-active suspension for the purpose of ride quality improvement. The semi-active control law is determined by reproducing the control force of an optimally controlled active suspension while suppressing its damping coefficient variation. The performance index of the optimal control for the active suspension is modified to include frequency-shaping by use of Parseval's theorem, which allows us to de-emphasize the effects of particular variables over specific frequency bands.

Through the numerical simulations, it was found that the semi-active suspension may reduce the vertical acceleration of the driver's seat and the sprung mass motions significantly. The road-holding and tire deflections were not affected much.     

Design of a signal transducer for direct conversion of wheel linear accelerations into tire lateral forces

This paper describes a design of a real-time conversion system of wheel linear accelerations into tire lateral forces. Though the tire lateral forces are important elements for analyzing vehicle dynamic control performances, they cannot be easily measured in real-time owing to the non-linearities of tire dynamics, friction, and slippage on road. In this paper, we propose a practical direct method using wheel linear accelerations in order to estimate tire lateral forces transmitted into the vehicle in real-time. A simplified vehicle model based on force-acceleration analysis is proposed to assure the real-time performance. The acceleration values are obtained using three-axis accelerometers attached on each wheel location. For conditioning and rectifying the acceleration signals, a signal transducer is designed using a digital filter. And in order to investigate the feasibility and real-time performance, a prototype of signal transducer is fabricated using a digital signal processor. The experimental results and performance are validated with the road test results using six-component wheel force transducers.     

Sheet metal forming simulation considering die deformation

Due to environmental concerns and safety regulations in the automotive industry, the development of strong and lightweight cars has been a hot issue in the last decade. One solution for this purpose would be to use high-strength steel (HSS) and advanced high-strength steel (AHSS). These materials can make the car lighter while maintaining the crash resistance of the vehicle. HSS and AHSS have more resistance force in the die structure compared with conventional steel due to their higher yield and tensile strength and thus, these materials have a greater effect on die deformation during the sheet metal forming process. As a result, die deformation can affect the blank sheet’s drawn pattern, strain, and stress as well as springback. This study presents a sheet metal forming simulation that considers die deformation. The simulation process was compared with conventional simulation methods. Our results indicate that the sheet metal forming simulation with die deformation consideration provides useful information on the die structure as well as formability and springback.     

Fuel consumption parameters for realizing and verifying fuel consumption prospect algorithm of vehicle driving route information system

Emissions of CO₂, as the main component of greenhouse gases, and high fuel consumption rates are worldwide problems. To solve them, most car manufacturers have concentrated on developing various techniques to improve the efficiencies of engines and transmissions and ECO-ROUTEs to meet environmental regulations. In this study, an algorithm for determining routes that cause the least fuel consumption was developed. The core of this algorithm is a specific EEC (energy efficiency constant) map containing logic that is able to predict fuel consumption. The accuracy of the algorithm was confirmed by vehicle tests for various driving patterns. Parameters affecting vehicle fuel economy were studied and verified. Improvement in the accuracy of this algorithm was confirmed by applying these parameters to ECO-ROUTE logic.     

In-vehicle display HMI safety evaluation using a driving simulator

Recently, telematics services and in-vehicle display devices such as the CNS (Car Navigation System) have become new causes of traffic accidents. These accidents are caused by ‘Inattention’ from the increase of the driver’s mental workload while he/she is driving. The driver of a vehicle (except for emergency or police vehicles) must not use a hand-held mobile phone while the vehicle is moving. To address this problem, Australia, England, Italy, Brazil and some states in the US have banned the use of hand-held mobile devices during driving. However, there are no restrictions on the use of in-vehicle displays or on the display’s positions. The position of a navigation system in a vehicle should be assessed objectively, and the effect of the position on the driver’s attention should be studied. Some existing research reports that in-vehicle distraction not only leads to reduced speeds and more frequent lane switching, but also more gazing by the driver to the centre of the road. In this study, to develop an assessment method and to propose the proper position of a CNS, an experiment is carried out in a driving simulator environment. Different methods to track the gaze and physical parameters of the driver are used for HMI (Human-Machine Interface) assessment. The experiment is carried out in a driving simulator to observe the glancing distribution during driving according to the position of the navigation system. Fourteen subjects participated in this experiment. Changes in subjects’ physiological signals and glancing distribution rates were collected.