STUDY OF CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM USED
VEHICLE
1
Ajinkya Chandratre 2Ajit Bhatjire 3Pankaj Chaudhary
1,2,3,
B.E. Mechanical Scholar BVCOE& RI Nashik Pune University,(India)
ABSTRACT
In order to increase the speed of a vehicle, we have to push the accelerator. For maintaining constant speed of
the vehicle the pressure on the pedal has to be maintaining constant. But cruise control system maintains the
speed of a vehicle at level set by the driver, without using accelerator and without interference of driver.Cruise
Control is more common in American manufactured cars than European cars as the roads are straighter and
longer. There is less need to break in America on the long journeys causing a cruise control system in a car to
become more effective. In India also thus types of highways are developed or developing, on that highways
cruise control may play a vital role. Adaptive cruise control which uses radar to follow the car in front while
maintaining a safe distance from the car.
I. INTRODUCTION
The function of a cruise control system is to accurately maintain the driver's desired set speed, without
intervention from the driver, by driving the throttle-accelerator pedal linkage. A modern automotive cruise
control is a control loop that takes over control on the throttle, which is normally controlled by the driver with
the gas pedal, and holds the vehicle speed at a set value.
Cruise Control is more common in American manufactured cars than European cars as the roads are straighter
and longer. There is less need to break in America on the long journeys causing a cruise control system in a car
to become more effective. But luxury European cars like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi are developing
adaptive cruise control which uses radar to follow the car in front while maintaining a safe distance from the car.
Safety precautions are necessary to ensure the system fully works. Features like a manual override for the driver
by accelerating or breaking to avoid immediate danger need to be available.
This project focuses on the manual setting of cruise control not the adaptive CC; this cruise control is a very
good example of a feedback control system.
II. HISTORY
Speed control with a centrifugal governor was used in automobiles as early as the 1910s, notably by Peerless.
Peerless advertised that their system would "maintain speed whether up hill or down". The technology was
invented by James Watt and Matthew Boulton in 1788 to control steam engines. The governor adjusts the
throttle position as the speed of the engine changes with different loads.
Modern cruise control (also known as a speedostat) was invented in 1945 by the inventor and mechanical
engineer Ralph Teetor. His idea was born out of the frustration of riding in a car driven by his lawyer, who kept
speeding up and slowing down as he talked. The first car with Teetor's system was the 1958 Imperial (called
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"Auto-pilot")[1]. This system calculated ground speed based on driveshaft rotations and used a solenoid to vary
throttle position as needed.A 1955 U.S. Patent for a "Constant Speed Regulator" was filed in 1950 by M-Sgt
Frank J. Riley .He installed his invention, which he conceived while driving on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, on
his own car in 1948.[3] Despite this patent, the inventor, Riley, and the subsequent patent holders were not able
to collect royalties for any of the inventions using cruise control.
Fig.2.1 Centrifugal governor
III. PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
The block diagram shows the main elements of a typical cruise control system (vehicle speed control
system).With use of manual throttle, the cruise control uses a stand alone speed control amplifier and a servo
that operates on the main throttle. By using an electronic throttle, the cruise control electronics reduces to the
input switches and logic, the electronic control function becomes part of the Engine Control ECU software and
operates on the main throttle. From a operational point of view, the cruise control system remains the same with
either a manual or electronic throttle.
Fig. 3.1 Block diagram of Principles of operation cruise control system
A signal proportional to road speed is fed back and compared with a set speed reference to give a speed error
signal that is used to control throttle position, & hence engine power, so as to change the speed to reduce the
speed error signal to zero. In some analogue systems, the speed reference voltage is held in a sample and hold
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amplifier that uses a low loss capacitor. In other systems, the speed reference voltage is stored as a binary no. in
a digital counter.
The cruise control takes its speed signal by rotating driveshaft, speedometer cable, wheel speed sensor from the
engine's RPM, from internal speed pulses produced electronically by the vehicle. Most systems do not allow the
use of the cruise control below to the minimum speed - typically around 25 mph (40 km/h). The vehicle will
maintain the desired speed by pulling the throttle cable with a solenoid, a vacuum driven servomechanism, or by
applying the electronic systems built into the vehicle (fully electronic) if it uses a 'drive-by-wire' system.
