The need for efficient and reproducible development processes for sensor and perception systems is growing with their increased use in modern vehicles. Such processes can be achieved by using virtual test environments...The need for efficient and reproducible development processes for sensor and perception systems is growing with their increased use in modern vehicles. Such processes can be achieved by using virtual test environments and virtual sensor models. In the context of this, the present paper documents the development of a sensor model for depth estimation of virtual three-dimensional scenarios. For this purpose, the geometric and algorithmic principles of stereoscopic camera systems are recreated in a virtual form. The model is implemented as a subroutine in the Epic Games Unreal Engine, which is one of the most common Game Engines. Its architecture consists of several independent procedures that enable a local depth estimation, but also a reconstruction of a whole three-dimensional scenery. In addition, a separate programme for calibrating the model is presented. In addition to the basic principles, the architecture and the implementation, this work also documents the evaluation of the model created. It is shown that the model meets specifically defined requirements for real-time capability and the accuracy of the evaluation. Thus, it is suitable for the virtual testing of common algorithms and highly automated driving functions.展开更多
Mechatronic product development is a complex and multidisciplinary field that encompasses various domains, including, among others, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, control theory and software engineeri...Mechatronic product development is a complex and multidisciplinary field that encompasses various domains, including, among others, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, control theory and software engineering. The integration of artificial intelligence technologies is revolutionizing this domain, offering opportunities to enhance design processes, optimize performance, and leverage vast amounts of knowledge. However, human expertise remains essential in contextualizing information, considering trade-offs, and ensuring ethical and societal implications are taken into account. This paper therefore explores the existing literature regarding the application of artificial intelligence as a comprehensive database, decision support system, and modeling tool in mechatronic product development. It analyzes the benefits of artificial intelligence in enabling domain linking, replacing human expert knowledge, improving prediction quality, and enhancing intelligent control systems. For this purpose, a consideration of the V-cycle takes place, a standard in mechatronic product development. Along this, an initial assessment of the AI potential is shown and important categories of AI support are formed. This is followed by an examination of the literature with regard to these aspects. As a result, the integration of artificial intelligence in mechatronic product development opens new possibilities and transforms the way innovative mechatronic systems are conceived, designed, and deployed. However, the approaches are only taking place selectively, and a holistic view of the development processes and the potential for robust and context-sensitive artificial intelligence along them is still needed.展开更多
A novel parallel hybrid electrical urban bus (PHEUB) configuration consisting of an extra one-way clutch and an automatic mechanical transmission (AMT) is taken as the study subject. An energy management strategy comb...A novel parallel hybrid electrical urban bus (PHEUB) configuration consisting of an extra one-way clutch and an automatic mechanical transmission (AMT) is taken as the study subject. An energy management strategy combining a logic threshold approach and an instantaneous optimization algorithm is proposed for the investigated PHEUB. The objective of the energy management strategy is to achieve acceptable vehicle performance and drivability requirements while simultaneously maximizing the engine fuel consumption and maintaining the battery state of charge in its operation range at all times. Under the environment of Matlab/Simulink, a computer simulation model for the PHEUB is constructed by using the model building method combining theoretical analysis and bench test data. Simulation and experiment results for China Typical Bus Driving Schedule at Urban District (CTBDS_UD) are obtained, and the results indicate that the proposed control strategy not only controls the hybrid system efficiently but also improves the fuel economy significantly.展开更多
New approaches for testing of autonomous driving functions are using Virtual Reality (VR) to analyze the behavior of automated vehicles in various scenarios. The real time simulation of the environment sensors is stil...New approaches for testing of autonomous driving functions are using Virtual Reality (VR) to analyze the behavior of automated vehicles in various scenarios. The real time simulation of the environment sensors is still a challenge. In this paper, the conception, development and validation of an automotive radar raw data sensor model is shown. For the implementation, the Unreal VR engine developed by Epic Games is used. The model consists of a sending antenna, a propagation and a receiving antenna model. The microwave field propagation is simulated by a raytracing approach. It uses the method of shooting and bouncing rays to cover the field. A diffused scattering model is implemented to simulate the influence of rough structures on the reflection of rays. To parameterize the model, simple reflectors are used. The validation is done by a comparison of the measured radar patterns of pedestrians and cyclists with simulated values. The outcome is that the developed model shows valid results, even if it still has deficits in the context of performance. It shows that the bouncing of diffuse scattered field can only be done once. This produces inadequacies in some scenarios. In summary, the paper shows a high potential for real time simulation of radar sensors by using ray tracing in a virtual reality.展开更多
