Browse Topic: Comfort

Items (2,048)

Real-Time PMV Thermal Comfort Index Observer Based on Artificial Neural Networks for Infrared Heating Panel Control

2025-01-8139

04/01/2025

Improving electric vehicles’ range can be achieved by integrating infrared heating panels (IRPs) into the existing Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning system to reduce battery energy consumption while maintaining thermal comfort. Localized comfort control enabled by IRPs is facilitated by thermal comfort index feedback to the control strategy, such as the well-known Predicted Mean Vote (PMV). PMV is obtained by solving nonlinear equations iteratively, which is computationally expensive for vehicle control units and may not be feasible for real-time control. This paper presents the design of real-time capable thermal comfort observer based on feedforward artificial neural network (ANN), utilized for estimating the local PMV extended with IRP radiative heating effects. The vehicle under consideration is equipped with 12 heating panels (zones) organized into six controller clusters that rely on the average PMV feedback from its respective zone provided by a dedicated ANN. Each of six

Cvok, Ivan, Yerramilli-Rao, Isha, Miklauzic, Filip

The Model Predictive Control of Dual-Chamber Active Air Suspension Based on Road Preview

2025-01-8789

04/01/2025

Adverse weather conditions such as rain and snow, as well as heavy load transportation, can cause varying degrees of damage to road surfaces, and untimely road maintenance often results in potholes. Perception sensors equipped on intelligent vehicles can identify road surface conditions in advance, allowing each wheel’s suspension to actively adjust based on the road information. This paper presents an active suspension control strategy based on road preview information, utilizing a newly designed dual-chamber active air suspension system. It addresses the issue of point cloud stratification caused by vehicle body vibrations in onboard LiDAR data. The point cloud is processed through segmentation, filtering, and registration to extract real-time road roughness information, which serves as preview information for the suspension control system. The MPC algorithm is applied to actively adjust the nonlinear stiffness and damping of the suspension’s dual-chamber air springs, enhancing

Dong, Fuxin, Shen, Yanhua, Wang, Kaidi, Liu, Zuyang, Qian, Shuo

A Co-Simulation Methodology for Predicting Occupant Thermal Comfort for Cabin Cooldown and Warmup Scenarios

2025-01-8188

04/01/2025

Achieving and maintaining thermal comfort for vehicle cabin cool down and warm up is a challenging task. Keeping the passenger comfortable in all driving scenarios needs a properly sized system. Predicting thermal comfort in a virtual environment consisting of thermal system and vehicle cabin gives us the opportunity to size the system components to maintain thermal comfort. These studies could then be extended to develop comfort-based control strategies that help us achieve a system optimized for performance. The present study focuses on developing a co-simulation methodology for predicting thermal comfort in a vehicle for hot and cold ambient conditions. Key to proper system sizing would be to capture the cabin thermal loads accurately. Traditionally, either a 1D or 3D cabin model is used for assessment of thermal comfort. Both these cabin models have their own applications and limitations. A 1D-3D cabin model along with the developed co-simulation methodology in this work addresses

Balasubramanian, Sudharsan, Natarajan, Shankar

Artificial Intelligence Technique Applied to Semi-Active Vibration Control in Vehicle Suspension System

2025-01-8270

04/01/2025

This study investigates the influence of magnetorheological (MR) dampers in semi-active suspension systems (SASSs) on ride comfort, vehicle stability, and overall performance. Semi-active suspension systems achieve greater flexibility and efficacy by combining MR dampers with the advantages of active and passive suspension systems. The study aims to measure the benefits of MR dampers in improving ride comfort, vehicle stability, and overall system performance. The dynamic system model meets all required performance criteria. This study demonstrates that the proposed artificial intelligence approach, including a fuzzy neural networks proportional-integral-derivative (FNN-PID) controller, significantly enhances key performance criteria when tested under various road profiles. The control performance requirements in engineering systems are evaluated in the frequency and time domains. A quarter-car model with two degrees of freedom (2 DOF) was simulated using MATLAB/Simulink to assess the

M.Faragallah, Mohamed, Metered, Hassan, Abdelghany, M.A., Essam, Mahmoud A.

Optimal Torque Vectoring Control for Autonomous Electric Vehicles Considering Ride Comfort

2025-01-8310

04/01/2025

This study introduces an innovative torque vectoring control strategy designed to enhance ride comfort in autonomous electric vehicles. The approach seamlessly integrates steering and rear axle force control within a model predictive control (MPC) framework, enabling real-time optimization of comfort and handling performance. The proposed control method is applied to a two-rear-motor vehicle model, where the MPC algorithm adjusts steering angles and tire forces to minimize discomfort caused by yaw rate and lateral acceleration. Simulation results from a lane-change scenario demonstrate significant improvements in comfort metrics compared to conventional torque vectoring control strategies. The findings highlight the ability of the proposed method to significantly enhance ride comfort without compromising vehicle dynamics. This integrated and adaptive control strategy offers a promising solution for improving passenger satisfaction in autonomous electric vehicles, with potential

Zhao, Bolin, Lou, Baichuan, He, Xianqi, Xue, Wanying, Lv, Chen

A Deep Learning Framework for Time Series Prediction of Passenger Motion Sickness Based on Vehicle Dynamics Data

2025-01-8104

04/01/2025

Technology development for enhancing passenger experience has gained attention in the field of autonomous vehicle (AV) development. A new possibility for occupants of AVs is performing productive tasks as they are relieved from the task of driving. However, passengers who execute non-driving-related tasks are more prone to experiencing motion sickness (MS). To understand the factors that cause MS, a tool that can predict the occurrence and intensity of MS can be advantageous. However, there is currently a lack of computational tools that predict passenger's MS state. Furthermore, the lack of real-time physiological data from vehicle occupants limits the types of sensory data that can be used for estimation under realistic implementations. To address this, a computational model was developed to predict the MS score for passengers in real time solely based on the vehicle's dynamic state. The model leverages self-reported MS scores and vehicle dynamics time series data from a previous