All cruise control systems must be capable of being turned off both explicitly and automatically when the driver
press the brake, and often also the clutch. Cruise control often includes a memory feature to resume the set
speed after braking, & a coast feature to reduce the set speed without braking. When the cruise control is
engaged, the throttle can still be used to accelerate the car, if the pedal is released the car will then slow down
until it reaches the previously set speed.
On the latest vehicles fitted with electronic throttle control, cruise control can be easily integrated into the
vehicle's engine management system. Modern "adaptive" systems include the ability to automatically reduce
speed when the distance to a car in front, or the speed limit, decreases. This is an advantage for those driving in
unfamiliar areas.
The cruise control systems of some vehicles incorporate a "speed limiter" function, which will not allow the
vehicle to accelerate beyond a pr-set maximum; this can usually be overridden by fully depressing the
accelerator pedal. (Most systems will prevent the vehicle accelerating beyond the chosen speed, but will not
apply the brakes in the event of over speeding downhill.)
On vehicles with a manual transmission, cruise control is less flexible because the act of depressing the clutch
pedal and shifting gears usually disengages the cruise control. The "resume" feature has to be used each time
after selecting the new gear and releasing the clutch. Therefore, cruise control is of most benefit at
motorway/highway speeds when top gear is used virtually all the time.
IV. SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Fig.4.1 System Components
4.1 vehicle's Speed Sensor: The Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) is mounted to the transmission and provides a
low voltage Alternating Current (AC) signal to the Cruise Control Module (CCM). The CCM converts the AC
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signal to a pulse width modulated Direct Current (DC) signal, which is sent to the cruise control module at a rate
of 4000 pulses per mile.
4.2 cruise Control Module: The cruise control module has to do three things. First it remembers the speed
you set. It stores this set speed until you change it or turn off the ignition. Next it takes the speed signal from the
vehicle speed sensor and compares it to the set speed. Lastly it sends pulse signals to the actuator. The actuator
will move the throttle linkage to bring the vehicle up to the set speed and then modulate vacuum to maintain that
speed.
4.3actuator: The actuator is what actually moves the throttle linkage. It is most often vacuum operated
although some actuators are electrically controlled with small, stepper type motors. The actuator moves the
linkage as directed by the cruise control module until the set speed has been achieved. It then maintains this
speed by controlling the amount of vacuum. It actually modulates the vacuum as the pulses from the control
module direct.
4.4 Brake Switch: The cruise control release switch and stop lamp switch are used to disengage the cruise
control system. A cruise control release switch and a stop lamp switch, mounted on the brake pedal bracket
disengage the system electrically when the brake pedal is pressed. This is accomplished by interrupting the flow
of current to the cruise control module. The cruise speed of the vehicle at brake actuation will be stored in the
cruise control module memory.
4.5 Clutch Switch: In addition to the brake switch, a vehicle with a manual transmission has a switch very
similar to the brake switch and disengages the cruise control system when the clutch pedal is depressed.
4.6 Throttle Linkage: The actual mechanical connection between the cruise control actuator and the engine
throttle.
V.THEORY OF OPERATION
Cruise control is a system that automatically controls the speed of an automobile. The driver sets the speed and
the system takes over the throttle of the car to maintain the speed. The system thereby improves driver comfort
in steady traffic conditions. In congested traffic conditions, where speeds vary widely, these systems are no
longer effective. Most cruise control systems do not allow the use of cruise control below a certain speed. In
modern designs, the cruise control may need to be turned on before use Sin some designs it is always "on" but
not always enabled (not very common), others have a separate "on/off" switch, while still others just have an
"on" switch that must be pressed after the vehicle has been started. Most designs have buttons for "set",
"resume", "accelerate", and "coast" functions. Some also have a "cancel" button. Alternatively, depressing the
brake or clutchpedal will disable the system so the driver can change the speed without resistance from the
system. The system is operated with controls easily within the driver's reach, usually with two or more buttons
on the steering wheel spokes or on the edge of the hub like those on Honda vehicles, on the turn signal stalk like
in many older General Motors vehicles or on a dedicated stalk like those found in, particularly, Toyota aLexus.
