Tuesday 22 October 2013

What we can (not) learn from F1: Driver-Car-Interfacing - Part2: Changing Mechatronic Parameters

This is the second part of the Driver-Car-Interfacing post, this time about changing mechatronic parameters. Part 1 about visualisation can be found here.

PLEASE NOTE: These are my personal findings. Acting according to these posts does not gain you any points in the design event or guarantee a trouble free season/event etc. It is just built on my experience as former participant and current official.

The posts subject line says "mechatronic parameters", so we should start with thinking about possible mechatronic parameters that have be changed on an FS car. There are none...that might sound a bit pragmatic, but technically (and assuming a perfect world) there is no need to change any mechatronic parameter during a dynamic event. However, in order to optimise the total points gained or just to survive Endurance there are many arguments to change mechatronic parameters while driving.




Let's start with the obvious: shifting. I think we all agree that changing gears (at least in combustion cars) maximizes on-track performance. This does not necessarily have to be done in a mechatronic way, but it has its advantages, which I will cover in another post. However, if shifting is somehow done with electronics involved, it can be considered to be a mechatronic parameter. In F1 shifting via paddles on the steering wheel was pioneered by Ferrari in 1989 in the Ferrari 640. This on board video shows the early days of paddle shifting. Note how the driver uses his right index finger to shift up. F1 uses paddles on the back of the steering wheel, which can be seen here, because it is probably the most ergonomic solution. The driver's hands can remain on the wheel and he can also maintain his grip while shifting. Another solution is to mount buttons on the front of the steering wheel. We tried that in 2006 and 2007, but it was a great relief for the drivers when we changed to paddles in 2008. So there is a good reason why most of the teams in F1 and FS chose paddles. Therefore, if you do mechatronic shifting, using paddles on the back of the steering wheel seems to be the best solution.

Nowadays teams also start to control the clutch mechatronically. F1 has been doing this for quite some time and uses another set of paddles to do that. They have two paddles which are used for the same function under normal conditions which is just disengaging/engaging the clutch. During the start of a race, one of the paddles is used to move the clutch to its bite point and the second paddle is used to completely engage the clutch. Thus the resolution is effectively doubled, which probably helps to control wheel slip. It was also always done with paddles in F1, since the mechatronic clutch has been introduced, and seems to be the best solution for the same reasons already stated above about gear shifting paddles.

Drag reduction systems have also gained visibility recently in FS, for example on the car of KIT, which can be seen here. F1 has the same mechanism called DRS. Frankly I do not remember exactly how KIT control their DRS, but I assume that it is just a push button on the steering wheel. It could of course also be done automatically by making it dependant on lateral acceleration, throttle position and ground speed for example. F1 uses either a push button on the steering wheel or an extra (very small) pedal left of the brake pedal, which can be seen in the following picture (source: auto, motor und sport).


Using a small extra pedal seems to be more ergonomic and according to the F1 teams using it, the advantage is that lifting the foot of the pedal closes the wing a short time before the driver starts to brake, which gives the air stream more time to attach to the wing again, before the downforce is needed for braking. If that was really needed, all teams would probably be using it...so nothing is for sure.
I wonder, if we will see this solution also in FS, provided that it is not already used and I did just miss it.

The next parameter to cover is the brake balance. I keep seeing electronically controlled brake balance bars appear and disappear in FS. From time to time some teams do it and then skip doing it the next year. It might be beneficial to do it electronically since F1 teams did it also, while it was allowed. The current F1 rules do not allow that which is why we see drivers regularly reaching in the left side of the cockpit to change the brake bias. The FS track characteristics and also training levels of FS drivers are different to F1, therefore I doubt whether it would really be necessary to have electronic means of changing the brake bias while driving just to adjust it from corner to corner. Therefore it might be totally ok for combustion cars to also do it through a mechanic connection.
For electric cars things are a bit different. Most teams have rear-wheel drive and also use their motors to regenerate energy. If they have to restrict/change the braking torque being generated by regeneration due to thermal management for example, it might be very handy to automatically shift some braking force rearwards to keep the car in balance while braking. Please note that this is just an idea and I am not totally sure how a Scrutineer would think about that. You would at least want to make sure that only a certain amount of brake capacity can be shifted between front and rear by using mechanical stops on the balance bar for example. This avoids that an erratic algorithm could transfer all the braking capacity to the rear wheels, which would result in a massive spin in the best case.

I have now been talking about the obvious mechatronic parameters, but if you look at an F1 steering wheel, there are many more buttons and switches. The following picture (source: Sauber F1 Team) shows the front of the Steering Wheel of the Sauber C32 including descriptions for each and every button and switch.