Kolachalama, Srikanth, Sousa Schulman, Daniel, Kerr, Bradley, Yin, Siyuan, Wachsman, Michael Ben, Pienkny, Jedidiah Ethan Shapiro, Jalgaonkar, Nishant M., Awtar, Shorya

Sensory-Driven Design Method for Personalizing Ride Comfort Tailored to Individual Vibration Perception

2025-01-8273

04/01/2025

This study aims to develop a design method that tailors the ride comfort and design variables of vehicle components according to individual differences in vibration perception. In conventional development, variations in vibration perception have been recognized; however, quantification methods remain undeveloped, preventing designs from being adapted to individual driver perceptions. The two unresolved problems include the uniformization of vibration perception in sensory performance modeling, which predicts sensory scores from vehicle vibrations, and design approaches that focus on minimizing vehicle vibrations without considering vibration perception. First, the authors’ previous study quantified the existence of individual differences in vibration perception through sensory scores obtained from ride simulator experiments involving 24 non-expert drivers using vibrations derived from a uniform vibration perception. Hierarchical clustering identified four perception groups; however

Kikuchi, Hironobu, Inaba, Kazuaki

A Path Tracking Control Method Considering Vehicle Stability and Road Curvature

2025-01-8038

04/01/2025

The current research landscape in path tracking control predominantly focuses on enhancing tracking accuracy, often overlooking the critical aspect of passenger comfort. To address this gap, we propose a novel path tracking control method that integrates vehicle stability indicators and road curvature variations to elevate passenger comfort. The core contributions are threefold: firstly, we conduct comprehensive vehicle dynamics modeling and analysis to identify key parameters that significantly impact ride comfort. By integrating human comfort metrics with vehicle maneuverability indices, we determine the optimal range of dynamics parameters for maximizing passenger comfort during driving. Secondly, inspired by human driving behavior, we design a path tracking controller that incorporates an anti-saturation algorithm to stabilize tracking errors and a curvature optimization algorithm to mimic human driving patterns, thereby enhancing comfort. Lastly, comparative simulations with two

Lu, Jun, Zeng, Dequan, Hu, Yiming, Wang, Xiaoliang, Liu, Dengcheng, Jiang, Zhiqiang

Study of Indian Population’s Eye Point to Adapt Indian Vehicle Design to Indian Anthropometry for Accident Risk Mitigation

2025-01-8665

04/01/2025

India has one of the highest accident rates in the world. Quite a few accidents have been attributed to poor driver visibility. Driver visibility is an important factor that can help mitigate the risk of accidents. The optimal visibility of in-vehicle controls is also essential for improving driver experience. Optimized driver visibility improves driving comfort and gives confidence to the driver, ensuring the safety of drivers and subsequently that of pedestrians. Driver visibility is an important consideration for vehicle occupant packaging and SAE has defined various standards and regulations for the same. These guidelines are defined considering American anthropometry, helping OEMs create global vehicles with uniform checkpoints. However, due to anthropometric differences, a need was felt to capture and analyze Indian-specific eyellipse and eye points. To measure the eye point of the user in a controlled environment, the interiors of a passenger vehicle were simulated using a

P H, Salman, Kalra, Prerita, Rawat, Ashish, Sharma, Deepak, Singh, Ashwinder

Enhancement in Cabin Comfort and Overall Energy Utilization of an Electric Reverse Trike Car by Optimizing the System Layout

2025-01-8150

04/01/2025

The rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), driven by stricter emissions norms, is transforming both urban and rural mobility. However, significant challenges remain, particularly concerning the charging infrastructure and battery technology. The limited availability of charging stations and the reliance on current high-energy-density cells restrict the overall effectiveness of the e-mobility ecosystem. These constraints lead to shorter vehicle ranges and longer charging times, contributing to range anxiety—one of the most critical barriers to widespread EV adoption. Adding to these challenges, auxiliary systems, especially air-conditioning (AC) systems, significantly impact energy consumption. Among all auxiliary systems, the AC system is the most energy-intensive, often exacerbating range anxiety by reducing the distance an EV can travel on a single charge. Hence, it is essential to focus on enhancing the efficiency of AC systems. This involves redefining and optimizing system

Sen, Somnath, Jadhav, Yash, Singh, Karamjeet, Sorte, Swapnil, Anwar, Md Tahir

Impact of Connected and Automated Vehicles on Longitudinal and Lateral Performance of Heterogeneous Traffic Flow in Shared Autonomy on Two-Lane Highways

2025-01-8098

04/01/2025

Intelligent transportation systems and connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) are advancing rapidly, though not yet fully widespread. Consequently, traditional human-driven vehicles (HDVs), CAVs, and human-driven connected and automated vehicles (HD-CAVs) will coexist on roads for the foreseeable future. Simultaneously, car-following behaviors in equilibrium and discretionary lane-changing behaviors make up the most common highway operations, which seriously affect traffic stability, efficiency and safety. Therefore, it’s necessary to analyze the impact of CAV technologies on both longitudinal and lateral performance of heterogeneous traffic flow. This paper extends longitudinal car-following models based on the intelligent driver model and lateral lane-changing models using the quintic polynomial curve to account for different vehicle types, considering human factors and cooperative adaptive cruise control. Then, this paper incorporates CAV penetration rates, shared autonomy rates

Wang, Tianyi, Guo, Qiyuan, He, Chong, Li, Hao, Xu, Yiming, Wang, Yangyang, Jiao, Junfeng

Integrated Nonlinear Observer and Prescribed Performance Control for a Four In-Wheel Motor-Driven Electric Vehicles Based on Stability Boundary and Road Information

