Technodashers

High End Hybrid Cars III

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:19:00 +0000

BMW Active Hybrid 7

The BMW Active Hybrid 7 and BMW Active Hybrid X6, has a breaking power generator, using the braking kinetic energy and converting it to electri power. It is aerodyamically optimized. Ithas a 2 mode active transmission, 2 electric motors/ Has a hybrid management system and a stationary ckimate control system.

BMW Active Hybrid X6

High End Hybrid Cars II

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 07:37:00 +0000

Fusion Hybrid

The Fusion Hybrid, is a car with a 2.5L Atkinson-cycle I4 engine and electric motor, E-CVT automatic transmission, Regenerative Breaking system, Dual LCD SmartGauge cluster with EchoGuide system and EasyFuel capless refuel filler system.

Escape Hybrid

The Escape Hybrid, is a car with a 2.5L Atkinson-cycle I4 engine, a 330V Nickel-metal hydrite Battery, Advance Trac with Roll Stability Control, Equipt with a Sirius satellite radio and Regenerative Breaking system.

CRZ-Sport Hybrid

The CRZ-Sport Hyrid, has interior features like a Honda Satellite linked Navigation System with Voice Recognition, a 3-Mode Drive Sytem and an Automatic Climate Control. Has performance features like an Integrated Motor Assist, a 6 speed manual transmission, a Continuosly Variable Transmission (CVT), a hill start assist. Has included a sophisticated suspension and a 16-valve, 1.5 Liter i-VTEC. Has safety features like ACE and ABS, airbags, daytime running lights, tire pressure monitoring system, and a vehicle stability assist with traction cotrol.

Insight Hybrid

Cyvic Hybrid Sedan

Additional of Honda Hybrid Cars are the Insight Hybrid and Cyvic Hybrid Sedan.

High End Hybrid Cars I

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:45:00 +0000

The following cars below are some of the cars with technological advances, specially with relations to its safety features and its technology to use 2 or more power sources. They do not only have advantages in users but also in the environment as well.

Toyota Prius

One of the most popular hybrid car is the Toyota Prius. The car design has incorporated a low aerodynamic styling, solar roof, refined interiors, touch tracer displays. It has the capability to optimize engine efficiency and battery charging. It also has a pedal sensitivity feature that is involved in better fuel efficiency. Has an automatic parallel parking guidance system and uses cameras monitoring lane lines for its lane assist system. It uses radars for its automatic cruising and pre-collision system. It also is incorporated with safety features like crumple zones, airbags, star safety system and enhanced stability controls.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

Toyota Highlander
Hybrid

Additional of Toyota Hybrid Cars are the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Chevrolet Volt

The Chevrolet Volt, which has the capability to run in a pure electric charge for 35 miles. Has a gas generator that provides electric power for it to be able to run up to 375 miles. Has safety features like 8 airbags and standard Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires.

Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, has a feature of StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System XM NavTraffic. Incorporated with a Hybrid Control System. Has standard navigation with a rearview camera system. Incoporated with Onstar standard.

Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, is incorporated with a Magnetic Ride Control Suspension, Side Blind Zone Alert system, Active Fuel Management system and constructed with the industriy' s first LED headlights.

Chevrolet Silverado
1500 Hybrid

GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid

Additional of General Motors Hybrid Cars are the Chevrolet Silverado1500 Hybrid and the GMC Sierra 1500 Hybrid.

High End Technical Softwares

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 10:22:00 +0000

Discussed below are some of the softwares used as tools in the design of electronic devices, machines, equipments and gadgets. From the creation of its brain to its mechanical parts.

1. Programming Softwares

Labview High-Level
Graphical Programming

This are softwares used in the creation of instructions that will be used by the machine/device to execute actions. It is categorized in 3 levels, low-level, mid level and high-level programming.
Low-level programming is the simplest type of programming, but the most difficult to use since, since you need to program instructions due to a step by step detail that need to be programmed (for examples are details of bits to be tested before execution). Compared to high-level programming, uses of ready made tools that are already defined with a representation or syntax, making it easier to be used by programmers.

Samples of low-level programming are assembly programming and C++. Samples of mid-level programming are Java and C#. And samples of high-level programming are Visual Basic and LabView(graphical programming).

