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3 Transport

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3 Transport

Uploaded by

vidyuts
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Transport

As with industrial processes, many of the automated systems in transport refer to


robotic systems
But automated systems are still used in manually controlled transport, which includes
cars, buses/lorries, trains and aircraft. (Examples 3 and 4 which follow, will use cars
as the application.)
For example, modern trains will use an automatic signal control system. If the driver
of the train goes through a red (stop) light, then the computer will automatically stop
the train. This will make use of sensors at the side of the track sending signals to the
on-board computer; actuators will be used to apply the brakes. Airplanes extensively
use automatic pilots, which control the wing flaps, throttle and rudder to maintain the
correct height, speed and direction.
Self Parking Cars

The driver goes along the row of parked cars. On-board sensors and cameras gauge
the size of any parking spaces, and the on-board computer warns the driver if a
suitable space has been found. The driver then selects auto-parking and the on-
board computer takes over. Actuators are used to operate the steering rack, brakes
and throttle under the full control of the computer. This allows the car in Figure 6.4 to
go from Step 1 to Step 2 automatically and complete the parking manoeuvre with no
driver intervention.
Sensors in the bumpers of the car are both transmitters and receivers. The sensors
transmit signals that bounce off objects and are reflected back. The car’s on-board
computer uses the amount of time it takes for the signal to return to the sensor to
calculate the position of any objects. The sensors give the computer a 3D image of
its surroundings. This allows the car to fit into its parking space automatically with no
driver intervention. (Note: cheaper and older self-parking systems are not fully
automatic; they require the driver to operate the brakes and throttle manually and
only control the steering.)
The main advantages of this automated system are:
 allows the same number of cars to use fewer parking spaces
 avoids traffic disruption in cities (a manually controlled car takes several
seconds to fit into a parking space)
 cars can fit into smaller spaces
 fewer dents and scratches to cars (reduced insurance claims)
 safer system since sensors monitor all objects, including young children (the
car’s manoeuvre will be stopped if any new object is encountered)
 very consistent results.
The main disadvantages of this automated system are:
 over-reliance on automated systems by the driver (loss of skills)
 faulty/dirty sensors or cameras can send false data/images to the on-board
computer which could lead to a malfunction
 kerbing of wheels is a common problem since the sensors may not pick-up
low kerbs
 expensive option that doesn’t really save the driver any money
 requires additional maintenance to ensure it functions correctly at all times.

Activity

This time the driver needs to reverse in between two other cars and park at 90° to
the direction of travel.
Describe what additional information is needed to allow the car to park between two
cars within the parallel lines.
What extra sensor device(s) might be needed to give this additional information?

Adaptive Cruise Contral


Adaptive cruise control makes use of sensors, an on-board computer and actuators
to allow a car to remain a safe distance from another vehicle.
The driver will set a cruising speed (for example, 100 kph) on his touch screen in the
car. Lasers (set into the bumpers of the car) are used to send out signals constantly.
The lasers bounce off the vehicle in front of the car and are reflected back to the
car’s sensors. The time taken for the signal to bounce back is used by the on-board
computer to calculate the distance between the two vehicles. If the car is getting too
close to the vehicle in front, the computer will send signals to slow the car down. This
is done by actuators applying the brakes and/or reducing the throttle. If the distance
between vehicles is greater than the safe distance, the computer will check to see if
the current speed equals the value set by the driver. If the speed is different to the
set speed, the computer sends signals to the actuator to increase or decrease the
throttle.
Activity

Assuming the following stopping distances:

explain how the on-board computer would calculate if a car was too close to the vehicle in front and
apply the brakes if necessary. (It is not necessary to show all the maths, it is sufficient to explain what
would need to be done. However, this could be a class exercise using a spreadsheet or small
computer program).

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