2025-01-8298

04/01/2025

To effectively improve the performance of chassis control of a four in-wheel motor (IWM)-driven electric vehicles (EVs), especially in combing nonlinear observer and chassis control for improving road handling and ride comfort, is a challenging task for the IWM-driven EVs. Simultaneously, inaccurate state-based control and uncertainty with system input, are always existing, e.g., variable control boundary, varying road input or control parameters. Due to the higher fatality rate caused by variable factors, how to precisely chose and enforce the reasonable chassis prescribed performance control strategy of IWM-driven EVs become a hot topic in both academia and industry. To issue the above mentioned, the paper proposes a novel observer-based prescribed performance control to improve IWM-driven EVs chassis performance under the double lane change steering. Firstly, a nonlinear nine degree-of-freedom of full-car model is developed to describe vehicle chassis dynamics, and the proposed

Wang, Zhenfeng, Long, Jiarong, Li, Shengchong, Zhang, Xiaoyang, Zhao, Binggen

Optimal Investigation About Cab of BSC Racing Car Based on Ergonomics

2025-01-8669

04/01/2025

In the Baja race, off-road vehicles need to run under a variety of real and complex off-road conditions such as pebble road, shell pit, stone bad road, hump, water puddle, etc. In the process of this high-intensity and high-concentration race, the unoptimized design of the cab in ergonomics will easily cause the driver's visual and handling fatigue, so that the driver's attention is not concentrated. Cause the occurrence of security accidents. Moreover, lower back pain, sciatic nerve discomfort, lumbar spine diseases and other occupational diseases are basically caused by uncomfortable driving posture and unreasonable control matching, and these have a lot to do with unreasonable ergonomic design. In order to solve these problems, firstly establish the human body model of the driver, and then build the BSC racing car model by using 3D modeling software Catia. Then use the ergonomics simulation software Jack to analyze the visibility, accessibility and comfort. Based on the simulation

Liu, Yuzhou, Liu, Silang

Active Suspension System Optimal Control Strategy Considering Vehicle Ride Comfort and Road Maintenance Capability

2025-01-8277

04/01/2025

The suspension system could transmit and filter the forces between the body and road surface, which affects vehicle ride comfort and road maintenance capability. Compared to traditional passive and semi-active suspension, Active Suspension Systems (ASS) could automatically adjust the suspension stiffness, damping force, and body height according to changes in the vehicle's load distribution, travelling speed, and braking action through the addition of a power source such as a linear motor. Although the existing advanced control methods could help to effectively improve the driving quality of vehicles equipped with ASS, the conflict between ride comfort and road maintenance capacity is still a difficult problem to be solved. Therefore, an Active Suspension System optimal control strategy considering vehicle ride comfort and road maintenance capability is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a quarter ASS model and a road model are respectively developed based on the system dynamics

Zhu, Bing, Zhang, Chaohui, Sun, Jihang, Wang, Shiwei, Ding, Shuwei, Li, Lun, Chen, Zhicheng

Modeling and Evaluation of FSAE Vehicle Cockpit Ergonomics

2025-01-8610

04/01/2025

This paper seeks to define an analytical approach to ergonomic cockpit design for SAE formula style vehicles. The proposed approach uses a data driven driver model based on RAMSIS ergonomic FEA that considers the discomfort, fatigue, and force availability to evaluate cockpit designs that are generated considering defined constraint inputs, such as driver gender and size. The multifunctional model is applicable to various settings of vehicle design and is tuned toward proving performance in operation tasks, as well as setting the groundwork for a multi-variable optimization to determine the preferred driver controls positions for minimum effort and fatigue. In this initial research, RAMSIS ergonomic software is used to generate fatigue and joint discomfort data related to individual joint angles. Anthropometric data is used to calculate the proportional limb lengths from an individual’s gender and height percentile. The optimization function works by selecting a range of driver

Mayor, J.Rhett, Bezaitis, Megan, Oromi, Negar, Winters, Emily, Repp, Alex

Simulation and Parameter Optimization of Commercial Vehicle Cab Suspension System

2025-01-8268

04/01/2025

Taking a commercial vehicle cab suspension system as the research focus, a rigid-flexible coupled dynamics model was established based on the nonlinear characteristics of the integrated damper air spring and bushings. Time-domain vibration acceleration signals were acquired at the connection points between the frame, cab, and suspension. The vibration signals at the frame and suspension connection points were input into the simulation model, where the vibration responses at the cab and suspension connection points were calculated and analyzed using the established cab suspension system model. The accuracy of the model was verified by comparing the simulation results with experimental data. The established cab suspension system model was further used to evaluate human vibration comfort within the cab, following national standards for subjective human perception. A piecewise polynomial function was employed to fit the stiffness-damping characteristics of the integrated damper air spring

Hao, Qi, Zhu, Yuntao, Sun, Wen, Sun, Kai, Sun, Zhiyong, Huang, Yu, Zhen, Ran, Shangguan, Wen-Bin

Vibration Mitigation of Semi-Active Vehicle Suspension System Incorporating Magnetorheological Damper Using Hybrid Control

2025-01-8269

04/01/2025

Magnetorheological (MR) dampers, known for their remarkable dependability and cost-effectiveness, have established themselves as prime semi-active vibration control devices in engineering systems. MR dampers are categorized as adaptive devices because their features may be readily adjusted by applying a regulated voltage signal. Their ability to offer superior performance while mitigating the drawbacks of fully active actuators underscores their practical significance. This research is to investigate some system hybrid controllers using a combination state derivative feedback and a linear-quadratic regulator for use in conjunction with the damper controller of a semi-active suspension of a Quarter vehicle model to improve ride comfort and vehicle stability. The mathematical model of 3 degrees of freedom for semi-active suspension using MR dampers will be derived and simulated using MATLAB and SIMULINK software. In order to quantify the effectiveness of the suggested control strategies

M.Faragallah, Mohamed, Metered, Hassan, Essam, Mahmoud A.