The need to find alternative urban mobility solutions for delivery and transport has led mobility companies to devote enormous resources for research-based solutions to increase vehicle safety. This paper documents a ...The need to find alternative urban mobility solutions for delivery and transport has led mobility companies to devote enormous resources for research-based solutions to increase vehicle safety. This paper documents a virtual approach to investigate the influences of different load states to the vehicle dynamic of light electric vehicle. A model basing on a three-dimensional </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">multibody system was used, which consists of five bodies. By applying methods of multibody modelling the generalized equations of motion were generated. To </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">include the behavior within the contact point between road and vehicle a</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> simplified tire models was added. The implementation of the equations allowed a first validation of the model via simulations. In a final modeling step the simulation results were interpreted in respect of plausibility. Afterwards, the model was simulated numerically to investigate different load states of the vehicle, by applying constant steering stimuli and variable velocities. In sum, the investigated model approach is useful to identify safety relevant parameters and shows the effects of load states to the vehicle dynamics. Furthermore, it behaves plausibly regarding general vehicle dynamics. These results prove </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the general usability of the model for the development controllers and esti</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">mators in driver assistances systems.展开更多
Wide-bandgap(WBG)devices such as Gallium-Nitride(GaN)High Electron Mobility Transistors(HEMTs)have become popular in the power electronics industry as they offer a lower switching loss,higher thermal capability and hi...Wide-bandgap(WBG)devices such as Gallium-Nitride(GaN)High Electron Mobility Transistors(HEMTs)have become popular in the power electronics industry as they offer a lower switching loss,higher thermal capability and higher power density than conventional silicon devices.As an attempt of applying WBG devices to the wireless charging technology,this paper adopts two different types of normally-off GaN HEMTs.One adopts the cascode structure provided by Transphorm Inc,operated under 800kHz to charge a battery pack on an electric scooter at 48 V/500W,with the air gap between the transceiver and receiver of~10cm.The other is enhancement-mode GaN HEMTs provided by GaN Systems Inc,operated at~6MHz to use one transceiver to charge multiple cell phones@~20W.Both of these chargers have no magnetic cores to reduce the cost and weight.Experimental results show both types of GaN HEMTs significantly increased the charging efficiency over conventional Si devices.Challenges of applying such fast-transition devices are discussed,e.g.,common-source inductance and the gate-drive-loop parasitic.展开更多
This paper presents an operational framework of unstructured decision-making approach involving quality function deployment(QFD)in an uncertain linguistic context.Firstly,QFD is extended to the multi-enterprise paradi...This paper presents an operational framework of unstructured decision-making approach involving quality function deployment(QFD)in an uncertain linguistic context.Firstly,QFD is extended to the multi-enterprise paradigm in a real-world manufacturing environment.Secondly,hesitant fuzzy linguistic term sets(HFLTSs),which facilitate the management and handling of information equivocality,are designed to construct a house of quality(HoQ)in the product planning process.The technique of computing with words is applied to bridge the gap between mechanisms of the human brain and machine processes with fuzzy linguistic term sets.Thirdly,a multi-enterprise QFD pattern is formulated as an unstructured decision-making problem for alternative infrastructure project selection in a manufacturing organization.The inter-relationships of cooperative partners are directly matched with a back propagation neural network(BPNN)to construct the multi-enterprise manufacturing network.The resilience of the manufacturing organization is considered by formulating an outranking method on the basis of HFLTSs to decide on infrastructure project alternatives.Finally,a real-world example,namely,the prototype manufacturing of an automatic transmission for a vehicle,is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed decision-making approach.展开更多