2. 3D Modelling and Rapid Prototyping Softwares

3D Modelling using Solidworks

In the field of robotics and animation, design and prototyping can be executed through virtual means. This ranges from Engineering Design to Visualization Design. And use of this softwares depends on the users style of design and where the software will be used,
A sample of a mechanical design software is solidworks for its history-based solid modelling. Another sample mechanical design is Cocreate Modelling for its dynamic modelling. Rapid prototyping is also one of the features that could be used with this softwares.
Additional sample in the 3D field is Maya and 3DS for there 3D visualization capabilities. Where 3D modelling with this softwares use polygon manipulation features.

3. Circuit Design Softwares
Due to the advancing technology, circuit design becomes more and more complicated through time. Circuit design softwares like PCB Design, schematic design and electronic simulation softwares are used.

A Demo file of Eagle

A sample of PCB Design and schematic design software that I can give is the Eagle PCB layout designer and and Express PCB. And a sample of electronic simulation software is the Electronic Workbench.

4. Drafting Softwares
In the manufacturing world, details of design for quality check and documentation are a necessity. To implement such, drafting softwares were developed.
A sample of drafting software is AutoCad and ProgiCad.

Artificial Intelligence

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:03:00 +0000

Why do they call it artificial intelligence?
Because this devices\machines process data gathered from there environment and respond to it depending on the instructions given to it. Its just like having its own thinking mind. Discussed below are the common "brains" where data are processed, well known as the brains where instructions are programmed.

An IC with 4 NAND Gates

1. Clocks and Logic Gates Circuit Design
This is the most basic of artificial intelligence. This are used when simple tasks are used and only a small circuit is needed. The program is not in software form, but through the combination of clocks and gates for it to process and execute commands.
But since technology is advancing rapidly, clocks and gates nowadays are used in control boards supporting higher levels of solid state devices like microcontrollers.

PIC Microcontroller Chip

2. Microcontrollers
This a small computer integrated in a chip. The program of instructions are compiled and assembled in the chips memory and with the support of an external control board design for it to be able to execute instructions. Microcontrollers are commonly used by hobbyists because of its small size and low price. Though the memory of microcontrollers are limited.

Programmable Logic Controller

3. Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
This are devices designed mostly for industrial purposes most of the time factories. They are embedded with a circuit and a digital computer within an armored covering to protect it from dust, moisture, heat, cold and sometimes impact.
Although this devices are expensive, its durability is well known in industries.

iPAD

4. Computers
This is the most advanced form of artificial intelligence. The type of computer used sometimes differ on what application will it be used it. Let me divide it in two categories: desktop computer and portable computers.
Desktop computers can be upgraded depending on the required specifications of a machine. Although it can only be used for machines/devices in a fixed location.
Portable computers like palm tops, net books and iPADs can be used in robotics / automations not requiring a fixed location. Although with its limitations compared to desktop computers, its technology is rapidly increasing with time.

Nowadays, aside from the mentioned above, development in technology can give birth to additional devices using artificial intelligence.
Existing examples of this are the computer kits in nxt lego mindstorms, the computer pack integrated within Azimo and PAC technology developed by National Instruments. Even simple gadgets like cellphones can be used in hi-tech innovations.

Sensors

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 13:05:00 +0000

In technologies like robotics and automation, some devices are controlled manually by someone in a different environment/location. But most of the time when automation is involved, sensors are used. Most of automated devices like robots use sensors in order for it to gather data in its surroundings/environment before it executes an action depending on what it is programmed to do. Listed are 5 of the commonly used sensors by hobbyists.

Infrared Detector

Light Dependent Resistor

1. Light Sensors
This are sensors that convert light signals to electric signals.
An example of this is the LDR (light dependent resistor) which changes its resistance when struck by light. Another example is the Infrared Light Detectors, where the junction of the device exhibit a close switch when struck by infrared radiation. Infrared detectors are usually used in line followers.

Open Type
Ultrasonic Sensor

Closed Type
Ultrasonic Sensor

2. Ultrasonic Sensors
This are components that are used to create and detect ultrasonic sound waves. This sensors are usually used as proximity sensors like collision avoidance system of high end cars.

Hall Element

3. Magnetic Sensors
This are sensors used to detect magnetic field and sometimes also detect magnetic polarity.
A good example of this are hall elements, which are usually used in brushless cooling fans that controls the direction of current of the coils when changes in magnetic polarity is detected.