Fuzzy Sliding Mode Control of Intelligent Electric Vehicles Based on Phase Plane Stability Domain Boundaries

2025-01-8802

04/01/2025

In order to effectively improve the chassis handling stability and driving safety of intelligent electric vehicles (IEVs), especially in combing nonlinear observer and chassis control for improving road handling. Simultaneously, uncertainty with system input, are always existing, e.g., variable control boundary, varying road input or control parameters. Due to the higher fatality rate caused by variable factors, how to precisely chose and enforce the reasonable chassis prescribed performance control strategy of IEVs become a hot topic in both academia and industry. To issue the above mentioned, a fuzzy sliding mode control method based on phase plane stability domain is proposed to enhance the vehicle’s chassis performance during complex driving scenarios. Firstly, a two-degree-of-freedom vehicle dynamics model, accounting for tire non-linearity, was established. Secondly, combing with phase plane theory, the stability domain boundary of vehicle yaw rate and side-slip phase plane based

Liao, Yinsheng, Wang, Zhenfeng, Guo, Fenghuan, Deng, Weili, Zhang, Zhijie, Zhao, Binggen, Zhao, Gaoming

Tire Wear Life Prediction Using Machine Learning Technique

2025-01-8757

04/01/2025

As global warming and environmental problems are becoming more serious, tires are required to achieve a high level of performance trade-offs, such as low rolling resistance, wet braking performance, driving stability, and ride comfort, while minimizing wear, noise, and weight. However, predicting tire wear life, which is influenced by both vehicle and tire characteristics, is technically challenging so practical prediction method has long been awaited. Therefore, we propose an experimental-based tire wear life prediction method using measured tire characteristics and the wear volume formula of polymer materials. This method achieves practical accuracy for use in the early stages of vehicle development without the need for time-consuming and costly real vehicle tests. However, the need for improved quietness and compliance with dust regulations due to vehicle electrification requires more accuracy, leading to an increase in cases requiring judgment through real vehicle tests. To address

Ando, Takashi

A Study of Tire Handling and Ride Performance Map According to Tire Tread Wear State

2025-01-8760

04/01/2025

The electric vehicle market, vehicle ECU computing power, and connected electronic vehicle control systems continue to grow in the automotive industry. The results of these advanced and expanded vehicle technologies will provide customers with increased cost savings, safety, and ride quality benefits. One of these beneficial technologies is the tire wearing prediction. The improved prediction of tire wear will advise a customer the best time to change tires. It is expected that this prediction algorithms will be essential part for both the optimization of the chassis control systems and ADAS systems to respond to changed tire performance that varies with a tire’s wear condition. This trend is growing, with many automakers interested in developing advanced technologies to improve product quality and safety. This study is aimed at analyzing the handling and ride comfort characteristics of the tire according to the depth of tire pattern wear change. The handing and ride comfort

Kim, Changsu, Kwon, Seungmin, Sung, Dae-Un, Ryu, Yonghyun, Ko, Younghee

User Experience for Digitalized and Smart Cockpits and Cabins of Next-gen Mobility

EPR2025006

03/31/2025

This SAE Edge Research Report explores advancements in next-generation mobility, focusing on digitalized and smart cockpits and cabins. It offers literature review, examining current customer experiences with traditional vehicles and future mobility expectations. Key topics include integrating smart cockpit and cabin technologies, addressing challenges in customer and user experience (UX) in digital environments, and discussing strategies for transitioning from traditional vehicles to electric ones while educating customers. User Experience for Digitalized and Smart Cockpits and Cabins of Next-gen Mobility covers both on- and off-vehicle experiences, analyzing complexities in developing and deploying digital products and services with effective user interfaces. Emphasis is placed on meeting UX requirements, gaining user acceptance, and avoiding trust issues due to poor UX. Additionally, the report concludes with suggestions for improving UX in digital products and services for future

Abdul Hamid, Umar Zakir

Experimental Methodology for Tire Ride Analysis Based on Outdoor Cleat Testing

10-09-03-0023

03/21/2025

Handling and ride comfort optimization are key vehicle design challenges. To analyze vehicle performance and investigate the dynamics of the vehicle and its subcomponents, we rely heavily on robust experimental data. The current article proposes an outdoor cleat test methodology to characterize tire dynamics. Compared to indoor procedures, it provides an effective tire operating environment, including the suspensions and the vehicle chassis motion influence. In addition, it overcomes the main limitation of existing outdoor procedures, the need for dedicated cleat test tracks, by using a set of removable cleats of different sizes. A passenger vehicle was equipped with sensors including an inertial measurement unit, a noncontact vehicle speed sensor, and a wheel force transducer, providing a setup suitable to perform both a handling test routine and the designed cleat procedure, aimed at ride testing and analysis. Thus, the outdoor cleat test data were compared with indoor test

Gravante, Gerardo, Napolitano Dell’Annunziata, Guido, Barbaro, Mario, Farroni, Flavio

The Logistic Lasso and Ridge Regression Algorithm-Based Airline Passenger Satisfaction Prediction Model

2025-01-7168

03/19/2025

Airline passenger satisfaction is important for airline operation service quality management. When airline companies carry out advertisement campaigns or plan a marketing strategy, the resources and budgets are not unlimited. Thus, an airline can only focus on improving a few factors that drive passenger satisfaction. To understand the key satisfies for the young and the old adults, respectively, we leverage five airline passenger satisfaction methods to identify the key factors that explain the airline service satisfaction of different passengers. In particular, we investigate and compare the ridge and the Lasso regularization in terms of the resulting model’s sparsity and computational efficiency. The top three important factors that influence the old’s satisfaction are departure and arrival time convenience, legroom service, and baggage handling. Our findings indicate that the young people place a higher value on entertainment, while the old adults place a higher value on usefulness

Ma, Jie, Hu, Song, Wang, Haipeng

CFD-Based Comfort Parameter Evaluation of a Flow Vectoring Air Vent System for Car Cabins Using a Reduced Order Model