Despite the series-parallel hybrid electric vehicle inherits the performance advantages from both series and parallel hybrid electric vehicle, few researches about the series-parallel hybrid electric vehicle have been...Despite the series-parallel hybrid electric vehicle inherits the performance advantages from both series and parallel hybrid electric vehicle, few researches about the series-parallel hybrid electric vehicle have been revealed because of its complex construction and control strategy. In this paper, a series-parallel hybrid electric bus as well as its control strategy is revealed, and a control parameter optimization approach using the real-valued genetic algorithm is proposed. The optimization objective is to minimize the fuel consumption while sustain the battery state of charge, a tangent penalty function of state of charge(SOC) is embodied in the objective function to recast this multi-objective nonlinear optimization problem as a single linear optimization problem. For this strategy, the vehicle operating mode is switched based on the vehicle speed, and an "optimal line" typed strategy is designed for the parallel control. The optimization parameters include the speed threshold for mode switching, the highest state of charge allowed, the lowest state of charge allowed and the scale factor of the engine optimal torque to the engine maximum torque at a rotational speed. They are optimized through numerical experiments based on real-value genes, arithmetic crossover and mutation operators. The hybrid bus has been evaluated at the Chinese Transit Bus City Driving Cycle via road test, in which a control area network-based monitor system was used to trace the driving schedule. The test result shows that this approach is feasible for the control parameter optimization. This approach can be applied to not only the novel construction presented in this paper, but also other types of hybrid electric vehicles.展开更多
In order to regenerate electric power from the vibration excited by road unevenness,a novel energy- regenerative active suspension for vehicles was proposed with the description of its structure and its working princi...In order to regenerate electric power from the vibration excited by road unevenness,a novel energy- regenerative active suspension for vehicles was proposed with the description of its structure and its working principle with two modes switched in different operating conditions.Then,the novel active system was modeled and simulated to show the performance improvement in ride comfort in its electrical motor mode.Finally,the performance tests of the actuator prototype were carried out,which proves its capability for damping in its regenerative braking mode.The research results can provide useful guidance for the similar electrical active suspension design and development.展开更多
Recently, virtual realities and simulations play important roles in the development of automated driving functionalities. By an appropriate abstraction, they help to design, investigate and communicate real traffic sc...Recently, virtual realities and simulations play important roles in the development of automated driving functionalities. By an appropriate abstraction, they help to design, investigate and communicate real traffic scenario complexity. Especially, for edge cases investigations of interactions between vulnerable road users (VRU) and highly automated driving functions, valid virtual models are essential for the quality of results. The aim of this study is to measure, process and integrate real human movement behaviour into a virtual test environment for highly automated vehicle functionalities. The overall system consists of a georeferenced virtual city model and a vehicle dynamics model, including probabilistic sensor descriptions. By motion capture hardware, real humanoid behaviour is applied to a virtual human avatar in the test environment. Through retargeting methods, which enable the independency of avatar and person under test (PuT) dimensions, the virtual avatar diversity is increased. To verify the biomechanical behaviour of the virtual avatars, a qualitative study is performed, which funds on a representative movement sequence. The results confirm the functionality of the used methodology and enable PuT independence control of the virtual avatars in real-time.展开更多
文摘The need for efficient and reproducible development processes for sensor and perception systems is growing with their increased use in modern vehicles. Such processes can be achieved by using virtual test environments and virtual sensor models. In the context of this, the present paper documents the development of a sensor model for depth estimation of virtual three-dimensional scenarios. For this purpose, the geometric and algorithmic principles of stereoscopic camera systems are recreated in a virtual form. The model is implemented as a subroutine in the Epic Games Unreal Engine, which is one of the most common Game Engines. Its architecture consists of several independent procedures that enable a local depth estimation, but also a reconstruction of a whole three-dimensional scenery. In addition, a separate programme for calibrating the model is presented. In addition to the basic principles, the architecture and the implementation, this work also documents the evaluation of the model created. It is shown that the model meets specifically defined requirements for real-time capability and the accuracy of the evaluation. Thus, it is suitable for the virtual testing of common algorithms and highly automated driving functions.
