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An electronic, fully automatic overload indicating system was developed and successfully applied to mobile construction type cranes. A mini-computer monitors the signals from boom load and boom angle transducers. It computes the resultant percentage of rated lifting capacity based on the crane's rating chart. A plug-in program card furnishes the safe operating limits from the rating chart.

A problem of interest of the aeronautical industry is the positioning of electronic equipment in racks and the associated ventilation system project to guarantee the equipment operational conditions. The relevance of the proper operation of electronic equipment increases considerably when high economical costs, performance reduction and safety are involved. The appropriate operational conditions of the electronic components happen when the working temperature of the equipment installed in the rack is inside a safety project temperature margin. Therefore, the analysis and modelling of heat transfer processes for aircraft rack design becomes mandatory. This paper presents a parametric study considering volumetric and superficial heat generation in electronic equipment within racks in an aircraft. Simulations were performed using the commercial CFD Fluent code and results were compared to experimental data.

Recent developments in plating and imaging of circuit patterns on three dimensional shapes have made it possible to apply electronic circuitry directly to the surface of a molded plastic part of complex configuration. Thus both mechanical and electrical functionality can be combined in a single low cost component. The paper reviews the state of the art of this Molded Interconnection Packaging Technology, describing advantages and limitations and offering examples of specific designs.

As conventional mechanical components evolve into electronic and electro-mechanical systems, the suppliers of these systems need to re-evaluate their development processes. The goal is to ensure that these new products are robust and meet reliability and safety requirements. Such was the case at DURA during the development of its SmartPark™ Electronic Parking Brake Technology.

An electronic particulate matter sensor (EPMS) developed at the University of Texas was used to characterize exhaust gases from a single-cylinder diesel engine and a light-duty diesel vehicle. Measurements were made during transient tip-in events with multiple sensor configurations in the single-cylinder engine. The sensor was operated in two modes: one with the electric field energized, and the other with no electric field present. In each mode, different characteristic signals were produced in response to a tip-in event, highlighting the two primary mechanisms of sensor operation. The sensor responded to both the natural charge of the particulate matter (PM) emitted from the engine, and was also found to create a signal by charging neutral particles. The characteristics of the two mechanisms of operation are discussed as well as their implications on the placement and operation of the sensor.

This paper presents several possible topologies for Electronic Power Distribution Systems. A discussion is presented on the advantages and drawbacks of each topology. Weight savings, reliability increase, diagnostics and prognostics capabilities are discussed. Trade study results are presented to back up the discussion. The paper also presents some options on communication between the power system and the avionics systems.

The frequency response of steering effort torque changes according to the influence of vehicle dynamics. To help enhance feel, a new electronic power steering (EPS) control has been constructed. As the control can be achieved by the addition of a viscosity control with a filter to existing EPS systems, its structure is simple and easily installed. Actual vehicle tests have been performed to verify that the control is capable of enhancing convergence without adversely affecting response during steering.

An electronic, automatic, recording blowby meter (RBM) for internal combustion engines has been developed. The new meter can measure both dynamic and static blowby conditions. It also displays on graph paper a permanent record of engine blowby. The RBM also is capable of finding malfunctions of its own and other operational systems. The RBM is designed basically for dynamometer laboratory use but also has some degree of portability.

This paper discusses an electronically controlled, electric servo control system for air conditioning and heater controls which is independent of vacuum, and engine operation. This new system uses electric motor driven actuators to position mode valves and the air blend valve through a microprocessor in the control panel. The microprocessor is preprogrammed to automatically regulate system operation and blower speeds. It also provides the capability to analyze actuator positions and wiring, and provides a positive go-no-go visual diagnostic signal if service is required. Introduction of electronics into the system provides capability of infinitely variable blower speed control, touch operation, and for additional unique performance features not possible with mechanical systems.

Automatic vehicle height control, using a closed loop system, has been used on some vehicles for several years. A key element in such a system is the height or axle-to-body distance sensor. Present systems use a mechanical sensor and valve assembly for control of the system. This paper describes a new electronic-based system which eliminates the mechanical valve and integrates an electronic sensing system into the air-spring shock absorber which is an existing part of the leveling system. This system provides for weight and space savings and simplifies system installation.

Although the performance of most of today's airbag crash sensor systems is excellent, it is achieved by using multiple sensors located remotely from the passenger compartment. Those systems which use single sensors in the passenger compartment sometimes fail to actuate when needed or are too slow to provide optimum occupant protection. Installed airbag system cost now suggests that designers should find ways to reduce the number of sensors and the complexity of the system without suffering degradation in performance. An electronic sensor is freed from the constraints of the differential equation of motion of an electromechanical sensor because its algorithm can, in principle, be arbitrary. It can manipulate the acceleration data in new ways, but whatever algorithm is employed must be firmly grounded in some understood physical process to guarantee the ability of the algorithm to perform properly in real world events not recreated on the test track.