15-18-02-0012

03/03/2025

This computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study examines the comfort parameters of an innovative air vent concept for car cabin interiors using a reduced order model (ROM) and proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). The focus is on the analysis of the influence of geometric and fluid mechanical parameters on the resulting jet, in particular on the deflection angle of the airflow and the total pressure difference along the outlet geometry. Different parameters of the investigated system, such as the surface orientation, the outlet height, the separator distance, and the separator height, lead to different effects on the airflow structure. The results show that changes in the air vent surface orientation are always accompanied by an increase in the deflection angle and the total pressure difference. In contrast, the variation of the outlet height ratio positively influences the deflection angle and the total pressure difference in terms of the requirements for air vent geometries. The study

Langhorst, Sebastian, Mrosek, Markus, Boughanmi, Nesrine, Schmeling, Daniel, Wagner, Claus

Experimental Case Study of Sonic Perception of a First-Generation Electric Truck

14-14-02-0008

02/24/2025

The sound generated by electric propulsion systems differs compared to the prevalent sound generated by combustion engines. By exposing listeners to various sound situations, the manufacturer can start understanding which direction to take to achieve compelling battery electric vehicle trucks from a sound perspective. The main objective of this study is to understand what underlying aspects decide the experience and perception of heavy vehicle–related sounds in the context of electrified propulsion. Using a thematic analysis of data collected at a listening experiment conducted in 2020, factors affecting the perception of novel sounds generated by a first-generation electric truck are investigated. A hypothesis is that the experience of driving or being a passenger in electric trucks will affect the rating and response differently compared to listeners not yet experienced with this sound. The results show that the combination of individual preference and experience, hearing function

Nyman, Birgitta, Fagerlönn, Johan, Nykänen, Arne

Validating Human Factors-Based Classification Models for Safe and Efficient Mixed-Autonomy Interactions at Intersections Using a Virtual Simulator

12-08-02-0019

02/12/2025

The introduction of autonomous vehicles (AVs) promises significant improvements to road safety and traffic congestion. However, mixed-autonomy traffic remains a major challenge as AVs are ill-suited to cooperate with human drivers in complex scenarios like intersection navigation. Specifically, human drivers use social cooperation and cues to navigate intersections while AVs rely on conservative driving behaviors that can lead to rear-end collisions, frustration from other road users, and inefficient travel. Using a virtual driving simulator, this study investigates the use of a human factors-informed cooperation model to reduce AV reliance on conservative driving behaviors. Four intersection scenarios, each involving a left-turning AV and a human driver proceeding straight, were designed to obfuscate the right-of-way. The classification models were trained to predict the future priority-taking behavior of the human driver. Results indicate that AVs employing the human factors-informed

Ziraldo, Erika, Oliver, Michele

Effectiveness of Seat’s Negative Stiffness Structure on Three Different Models of Vehicles

15-18-02-0011

02/08/2025

The effectiveness of the negative suspension structure (NSS) in isolating the driver’s seat vibrations has been demonstrated based on the seat’s model or vehicle’s one-dimensional dynamic model. To fully assess the effectiveness and stability of the seat’s NSS (S-NSS) on different models of vehicles, the three-dimensional models of the vibratory rollers (VR), heavy trucks (HT), and passenger cars (PC) have been built to assess the effectiveness of S-NSS compared to the seat’s passive suspension (S-PC) and seat’s control suspension (S-CS). The effectiveness of S-NSS is then investigated under all operating conditions of vehicles. The investigation results indicate that under a same simulation condition, S-NSS improves the ride comfort and health of the driver better than both S-PS and S-CS on all VR, HT, and PC. However, the effectiveness of S-NSS on PC is lower than on both VR and HT while the effectiveness of S-CS on PC is better than on both VR and HT. Besides, the effectiveness of S

Su, Beibei, Wang, Qiang, Song, Fengxiang

Optimized Design and Analysis of a High-Performance, Track-Focused Quad Bike for the Indian Market

2025-28-0061

02/07/2025

This paper presents a complete approach to the optimized design and analysis of a trach-focused quad bike suitable for the Indian market. The process of design integrates several analytical factors, including driver ergonomics, aesthetics, and strategic component placement, to establish optimum vehicle dimensions. The primary objective is to address the unique demands of the Indian terrain and user preferences through ensure comfort, functionality, and visual appeal. The selection process for tires and suspension geometry is precisely conducted with the advanced OptimumKinematics software. This optimization provides greater performance and stability that the vehicle can accurately manage a variety of road conditions. The space frame chassis of a vehicle’s core structure features, engineered to minimalize tubing and facilitate ease of fabrication, contributing to both structural integrity and weight reduction. A robust 600cc four-cylinder engine is selected that emphasizing an optimal

Thanikonda, Praveen Kumar, Shaik, Amjad, Tappa, Raju, Ratlavath, Ramu, Navar, Adarsh, Challa, Ajith Kumar

Modeling and Analysis of Comfort Braking Control Based on Brake-by-Wire and Active Suspension Systems

10-09-02-0011

02/07/2025

As wire control systems advance, they have given rise to a diverse suite of advanced driver assistance services and sophisticated fusion control capabilities. This article presents an innovative strategy for achieving comfortable braking in electric vehicles, propelled by the unwavering goal of enhancing driving experience. By integrating active suspension systems with brake-by-wire technology, the approach ensures that drivers retain their confidence throughout the braking process. The brake-by-wire system adeptly discerns the driver’s braking intent through the pedal’s displacement sensor. Utilizing this technology, we have developed a pioneering function aimed at delivering comfort braking control (CBC). This function not only refines the braking experience but also solidifies the driver’s trust in the braking system. Designed to counteract the head nodding effect during vehicle deceleration, the CBC system minimizes or even eradicates the jarring sensation of pitching for both the