文摘Mechatronic product development is a complex and multidisciplinary field that encompasses various domains, including, among others, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, control theory and software engineering. The integration of artificial intelligence technologies is revolutionizing this domain, offering opportunities to enhance design processes, optimize performance, and leverage vast amounts of knowledge. However, human expertise remains essential in contextualizing information, considering trade-offs, and ensuring ethical and societal implications are taken into account. This paper therefore explores the existing literature regarding the application of artificial intelligence as a comprehensive database, decision support system, and modeling tool in mechatronic product development. It analyzes the benefits of artificial intelligence in enabling domain linking, replacing human expert knowledge, improving prediction quality, and enhancing intelligent control systems. For this purpose, a consideration of the V-cycle takes place, a standard in mechatronic product development. Along this, an initial assessment of the AI potential is shown and important categories of AI support are formed. This is followed by an examination of the literature with regard to these aspects. As a result, the integration of artificial intelligence in mechatronic product development opens new possibilities and transforms the way innovative mechatronic systems are conceived, designed, and deployed. However, the approaches are only taking place selectively, and a holistic view of the development processes and the potential for robust and context-sensitive artificial intelligence along them is still needed.
基金Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission, China (No. 033012017).
文摘A novel parallel hybrid electrical urban bus (PHEUB) configuration consisting of an extra one-way clutch and an automatic mechanical transmission (AMT) is taken as the study subject. An energy management strategy combining a logic threshold approach and an instantaneous optimization algorithm is proposed for the investigated PHEUB. The objective of the energy management strategy is to achieve acceptable vehicle performance and drivability requirements while simultaneously maximizing the engine fuel consumption and maintaining the battery state of charge in its operation range at all times. Under the environment of Matlab/Simulink, a computer simulation model for the PHEUB is constructed by using the model building method combining theoretical analysis and bench test data. Simulation and experiment results for China Typical Bus Driving Schedule at Urban District (CTBDS_UD) are obtained, and the results indicate that the proposed control strategy not only controls the hybrid system efficiently but also improves the fuel economy significantly.
文摘New approaches for testing of autonomous driving functions are using Virtual Reality (VR) to analyze the behavior of automated vehicles in various scenarios. The real time simulation of the environment sensors is still a challenge. In this paper, the conception, development and validation of an automotive radar raw data sensor model is shown. For the implementation, the Unreal VR engine developed by Epic Games is used. The model consists of a sending antenna, a propagation and a receiving antenna model. The microwave field propagation is simulated by a raytracing approach. It uses the method of shooting and bouncing rays to cover the field. A diffused scattering model is implemented to simulate the influence of rough structures on the reflection of rays. To parameterize the model, simple reflectors are used. The validation is done by a comparison of the measured radar patterns of pedestrians and cyclists with simulated values. The outcome is that the developed model shows valid results, even if it still has deficits in the context of performance. It shows that the bouncing of diffuse scattered field can only be done once. This produces inadequacies in some scenarios. In summary, the paper shows a high potential for real time simulation of radar sensors by using ray tracing in a virtual reality.
文摘The need to find alternative urban mobility solutions for delivery and transport has led mobility companies to devote enormous resources for research-based solutions to increase vehicle safety. This paper documents a virtual approach to investigate the influences of different load states to the vehicle dynamic of light electric vehicle. A model basing on a three-dimensional </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">multibody system was used, which consists of five bodies. By applying methods of multibody modelling the generalized equations of motion were generated. To </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">include the behavior within the contact point between road and vehicle a</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> simplified tire models was added. The implementation of the equations allowed a first validation of the model via simulations. In a final modeling step the simulation results were interpreted in respect of plausibility. Afterwards, the model was simulated numerically to investigate different load states of the vehicle, by applying constant steering stimuli and variable velocities. In sum, the investigated model approach is useful to identify safety relevant parameters and shows the effects of load states to the vehicle dynamics. Furthermore, it behaves plausibly regarding general vehicle dynamics. These results prove </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the general usability of the model for the development controllers and esti</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">mators in driver assistances systems.