The object of this paper titled “Electronic Shift for Automatic Transmissions” (ESAT), is to describe the latest developments in remote vehicle shifting systems or shift-by-wire for passenger vehicles and light trucks. Also, included in this paper is a description of the system, hardware and software development, testing and vehicle installations. The ESAT system, with its 2 or 3 module concept, provides packaging flexibility and offers the interior designer complete freedom for ergonomic styling. The system prevents the occurrence of shift linkage “PRNDL” misalignment in that it is pre-adjusted. It also improves transmission reliability by providing enhanced features such as; ‘automatic cycle to park’, ‘shift lock’, and ‘speed lockouts’.

The analog electronic simulators application in the automotive industry has shown as being an economic way for cost reduction and development time. With good models, the electro nic simulation cuts down the prototype routines and tests, increasing significantly the quality of the final product.

The electronic sound is used as one of the very common means of human-machine interface. Few investigations of how human feels to such the simple sounds noisy or comfortable, exist. The electronic sound must be designed by considering how or in what situation it is used. This research is aimed at investigating how human feels to a variety of electronic sound and describes the relation between human feeling and physical characteristics of sound. We investigated how physical parameters of sound effect to the human feeling via evaluation experiments. We found relations between the human auditory feeling and the physical characteristics of the sound. We showed a guideline of how to design a variety of electronic sound that satisfy the given human feeling specifications.

The spark-Optimizer is a closed-loop type electronic control device that continuously corrects the ignition timing; in effect it re-tunes the engine some ten times every second. In contrast to the better known pre-programmed controls, the Optimizer is an adaptive type system, in which the output influences the input. By providing the correct spark timing all the time, the Optimizer reduces fuel consumption considerably. This paper describes the spark-Optimizer in its advanced version including recent improvements, like biasing. A comparison with other electronic spark control devices show its superiority in accuracy, flexibility, simplicity, and production costs. Samples of test results show considerable fuel savings with the Optimizer.

The spark-Optimizer is a closed-loop type electronic control device that continuously corrects the ignition timing; in effect it re-tunes the engine some ten times every second. In contrast to the better known pre-programmed controls, the Optimizer is an adaptive type system, in which the output influences the input. By providing the correct spark timing all the time, the Optimizer reduces fuel consumption considerably. This paper describes the spark-Optimizer in its advanced version including recent improvements, like biasing. A comparison with other electronic spark control devices show its superiority in accuracy, flexibility, simplicity and production costs. Samples of test results show considerable fuel savings with the Optimizer.

A second generation automotive speed control system using electronic circuits to perform the necessary logic and memory functions is described. Important considerations, such as performance and environmental factors, are discussed in relation to their design implications. Component function and system operation are covered using generalized circuit concepts. The unique Philco-Ford electronic speed control system is decribed in detail. IT IS THE INTENT of this paper to describe the design factors, functional elements, and general operation of an automatic electronic speed control system for motor vehicle use. Automatic electronic speed control is a feedback control system that has the ability to hold the vehicle speed constant for varying load conditions. This system relieves the driver of the boring task of maintaining the vehicle speed and allows him to concentrate on more significant aspects of his driving.

Stability control is becoming a standard feature on nearly all cars and trucks manufactured worldwide. This is driving major developments in both inertial sensors and kinematic controls. Inertial sensors include accelerometers and gyroscopes (gyros) which vary in size, cost, and performance. These sensors are compared and matched to various emerging needs for stability control in off-road machines. Kinematic controls are demonstrating that real-time sensing and signal processing can offer better performance and lower cost than typical mechanical solutions for stability. Examples of how these sensors and controls can monitor and achieve electronic stability are illustrated for large and small machines. Finally, guidelines are provided for addressing inertial effects such as gravity for several different comfort and safety applications. It is this challenge that leads to an electronic stability solution that is custom to each machine platform.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) has presented itself to be a rather significant technological advancement in passenger car safety within the last few years. For the commercial vehicle industry, stability systems have been an option available for tractor-semitrailer within the last few years. However, there are axle weight limits imposed on commercial vehicles, unlike emergency vehicles which are allowed to be loaded to the maximum axle weight ratio. With the fact that fire trucks are carrying high CG loads and may typically be travelling at speeds higher than the normal driving speed for a road, one of the recommendations is that stability systems become available as standard in heavy duty emergency vehicles such as firetrucks. This study will analyze several scenarios commonly encountered by emergency vehicles such as firetrucks and demonstrate the benefits of stability systems for heavy duty emergency vehicles.