Tian, Boshi, Li, Liang, Liao, Yinsheng, Lv, Haijun, Qu, Wenying, Hu, Zhiming, Sun, Yue

A Novel Approach for Integrating Virtual Reality in the Ergonomic Testing of Automotive Interior Designs

2024-01-5243

01/28/2025

This research aimed to explore the integration of Virtual reality technology in ergonomically testing automotive interior designs. This objective was aimed at ensuring that such technology could be used to ameliorate user comfort through controlled simulations. Existing ergonomic testing methods are often limited when it comes to recreating actual driving situations and quickly repeating design improvements. VR could be used as a solution because its ergonomically tested simulation can be used to provide users with the real experience of driving. The users can be observed while they experience it and asked for their feedback. For this research, an interactive VR environment imitating a 10-minute-long trip through traffic and changing road conditions was created. It was populated by ten users, concatenated equally in men and women, both aged 20-35, representing approximate demographics of workers in the automotive production industry. Participants of the research were asked to use

Natrayan, L., Kaliappan, Seeniappan, Swamy Nadh, V., Maranan, Ramya, Balaji, V.

Simulation Analysis of Seat Ventilation Performance Considering Deformation during Human Occupancy

15-18-02-0008

01/02/2025

The comfort of seats increasingly becomes a crucial factor in the overall driving experience, particularly as vehicles become increasingly integrated into people’s daily lives. Passengers often maintain a relatively fixed posture and have close contact with the seat for extended periods of time, leading to issues such as heat, humidity, and stickiness. In order to enhance the thermal comfort experienced by occupants, manufacturers are no longer satisfied with ensuring the thermal comfort performance of vehicles only through the HVAC system in the cabin, but also developed a microclimate control seat that adjusts the temperature through ventilation between the contact surface of the seat and the human body, trying to improve the thermal comfort of passengers more effectively. However, the ventilation ducts of these seats are commonly designed based on empirical or autonomous standards, and their effectiveness is subsequently assessed through test or simulation, typically under unloaded

Zhang, Tianming, Ren, Jindong, Zhang, Haonan

Impact of Replacing a 6-Speed Gearbox with a 5-Speed Gearbox on Vehicle Performance

2024-36-0125

12/20/2024

This study investigates the effects of replacing a 6-speed gearbox with a 5-speed gearbox in a sports vehicle, while keeping all other parameters constant. Through computational simulations, data is collected for comparative performance analysis. The study aims to understand the potential implications of this change on acceleration, fuel efficiency, engine response, as well as aspects such as driver comfort. The results may provide valuable insights for the automotive industry, guiding future transmission design and engineering decisions.

Marinho, Gabriel Jannuzzi, de Campos, Josué Queiroz, Lopes, Elias Dias Rossi, Rodrigues, Gustavo Simão

Modeling and Optimization of Regenerative MacPherson Strut

10-09-01-0005

12/16/2024

Throughout the vehicles industry and electrification, vehicle ride comfort, road holding, and fuel/charge economy have always been important considerations for the design and development of shock absorbers. Vehicle suspension is one of the oscillating power dissipation sources in which the undesired mechanical energy is dissipated into heat waste. Therefore, in this study a regenerative MacPherson strut is modeled and validated to investigate the vehicle vertical dynamics performance as well as the harvestable power that can be used to charge batteries or power vehicle electrical loads. The optimal design parameters of the regenerative MacPherson strut (RE.M.S) is obtained by using multi-object genetic algorithm (MOGA) optimization for a better trade-off between regenerated power, ride comfort, and road holding. The results showed that RE.M.S can function as a semi-active shock absorber as change of duty cycle of charging circuit. Furthermore, the optimal selection of the design

Hegazy, Ahmed H.A., Kaldas, Mina M., Soliman, Aref M.A., Huzayyin, A.S.

Trajectory Planning and Tracking Control for Single Lane Changing with Different Driving Styles of Intelligent Vehicles Based on Seventh-Degree Polynomial

12-08-03-0028

12/14/2024

Single lane changing is one of the typical scenarios in vehicle driving. Planning an appropriate lane change trajectory is crucial in autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle research. Existing polynomial trajectory planning mostly uses cubic or quintic polynomials, neglecting the lateral jerk constraints during lane changes. This study uses seventh-degree polynomials for lane change trajectory planning by considering the vehicle lateral jerk constraints. Simulation results show that the utilization of the seventh-degree method results in a 41% reduction in jerk compared to the fifth-degree polynomial. Furthermore, this study also proposes lane change trajectory schemes that can cater to different driving styles (e.g., safety, efficiency, comfort, and balanced performance). Depending on the driving style, the planned lane change trajectory ensures that the vehicle achieves optimal performance in one or more aspects during the lane change process. For example, with the trajectory that

Lai, Fei, Huang, Chaoqun

Human-like Behavior Strategy for Autonomous Vehicles Considering Driving Styles

2024-01-7046

12/13/2024

Autonomous driving technology plays a crucial role in enhancing driving safety and efficiency, with the decision-making module being at its core. To achieve more human-like decision-making and accommodate drivers with diverse styles, we propose a method based on deep reinforcement learning. A driving simulator is utilized to collect driver data, which is then classified into three driving styles—aggressive, moderate, and conservative—using the K-means algorithm. A driving style recognition model is developed using the labeled data. We then design distinct reward functions for the Deep Q-Network (DQN), Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO), and Soft Actor-Critic (SAC) algorithms based on the driving data of the three styles. Through comparative analysis, the SAC algorithm is selected for its superior performance in balancing comfort and driving efficiency. The decision-making models for different styles are trained and evaluated in the SUMO simulation environment. The results indicate that

Shen, Chuanliang, Zhang, Longxu, Shi, Bowen, Ma, Xiaoyuan, Li, Yi, Hu, Hongyu

Rear Twist Beam Optimization by Cross Beam and Bush Orientation Technique to Meet Performance Targets