Pyro Sensor

4. Temperature Sensors
This are sensors by the name itself are used to detect thermal signatures of the surroundings.
An examples of this is the thermocouple, which uses two metals producing voltages depending on its temperature differences. Another sample is the pyro sensor that detects heat depending of the design of the circuit with it.

NXT Lego Mindstorm
Gyro Sensor

5. Gyro and Force Sensors
In robotics, this sensors are usually used to control balance and grip.
An example of this type of sensors are gyro sensors used in lego mindstorms nxt.

Due to the advances in technology, a combination of sensors are implemented to give more precise action/movements. Also, due to the development of computers and softwares, technologies such as cameras nowadays can be used as sensors. There are also high end sensors that detects signals from the brain in order to control prosthetic arms/legs.

Basic Actuators

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 07:25:00 +0000

Even though some applications in automation and other technolgies do not require movement( like automatic LED lighting or automatic heaters ), there are still times where movement is necessary in order for a device/machine to be able execute work or processes. Enumerated in this post are some of the common actuators being used.

Permanent Magnet
DC Motor

1. DC Motors
From the name of the motor itself, this motor runs in direct current. Not only it runs in direct current but the rotation of the motor rotates depending on the polarity of current introduced to the motor.
An example of this is when a positive to negative polarity introduction can make the motor turn clockwise while a negative to positive polarity introduction can make the motor turn counter-clockwise. Also the introduction of same polarities can make the motor not to turn at all.
This is one of the reasons why hobbyist usually use DC motors. It is cheaper and easy to control.

Stepper Motor

2. Stepper Motors
This are brushless electric motors that can divide a full rotation into a large number of precise steps.
Stepper motors are more expensive than DC motors and more difficult to control since it uses more inputs. Although more expensive and more difficult to control, this motors are used in accurate movements of machines/devices without using a feedback mechanism.
Stepper motors are controlled by introducing a sequence of current to targeted wire inputs. Most stepper motors consists of four input wires and a common wire.

Servo Motor

3. Servo Motors
A servo motor is usually an assembly of a dc motor, a circuit with a control and feedback device and gears connected to a shaft. It is controlled by codes or signals that controls the position of the shaft (particularly an angular position). The degree turn of the shaft depends on the design of the motor.
The motor usually has 3 wires, namely the positive terminal, negative terminal or ground and the control wire.

Pneumatic Cylinder

4. Pneumatics and Hydraulics
Pneumatics is the use of standard cylinders using compressed air/gasses to relay movement. This devices are usually used in automated industrial factories and also applied in robotics.
It uses an on and off mechanism of valves incorporated in cylinders controlling the input of compressed air/gasses from compressors.
At present, pnuematic muscles are usually used in robotic arms and legs.
In the other hand, Hydraulics is the use of standard cylinders using fluids to relay movement.

Power Sources

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:54:00 +0000

Electronic devices/machines will not function unless power is introduced to them. And in our current age, power sources plays a significant role not only in electronics but also in our ways of living specially in developed areas. What will be shown here are some of the power sources being used.

External DC Power Supply

1. Direct DC Power Supplies
Outlets generally are AC in nature. Most electronic devices run on direct current, and as much as possible, power source are regulated. Either the DC power supply is built in or separate with the system of the machine.
Built in power supplies are already built in the device or machine and can be directly plugged to AC outlets. This built in supplies automatically converts AC to DC inside the system. Some also contains built in regulators.
External power supplies are often used when this machines/devices are in the experimental/development stage, where the user can manipulate and gather data.

Alkaline Batteries

2. Batteries

Rechargeable
Battery

Batteries could be non-rechargeable or rechargeable depending on the use.
Non-rechargeable batteries are commonly used with machine/devices that exhibits low power consumption.
Rechargeable batteries are used for devices/machines that are always used and are more practical if it has recharging capabilities. It also releases a higher current output compared to non rechargeable batteries which is very useful to actuators like motors that requires a higher amount of current in order to function.

Solar Cells

3. Solar Cells
This are electrical devices that converts light energy to electrical energy and can be incorporated with hi-tech devices.
Solar cells are used as an alternative source of power source for batteries or external power supplies as long as light sources like the sun (the most common source of solar power) is available.

4. Combination of Rechargeable Batteries and Solar Cells
Due to the disadvantages of batteries and solar cells, some innovations implemented in using both power sources. Some even combined additional power sources just to maximize power efficiency (like alternators for cars and wind turbines for homes/sailboats).