The full size picture can be found here.
You might have noticed that they have lots of buttons and switches. Most of them affect systems which are either not allowed in FS or which are not really used yet. However, even if we take these systems away, enough switches would remain to change:

  • Engine maps (IC) / Torque Characteristics (EV)
  • Traction / Launch Control Settings
  • Shift Maps (if done automatically for example or to change the RPM Indicator lights)
  • Clutch Characteristics
  • Pit Radio
  • Accessing information on the display
  • Anti-Roll-Bar adjustments (rare, but I have seen it)
  • Data Logging and Telemetry Options
  • etc...
As you can see on the picture above, F1 uses rather big push buttons and rotary switches. Some of them do even look bulky, which is rather uncommon for F1. A requirement, which is forgotten by steering wheel designers from time to time is that all these buttons and switches must be operated by the driver while wearing gloves and also usually while driving. Therefore these elements need to have a certain size such that the driver can operate them while not looking at the steering wheel.
For parameters, which are only changed when standing still, you could get away with having some push buttons and by showing a navigation menu on the display. But most of these parameters are used while driving on the track and if your driver has to pay significant attention to the steering wheel to change something, he will certainly lose time.
F1 does a good job in my opinion by providing buttons and switches which provide a good feel to the driver and do not consume much brain/attention capacity to change settings. Most teams have already adapted this and use similar buttons and switches.
A rather obvious requirement is for the buttons and switches to be water-proof.

There is one big difference between F1 and FS, which should theoretically lead to less buttons and switches on FS steering wheels: It is not prohibited to change parameters via a remote connection in FS. Thus changing engine or shift maps etc. could all be done remotely by the data or performance engineer without bothering the driver. Some of those changes could even be done automatically by algorithms running on ECUs on the car. There is of course always the chance that the telemetry connection fails or that the algorithms are erratic...in that case the driver and the team will probably be thankful for a little switch...


Please note:
If you think that any content in this post is worth discussing, please do so in the FSAE.com forum and not in the comment section of this blog, to make sure that everyone can benefit from the contents of the discussion, even if he/she is not reading this blog.

63 comments:

  1. Thanks for the post, I think that your perspective is deep, its just well thought out and really fantastic to see someone who knows how to put these thoughts down so well.
    Red Lead Manufacturers India

    ReplyDelete
  2. will consider the social, economic and political factors of Waterproof car cover. I really, really like Waterproof car cover. Until recently considered taboo amongst polite society, it is important to remember that ‘what goes up must come down.’ Inevitably Waterproof car cover is often misunderstood by those politicaly minded individuals living in the past, who are likely to form a major stronghold in the inevitable battle for hearts and minds. Complex though it is I shall now attempt to provide an exaustive report on Waterproof car cover and its numerous 'industries'.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for your post.We pay top cash for junk and scrap cars.
    We offer free scrap car removal and pay top cash for your junk vehicles no matter what the condition is.
    Steps on Getting your Car Recycled.Ca
    scrap car removal

    junk car removal

    cash for junk cars

    cash for scrap cars

    junk car towing

    scrapping car

    cars for cash

    scrap car yards

    ReplyDelete
  4. Junk Car is a wonderful facility to sell our old car in fair price by calling Junk Cars Cash.

    Cash For Junk Cars | Junk Car Buyers

    ReplyDelete
  5. We will pay the highest price for your scrap vehicle. We have paid up to $2,000 for junk cars. Just give us a call with your vehicle details including make, model and year or you can complete a quote request on our website. In most cases, we will be able to pick up your scrap vehicle the same day and within the hour, we are fast and reliable and have had thousands of happy and satisfied customers over the years of being in business.

    Junk Car Removal Toronto

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your post is very informative to me.I think this ideas use is in practical problems.

    Junk Car Removal Toronto

    ReplyDelete
  7. Nice Info! There are many people who wants to sell their car at the market value of the car so that they use junk car services.

    Junk Your Car | Cash for Junk a Car | Selling Junk Cars for Cash

    ReplyDelete
  8. Nice Info! Most of the junk car dealers will provide free junk car quote under their companies policy.

    Junk a Car | Money For Junk Cars | Get Cash for Junk Cars

    ReplyDelete
  9. I encourage to publish more on this..I like your article. It is very informative so it is very useful for me. Thanks for sharing this post. Hope to read more helpful information from you.

    Scrap car removal Toronto

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for sharing, we pay cash on the spot for vehicles, used or damaged. Cars, Vans, 4x4, trucks, Utes, Sports Cars, Accident Cars.
    unwanted cars sydney.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for sharing such nice information with us about damaged cars. Your description is truly very informative.

    Car Removal | Scrap My Car | Get Cash for Junk Cars

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thanks for your info, now a days lot of old car removal services are available.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Get the best car removal place as well as earn money is my target. Your blog give me the best solution. Thanks for your info.
    damaged car removal sydney

    ReplyDelete
  14. It's great post and covered with valuable information.

    junk cars new york

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am happy that I found your post while searching for awesome news and idea. Thanks! It is very useful and interesting website.

    Money For Junk Cars | Junk cars | Junk Yard

    ReplyDelete
  16. Awesome learning, do anybody mind just reference back to it Sell Your Car Brisbane

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks for sharing reliable information with us about all of these
    damaged cars around. Thumbs up!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Kudos for such a good input about these junk car dealers.