2024-28-0269

12/05/2024

Born Electric SUVs generally feature a high centre of gravity (CG) with greater rear axle weight. They use sophisticated multi-link suspension, which offers large scope for ride comfort and handling optimisation. The development costs and time associated with the process will position the vehicle in a premium segment. Usually, the twist beam (RTB) is used in lower rear axle weight category vehicles due to its simple design and cost effectiveness. This study showcases exploration for implementation of RTB on higher weight category vehicles, which usually uses multi-link suspension. The limitation of the twist beam is to exhibit lateral force compliance oversteer during cornering, due to large moment arm from wheel centre to twist beam bush. Lack of lateral stiffness when compared to multi-link suspension causes delayed rear axle yaw response. It also has reduced scope in ride-handling optimization due to its simple structure and kinematics. So, in order to maximize the performance

Prabhakara Rao, Vageesh, Rasal, Shraddhesh, Asthana, Shivam, M, Sudhan, Vellandi, Vikraman

Comprehend Dynamic Behaviour of Vehicle Body for Refined NVH Performance

2024-28-0265

12/05/2024

Modal performance of a vehicle body often influences tactile vibrations felt by passengers as well as their acoustic comfort inside the cabin at low frequencies. This paper focuses on a premium hatchback’s development program where a design-intent initial batch of proto-cars were found to meet their targeted NVH performance. However, tactile vibrations in pre-production pilot batch vehicles were found to be of higher intensity. As a resolution, a method of cascading full vehicle level performance to its Body-In-White (BIW) component level was used to understand dynamic behavior of the vehicle and subsequently, to improve structural weakness of the body to achieve the targeted NVH performance. The cascaded modal performance indicated that global bending stiffness of the pre-production bodies was on the lower side w.r.t. that of the design intent body. To identify the root cause, design sensitivity of number and footprint of weld spots, roof bows’ and headers’ attachment stiffness to BIW

Titave, Uttam Vasant, Zalaki, Nitin, Naidu, Sudhakara

Parametrized Twist Beam Suspension for Enhanced Ride and Handling: A Design Iteration Approach

2024-28-0181

12/05/2024

The parametrized twist beam suspension is a pivotal component in the automotive industry, profoundly influencing the ride comfort and handling characteristics of vehicles. This study presents a novel approach to optimizing twist beam suspension systems by leveraging parametric design principles. By introducing a parameter-driven framework, this research empowers engineers to systematically iterate and fine-tune twist beam designs, ultimately enhancing both ride quality and handling performance. The paper outlines the theoretical foundation of parametrized suspension design, emphasizing its significance in addressing the intricate balance between ride comfort and dynamic stability. Through a comprehensive examination of key suspension parameters, such as twist beam profile, material properties, and attachment points, the study demonstrates the versatility of the parametric approach in tailoring suspension characteristics to meet specific performance objectives. To validate the

Pakala, Pradeep Kumar, Ganesh, Lingadalu

Enhancing Bumper & Headlamp Durability: Lightweight Bumper Design with Optimized Resonance Frequency

2024-28-0238

12/05/2024

In the realm of commercial vehicle design, enhancing the durability of bumpers and headlamps is paramount for ensuring safety and reducing maintenance costs. This study explores the development of a lightweight bumper design with optimized resonance frequency to improve the durability of these critical components. The research focuses on innovative design techniques to achieve a balance between weight reduction and structural integrity. The primary objective is to minimize the impact forces transmitted to the bumper and headlamp assemblies during vibrations. By employing finite element analysis (FEA) and experimental validation, the study identifies the optimal resonance frequency that mitigates the risk of resonance-induced damage. Additionally, the study examines the influence of geometric modifications on the bumper’s performance. Various design iterations are analyzed to determine the most effective configuration for enhancing durability while maintaining compliance with industry

Pandey, Sudheer, Ganesan, Balaji

Silicone Membrane for Wearable Devices is Comfortable and Breathable

TBMG-52204

12/01/2024

A silicone membrane for wearable devices is more comfortable and breathable thanks to better-sized pores made with the help of citric acid crystals. The new preparation technique fabricates thin, silicone-based patches that rapidly wick water away from the skin. The technique could reduce the redness and itching caused by wearable biosensors that trap sweat beneath them. The technique was developed by bioengineer and professor Young-Ho Cho and his colleagues at KAIST and reported in the journal Scientific Reports.

Device Shows Promise for Noninvasive Treatment of Chronic Pain

TBMG-52166

12/01/2024

University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT

Smart Contact Lens for Glaucoma Detection

TBMG-52160

12/01/2024

Researchers have been testing ways to continuously and more comfortably detect these tiny fluctuations in pressure. A prototype smart contact lens measures eye pressure accurately, regardless of temperature. The contact lens wirelessly transmits real-time signals about eye pressure across a wide range of temperatures.

Semi-Active Suspension Design for Truck Using Pneumatic Spring Joining MR Fluid Damper Based on Neural Networks Controller

10-09-01-0001

10/21/2024

In order to modify both stiffness and damping rates according to various road conditions, this research introduces a pneumatic spring in conjunction with a magnetorheological (MR) fluid damper as a single suspension unit for each wheel in the truck. Preventing weight transfer and improving riding comfort during braking, acceleration, and trajectory prediction are the main objectives. A two-axle truck has been used, consisting of three degrees of freedom for the sprung mass, including vertical, pitch, and roll motions, and four degrees of freedom for the unsprung masses, which have been redesigned according to the different types of springs and dampers. Pneumatic-controlled springs, often referred to as dynamic or classic models, replace laminated leaf springs commonly found in vehicles. Additionally, an MR damper replaces a hydraulic double-acting telescopic shock absorber. These models are studied to evaluate the effect of pneumatic spring parameters on truck dynamics. Pneumatic

Shehata Gad, Ahmed, El-Zomor, Haytham M.

