Mercedes 1998 Annual Report Download - page 55

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RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
51
The development of innovative products with high
quality, comfort, safety, efficiency and environmental
compatibility – this is the main challenge for the
more than 36,000 employees engaged in research and
development activities at DaimlerChrysler.
CRADLE OF KNOWLEDGE. The tasks of the Research and
Technology Division consist largely of supporting the other
divisions in the development of their technology strategies,
ensuring the integration of innovation and technology
management and creating the technological basis for products
with a competitive edge. Our areas of research include micro-
electronics, sensor technology, telecommunications and data
processing. Here are a few examples of key projects from these
areas, in which we have made significant progress in 1998.
STEER-BY-WIRE. Our Research and Technology staff has
developed a completely new approach to motor vehicle steering
that eliminates the need for a mechanical connection between
the steering wheel and the wheels. Because all commands are
electronically transmitted, this innovative concept is called
steer-by-wire. Using this technology, the steering wheel
functions exclusively as an input and feedback instrument for
the driver. The optimum position of the wheels is calculated
using appropriate control algorithms reflecting the driver’s
desires as well as vehicle and road conditions and is
implemented with corresponding electronic interventions.
The necessary control unit concepts were designed with the aid
of comprehensive driving dynamics simulations and have
already been tested in a variety of research vehicles.
SAFE DATA BUS. The prerequisite for true drive-by-wire
systems, which function without any mechanical or hydraulic
backup, is an absolutely reliable electronic system. With the
“TTP Data Bus”, DaimlerChrysler researchers developed such a
system on a solid scientific basis.
TTP stands for Time Triggered Protocol. This means the data
bus accepts data that sensors or control units want to send to
other units only in exactly defined time segments. At the same
time, all components of the system are duplicated. In this way
TTP, guarantees the highest degree of safety by recognizing
malfunctions and data transmission errors. A brake-by-wire
research vehicle equipped with the TTP data bus and electronic
brakes has been demonstrating its reliability for several
months.
INNOVATIVE ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS. Autonomous technical
assistance systems open up a broad spectrum of applications,
above all in the areas of safety, comfort and new vehicle and
system functions. DaimlerChrysler has already introduced such
systems - the dynamic DynAPS autopilot system and the
Distronic distance control system.
Research and Technology is developing a number of other
assistance systems and demonstrated their technical feasibility
in test vehicles. Among them are systems to recognize road
conditions and traffic signs, stop-and-go automation and
systems for automatically staying in lane. The early involvement
of potential users in tests helped identify problems relating to
the acceptance of such electronic assistants.
MOBILE WORKSTATION. How can drivers best enjoy the benefits
these assistance systems provide? The Drive&Work research
project is dedicated to exploring the possibilities. For instance,
if a vehicle could move without driver intervention in a traffic
jam, the driver’s seat could become a mobile office.
In 1998, we introduced a modified steering wheel for this
purpose; its design incorporates a trackball and keyboard. As
long as the stop-and-go automation is activated, the driver can
turn his or her attention to office applications. As soon as the
system prompts the driver to resume driving functions, the
office application fades out and the instrument panel reappears.
Simulated driving studies have demonstrated that the system
does not have any adverse effects on driver reaction.
ELECTRONIC COUPLING FOR TRUCKS. The objective of the
European joint research project “Chauffeur”, which was
initiated by Daimler-Benz, is to prepare for the introduction of
automatic driving functions in highway traffic.
DaimlerChrysler has developed the “electronic hitch” for this
purpose. It links two seven-and-a-half-ton trucks with each
other without any physical connection. The vehicle in front is
steered as usual, while the second one follows the first
automatically at a speed-dependent distance of between six and
14 meters. The new system results in significant savings of fuel
and highway space.
The electronic hitch has successfully passed first field tests on
the “Brenner Autobahn”. Additional tests are to follow in the
near future on the regular routes of a large European trucking
company.