文摘Wide-bandgap(WBG)devices such as Gallium-Nitride(GaN)High Electron Mobility Transistors(HEMTs)have become popular in the power electronics industry as they offer a lower switching loss,higher thermal capability and higher power density than conventional silicon devices.As an attempt of applying WBG devices to the wireless charging technology,this paper adopts two different types of normally-off GaN HEMTs.One adopts the cascode structure provided by Transphorm Inc,operated under 800kHz to charge a battery pack on an electric scooter at 48 V/500W,with the air gap between the transceiver and receiver of~10cm.The other is enhancement-mode GaN HEMTs provided by GaN Systems Inc,operated at~6MHz to use one transceiver to charge multiple cell phones@~20W.Both of these chargers have no magnetic cores to reduce the cost and weight.Experimental results show both types of GaN HEMTs significantly increased the charging efficiency over conventional Si devices.Challenges of applying such fast-transition devices are discussed,e.g.,common-source inductance and the gate-drive-loop parasitic.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2016YFD0700605)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(51875151)Hefei Municipal Natural Science Foundation(2021029)。
文摘This paper presents an operational framework of unstructured decision-making approach involving quality function deployment(QFD)in an uncertain linguistic context.Firstly,QFD is extended to the multi-enterprise paradigm in a real-world manufacturing environment.Secondly,hesitant fuzzy linguistic term sets(HFLTSs),which facilitate the management and handling of information equivocality,are designed to construct a house of quality(HoQ)in the product planning process.The technique of computing with words is applied to bridge the gap between mechanisms of the human brain and machine processes with fuzzy linguistic term sets.Thirdly,a multi-enterprise QFD pattern is formulated as an unstructured decision-making problem for alternative infrastructure project selection in a manufacturing organization.The inter-relationships of cooperative partners are directly matched with a back propagation neural network(BPNN)to construct the multi-enterprise manufacturing network.The resilience of the manufacturing organization is considered by formulating an outranking method on the basis of HFLTSs to decide on infrastructure project alternatives.Finally,a real-world example,namely,the prototype manufacturing of an automatic transmission for a vehicle,is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed decision-making approach.
基金supported by National Hi-tech Research and Development Program of China (863 Program, Grant No. 2006AA11A127)
文摘Despite the series-parallel hybrid electric vehicle inherits the performance advantages from both series and parallel hybrid electric vehicle, few researches about the series-parallel hybrid electric vehicle have been revealed because of its complex construction and control strategy. In this paper, a series-parallel hybrid electric bus as well as its control strategy is revealed, and a control parameter optimization approach using the real-valued genetic algorithm is proposed. The optimization objective is to minimize the fuel consumption while sustain the battery state of charge, a tangent penalty function of state of charge(SOC) is embodied in the objective function to recast this multi-objective nonlinear optimization problem as a single linear optimization problem. For this strategy, the vehicle operating mode is switched based on the vehicle speed, and an "optimal line" typed strategy is designed for the parallel control. The optimization parameters include the speed threshold for mode switching, the highest state of charge allowed, the lowest state of charge allowed and the scale factor of the engine optimal torque to the engine maximum torque at a rotational speed. They are optimized through numerical experiments based on real-value genes, arithmetic crossover and mutation operators. The hybrid bus has been evaluated at the Chinese Transit Bus City Driving Cycle via road test, in which a control area network-based monitor system was used to trace the driving schedule. The test result shows that this approach is feasible for the control parameter optimization. This approach can be applied to not only the novel construction presented in this paper, but also other types of hybrid electric vehicles.
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.50575141)
文摘In order to regenerate electric power from the vibration excited by road unevenness,a novel energy- regenerative active suspension for vehicles was proposed with the description of its structure and its working principle with two modes switched in different operating conditions.Then,the novel active system was modeled and simulated to show the performance improvement in ride comfort in its electrical motor mode.Finally,the performance tests of the actuator prototype were carried out,which proves its capability for damping in its regenerative braking mode.The research results can provide useful guidance for the similar electrical active suspension design and development.
文摘Recently, virtual realities and simulations play important roles in the development of automated driving functionalities. By an appropriate abstraction, they help to design, investigate and communicate real traffic scenario complexity. Especially, for edge cases investigations of interactions between vulnerable road users (VRU) and highly automated driving functions, valid virtual models are essential for the quality of results. The aim of this study is to measure, process and integrate real human movement behaviour into a virtual test environment for highly automated vehicle functionalities. The overall system consists of a georeferenced virtual city model and a vehicle dynamics model, including probabilistic sensor descriptions. By motion capture hardware, real humanoid behaviour is applied to a virtual human avatar in the test environment. Through retargeting methods, which enable the independency of avatar and person under test (PuT) dimensions, the virtual avatar diversity is increased. To verify the biomechanical behaviour of the virtual avatars, a qualitative study is performed, which funds on a representative movement sequence. The results confirm the functionality of the used methodology and enable PuT independence control of the virtual avatars in real-time.
