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Is there a reason why something so fundamental as throttle control/braking ought to be governed by a computer, instead of by foolproof old-fashioned hardware?
by wissler 13y ago
Is there a reason why something so fundamental as throttle control/braking ought to be governed by a computer, instead of by foolproof old-fashioned hardware?
- dmm 13y agoThe Prius like all US cars has a physical hydraulic brake system. The brake pedal is connected to the master brake cylinder. Stomping on the brake pedal in a prius, regardless of the computer state, will brake the car. The throttle is computer controlled because it allows much greater efficiency.
- angersock 13y agoAnti-lock brakes still have a significant electronic component. It's not a direct link like you'd expect.
- HeyLaughingBoy 13y ago"Old fashioned hardware" is anything but foolproof. Linkages bind and flex and change their behavior over time, hydraulics leak and piping must run in areas that can accumulate rust (I had the not so pleasant experience of losing my main brakes due to a rusted out brake line. Driving with only an E-brake is not fun!), steel is heavy, etc. Computers do add benefit: ABS, traction control and stability control would be a nightmare to implement mechanically. There is no question that the software solution is a better idea, but the design and implementation must be done correctly.
- vonmoltke 13y agoI think it is more fair to say that, being old and well-used, the engineering behind old-fashioned hardware is more mature and its failure modes are better understood. Embedded electronic systems of various types will reach that point as they are more widely deployed and used for longer periods. BTW, I have been through that exact failure scenario before myself (in an '81 Monte Carlo).