    ReplyDelete
  19. very useful articles.thanks for sharing . if you looking for truck or car related malaysia . you can visit us below links
    best regards,
    All Brands Truck & SEO Help
    Traffic Exchange List & Tail Lift Truck
    Buy Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Buy Isuzu Truck

    ReplyDelete
  20. very useful articles.thanks for sharing . if you looking for truck or car related malaysia . you can visit us below links
    best regards,
    All Brands Truck & SEO Help
    Traffic Exchange List & Tail Lift Truck
    Buy Mitsubishi Fuso Truck & Buy Isuzu Truck

    ReplyDelete
  21. Is it true that you are burnt out on driving your old auto? Does it sit in the technician's carport each couple of months? Purchase another auto.Auto verkaufen

    ReplyDelete
  22. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  23. A catchy alternative everyday leaving your automobile on the mercy of severe environmental conditions which can purpose capability harm every day its exterior. 528i car covers

    ReplyDelete
  24. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  25. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  26. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Excellent information on your blog, thank you for taking the time to share with us. Amazing insight you have on this, it's nice to find a website that details so much information about different artists.
    Cash for Cars

    ReplyDelete
  28. A huge excavator had a full time job just making the vehicles accessible to the Immortal.

    ReplyDelete
  29. 5. Take care of business This is the part that a few venders neglect to execute. While exhibiting an auto to a potential purchaser, make a point to put your best foot forward. Additionally, be open for transactions, yet stay away from those attempting to lowball you. used camaros for sale in ga

    ReplyDelete
  30. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  31. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Great post, I buy and sell junk cars also in my spare time and I earn a little money on the side. The price per pound is at 6 Cent a pound here in Georgia, I only pay 100$ per car and take them to the crusher and make about 150$ profit. That sure helps out when I average about 4 cars per week, thank God. junk cars

    ReplyDelete
  33. Great Information sharing .. I am very happy to read this article .. thanks for giving us go through info.Fantastic nice. I appreciate this post.
    Japanese used cars

    ReplyDelete
  34. thank you for sharing this information. it is very useful for me.. Car Removal in Hoppers Crossing

    ReplyDelete
  35. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  36. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Great article which helps consumers and cars owners on how to get rid of their old vehicles and provided enough knowledge about Cash for Junk Cars. We have some more great and wonderful writes up for Cash for cars north brisbane.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Get the best car removal place as well as earn money is my target. Your blog give me the best solution. Thanks for your info.
    Junk cars Redcliffe

    ReplyDelete
  39. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  40. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  41. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  42. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  43. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  44. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  45. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Wonderful post!!! Genuinely loved this kind of post. Although I want much more information on like precious subject matter.
    car removal brisbane
    cars wreckers brisbane
    quick cash for cars
    cash for cars

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hello admin! This is the remarkable article as well as it is valuable for the entire person and I want to say that I would like to write on this subject too. You have an interesting written on this topic.
    Subaru Wreckers Brisbane

    ReplyDelete
  48. This is the remarkable article as well as it is valuable for the entire person and I want to say that I would like to write on this subject too. You have an interesting written on this topic.
    Scrap Car Removal Ipswich

    ReplyDelete
  49. This is a very useful post, thank you! I agree that innovations are the most important thing for most businesses because with today’s fast-changing world we need to stay on top of the changes if we want to survive.
    car buyers brisbane
    car buyers Logan
    car buyers Ipswich
    Car Buyers Gold Coast
    scrap car removal Brisbane
    scrap car removal Logan
    scrap car removal Ipswich
    scrap car removal Gold Coast
    Cash for cars in Brisbane
    Cash for cars in Logan
    Cash for cars in Ipswich

    ReplyDelete
  50. Enthusiastic beginning is very common in every sector when anyone enters into a new world. But it is very hard to keep such enthusiasm for a long time after huddles come out from invited sources. Read this blog and know more about this topic.
    MACD Indicator

    ReplyDelete
  51. Found your post interesting to read. I cant wait to see your post soon. Good Luck for the upcoming update.This article is really very interesting and effective.
    free steam gift card codes 2019

    ReplyDelete
  52. here is very general and the huge knowledgeable platform has been known by this blog. I reality appreciate this blog to have such kind of educational knowledge.I am sharing related topic which is mostly important for XBL Reward Earn Free Xbox Live Codes in

    ReplyDelete
  53. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  54. but in general, you'll need the title at the very least. We may be able to work with you if you don't have the title, but not in every state.
    Junk Car Removal Brampton

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hey,
    First of all , i want to say that, thank very much for this article. It is very good post.
    Car Removal Hoppers Crossing

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hello sir, Thank you so much for posting this blog. This blog contain such a important information. And this is really going to help everyone. Thank you so much.I have one of the best Desmume Emulator for windows and mac in which you can enhance your gaming experience.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Where did you find information about the positive site, this post? I just read some articles on your website, and I really like your style. Thank you for the millions and keep working effectively.and also found some intresting topic is gay test online

    ReplyDelete