Earlier designs used a dial to set speed choice.
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Fig.5.1Cruise control operating system.
The driver must bring the vehicle up to speed manually and use a button to set the cruise control to the current
speed. The cruise control takes its speed signal from a rotating driveshaft, speedometer cable, wheel speed
sensor from the engine's RPM, or from internal speed pulses produced electronically by the vehicle. Most
systems do not allow the use of the cruise control below a certain speed (normally around 25 mph). The vehicle
will maintain the desired speed by pulling the throttle cable with a solenoid, a vacuum driven servomechanism,
or by using the electronic systems built into the vehicle (fully electronic) if it uses a 'drive-by-wire' system.
All cruise control systems must be capable of being turned off both explicitly and automatically when the driver
depresses the brake, and often also the clutch. Cruise control often includes a memory feature to resume the set
speed after braking, and a coast feature to reduce the set speed without braking. When the cruise control is
engaged, the throttle can still be used to accelerate the car, but once the pedal is released the car will then slow
down until it reaches the previously set speed.
6.ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Adaptive cruise control uses forward-looking radar, installed behind the grill of a vehicle, to detect the
speed and distance of the vehicle ahead of it. Adaptive cruise control is similar to conventional cruise control in
that it maintains the vehicle's pre-set speed. However, unlike conventional cruise control, this new system can
automatically adjust speed in order to maintain a safe distance between vehicles in the same lane in front of it. If
the lead vehicle slows down, or if another object is detected, the system sends a signal to the engine or braking
system to decelerate. Then, when the road is clear, the system will re-accelerate the vehicle back to the set
speed.
There is a new type of cruise coming onto the market called adaptive cruise control. Two companies, TRW and
Delphi Automotive Systems are developing a more advanced cruise control that can automatically adjust a car's
speed to maintain a safe following distance. This new technology uses forward-looking radar, installed behind
the grill of a vehicle, to detect the speed and distance of the vehicle ahead of it.
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Fig.6.1 Adaptive Cruise Control
Mercedes-Benz became the first car manufacturer to install TRW's adaptive cruise control, called Auto-cruise,
adding the device to its European S-Class Saloons. BMW followed Mercedes-Benz later by adding the system
to some of its European models. Delphi Automotive Systems has developed a similar adaptive cruise control
system, already available on the 2000 Jaguar XKR in Europe. Adaptive cruise control is similar to conventional
cruise control in that it maintains the vehicle's pre-set speed. However, unlike conventional cruise control, this
new system can automatically adjust speed in order to maintain a proper distance between vehicles in the same
lane. This is achieved through a radar headway sensor, digital signal processor and longitudinal controller. If the
lead vehicle slows down, or if another object is detected, the system sends a signal to the engine or braking
system to decelerate. Then, when the road is clear, the system will re-accelerate the vehicle back to the set
speed.
VII. ADVANTAGES
1.Its usefulness for long drives, reducing driver fatigue, improving comfort by allowing positioning changes
more safely across highways and sparsely populated roads.
2.It results in better fuel efficiency, because of vehicle running at constant.
3.Low pollution as less fuel is burnt in engine.
4.Some drivers use it to avoid unconsciously violating speed limits. A driver who otherwise tends to
unconsciously increase speed over the course of a highway journey may avoid a speeding ticket. Such drivers
should note, that a cruise control may go over its setting on a downhill which is steep enough to accelerate with
an idling engine.
5.Due to introduction of adaptive cruise control system the number accidents are reduce.
Driving over "rolling" terrain, with gentle up and down portions, can usually be done more economically (using
less fuel) by a skilled driver viewing the approaching terrain, by maintaining a relatively constant throttle
position & allowing the vehicle to accelerate on the downgrades & decelerate on upgrades, while reducing
power when cresting a rise and adding a bit before an upgrade is reached. Cruise control will tend to over
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throttle on the upgrades and retard on the downgrades, loss the energy storage capabilities available from the
inertia of the vehicle. The inefficiencies from cruise control can be even greater relative to skilled driving in
hybrid vehicles.