Numerical Investigation on Performance Based Methodology for Developing Vane Design of AC Duct

2024-28-0004

10/17/2024

Airflow directionality in a vehicle cabin is one of the concerns of car owners, researchers, and vehicle manufacturers. After exposed/parked in hot ambient condition for a long time, HVAC system normally takes few minutes to cool down and reach an acceptable cabin temperature for the passenger comfort. To ensure proper airflow distribution inside the cabin, the AC duct & vanes ability to direct airflow must be evaluated. Objective of this work is to propose a methodology for developing the vane design of AC system duct using CFD approach. Two different goals are attempted. Firstly, the effect of horizontal and vertical vane angle on airflow directionality is investigated with DoE approach. Then factors influencing the airflow directionality are investigated using factorial study approach. CFD based factorial analysis (L9 orthogonal array) was conducted using three components at three levels. The impact of number of horizontal vanes, number of vertical vanes and distance between them on

Mahesh, A, Baskar, Subramaniyan, Raju, Kumar, Gopinathan, Nagarajan

Ride Comfort Efficiency of Passenger Car’s Seat Using the Structure of Negative Stiffness with Various Dynamic Models

15-18-01-0003

10/03/2024

Three dynamic models of a passenger car including the one-dimensional dynamic model, two-dimensional dynamic model, and three-dimensional dynamic model are built to evaluate the ride quality of the passenger car as well as the isolating performance of the SNS (structure of negative stiffness). The decrease of the root-mean-square (RMS) accelerations in the seat and car’s body shaking is the research goal. The investigation results indicate that under all working conditions including the various excitations of the road surface and various velocities of the passenger car, the seat’s acceleration with SNS is strongly ameliorated in comparison without SNS in all three models of the passenger car. Particularly, the RMS seat acceleration with SNS in one-, two-, and three-dimensional models is strongly reduced in comparison without SNS by 76.87%, 66.15%, and 70.59%, respectively. Thus, the seat’s SNS has a good effect in isolating the vertical vibration of the passenger car’s seat. However

Zhang, Lei, Li, Tao, Yang, Guixing

A Novel Methodology to Assess the Effectiveness of Passive Cabin Cooling Technology

2024-28-0111

09/19/2024

Today, almost all passenger vehicles are equipped with Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) systems to provide thermal comfort to occupants. To enhance cabin cooling down rate, two approaches are possible viz. increasing the MAC system capacity or reducing heat ingress into the vehicle cabin. The first approach is likely to have a negative impact on energy efficiency. The latter approach considers the deployment of alternate passive cabin cooling technologies. Among these, the deployment of uniquely developed coatings on metal, plastic and glass surfaces of the cabin is one option. The assessment of such coatings is usually done only at severe ambient conditions (>40°C), which may not be sufficient. These coatings need to be validated across all climatic seasons of the year, for assessing their effectiveness on passenger thermal comfort. The current work along with simulation studies, takes into account additional parameters such as the ‘feeling of hotness’ when one enters a hot-soaked cabin

Deshmukh, Ganesh, Kulkarni, Shridhar Diliprao, Varma, Mohit, Jaybhay, Sambhaji, Kapoor, Sangeet, Tilekar, Pravin

Personalized Design of Variable Transmission Ratio and Selection Switching Strategies Considering Drivers’ Steering Characteristics

10-08-04-0028

09/14/2024

In order to meet the driving characteristics and needs of different types of drivers and to improve driving comfort and safety, this article designs personalized variable transmission ratio schemes based on the classification results of drivers’ steering characteristics and proposes a switching strategy for selecting variable transmission ratio schemes in response to changes in driver types. First, data collected from driving simulator experiments are used to classify drivers into three categories using the fuzzy C-means clustering algorithm, and the steering characteristics of each category are analyzed. Subsequently, based on the steering characteristics of each type of driver, suitable speed ranges, steering wheel travel, and yaw rate gain values are selected to design the variable transmission ratio, forming personalized variable transmission ratio schemes. Then, a switching strategy for variable transmission ratio schemes is designed, using a support vector machine to build a

Chen, Chen, Zheng, Hongyu, Zong, Changfu

Evaluation and Prediction of Vibration Comfort in Engineering Machinery Cabs Using Random Forest with Genetic Algorithm

10-08-04-0027

09/11/2024

Vibration comfort is a critical factor in assessing the overall performance of engineering machinery, with significant implications for operator health and safety. However, current evaluation methods lack specificity for construction machinery, impeding accurate prediction of vibration comfort and hindering the optimization of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance. To address this challenge, this article proposes a model that combines a random forest with a genetic algorithm (GA-RF) to enable rapid and accurate prediction of vibration comfort in construction machinery cabins. The approach begins with an improved objective evaluation methodology for extracting key features from vibration signals at five measurement points: seat, floor, back, and left and right armrests. Additionally, subjective evaluation technology, combining semantic differential and rating scales, is employed to capture operators’ personal comfort perceptions. The implementation of the GA-RF model

Zhao, Jian, Yin, Yingqi, Chen, Jiangfei, Zhao, Weidong, Ding, Weiping, Huang, Haibo

Smart Glove Can Boost Hand Mobility of Stroke Patients

TBMG-51413

09/01/2024

A new groundbreaking “smart glove” is capable of tracking the hand and finger movements of stroke victims during rehabilitation exercises. The glove incorporates a sophisticated network of highly sensitive sensor yarns and pressure sensors that are woven into a comfortable stretchy fabric, enabling it to track, capture, and wirelessly transmit even the smallest hand and finger movements.

Modified VR Tech to Measure Brain Activity

TBMG-51412

09/01/2024

A research team at The University of Texas at Austin created a noninvasive electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor that was installed in a Meta VR headset that can be worn comfortably for long periods. The EEG measures the brain’s electrical activity during the immersive VR interactions.

Items per page:

1 – 50 of 2048