VIII. DISADVANTAGES
1. When used during inclement weather or while driving on wet or ice-covered roads, the vehicle could go into
a skid (although this may be somewhat mitigated by cars equipped with Electronic Stability Control).
2. Stepping on the brake. Such as to disengage the cruise control could result in the driver losing control of the
vehicle.
3. Many countries-establish that it is illegal to drive within city limits with the cruise control feature The
inefficiencies from cruise control can be even greater relative to skilled driving in hybrid vehicles.
4. The driver might take relaxation as negative and less involved in driving as they are not concentrating on
accelerating and braking. This will increase the danger of drivers falling asleep and more accidents.
5. There will be problem in sharp bends as shown in figure 6.
Fig.8.1Sharp bends.
IX. EFFECTS OF CRUISE CONTROL
Social :With the introduction of cruise control the driving experience has become more relaxed especially for
long motorway drives where cruise control is most effective. This is a positive factor as it means that drivers
will become less stressed and so can concentrate on other aspects of driving i.e. special awareness of other cars
around. So this will reduce car accidents. Also there will be less cases of sore feet from pressing the throttle for
long periods of time.
But, drivers might take this relaxation as a negative and become less involved with their driving as they are not
concentrating on accelerating and braking. This will increase the danger of drivers falling asleep and more
accidents.
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When adaptive cruise control is introduces it will ensure that there is always a safe following distance between
you and the car in front. This is positive as it will take into account reaction times when bad visibility and
braking distance.
Economic: Jobs are being created for the research and development of adaptive cruise control but nothing has
changed within the instalment of the electronics as it is all automated with robots. So no jobs have been lost due
to the introduction of cruise control. Car manufacturing is constantly changing from the old mechanical
engineering model to new electronically filled cars. This means that more of the manufacturing of components
is done overseas.
Environmental: As the car will be keeping at a more constant speed there will be lower fuel consumption from
constantly revving and burning fuel. So it will cost the driver less. Therefore the impact on the environment will
positive as less fuel will be needed and used up, so less pollution given off. The electronics of cruise control is
made up of lots of circuit boards and components so will no doubt have a small negative effect on the
environment from the raw materials used up.
X.NEED IN INDIA
In INDIA because of developments in a construction, many new
highways are developed or developing, on that highways cruise control plays very important role.
As adaptive cruise controls maintain a safe distance between
vehicles in front of car, therefore there is a less chances of accident.
As the car will be keeping at a more constant speed there will be
lower fuel consumption from constantly revving and burning fuel, so it will cost the driver less.
The impact of cruise control on the environment will positive as
less fuel will be needed and used up, so less pollution given off.
XI. CONCLUSION
This report on cruise control is about the system and the main ideas about how it works. Cruise control is fitted
to many American cars and the luxury European cars which makes the long motorway journeys more relaxable
for the driver. In some Indian cars cruise control is also developed. The electronics of cruise control is linked up
to the cars main computer during the main assembly line.Cruise control is an example of a control system with
Inputs, Outputs, Feedback Loops and software processing. The inputs and transducers are quite simple.
Cruise Control is an example of the many new and innovative mechatronics ideas which are being introduced
for cars to increase the safety and relaxation of the driving experience. Cruise control has a positive impact on
driving with a benefit to the environment.
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REFERANCES
PAPER AND JOURNALS
[1]. A Simplified Fuel Efficient Predictive Cruise Control Approach –Roman Schmied, Harald Waschl, Luigi
del Re.
[2]. Speed control device for resisting operation of the accelerator. Ralph R. Teetor. US-Patent 2519859 A
[3]. "1958 Chrysler Auto Pilot (brochure)". oldcarbrochures.com. p. 1. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
[4]. www.howstuffworks.com
[5]. http://www.motiontrends.com/ford/taurus_technology
[6]. http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~ModProb/CC.html
[7]. http://www.antony-anderson.com/cruise/2-cc.htm
[8]. www.visteon.com
[9]. http://www.benefitcost.its.dot.gov
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