Continental Automotive India showcases an array of two-wheeler riding aids
Earlier last week, we were invented to test out an array of safety systems showcased by tech company Continental Automotive India at its 2-wheeler TechDrive event at the Taneja Aerospace and Aviation Limited in Hosur.
The event unfolded with a showcasing of Continental’s the latest offerings in Advanced Riders Assistance Systems, Advanced ABS, connected technologies, software solutions, safety solutions, among other technologies. Here's what Prashanth Doreswamy, President and CEO, Continental India had to say, “This event is aimed at showcasing our eclectic range of technologies that have been carefully developed in the market for the market to suit the needs of the local consumer. With a strong R&D team strengthening the product development value chain, Continental aim to provide our customers with cutting edge, affordable, and reliable solutions.”
The 2-wheeler tech on display included the following systems:
Advanced Rider Assistant Systems (ARAS) for 2-Wheelers including a Blind Spot Detection and Lane Change Assist system.
The Blind Spot Detection (BSD) solution monitors blind spots for the rider on the adjacent lanes with a radar sensor and can provide visual warnings to the rider in case of any approaching vehicles. As an enhancement, this system can also indicate hazardous lane changes through the Lane Change Assist (LCA) feature. Rear-facing radar sensors can scan the road area behind and next to the motorcycle, warning the rider if a lane change is not recommended at a given point in time.
Optimized Curve Braking (OCB) feature helps riders apply brakes efficiently in curves or turns where there is a high tendency of accidents due to the wheels locking up. ABS first takes the angled position of the motorcycle (using lean angle information from the Continental sensor box) into account. Depending on the incline, the braking system control becomes highly sensitive to prevent wheel lock, while providing good braking and steering. This then improves handling of the vehicle in curves, making the braking process a lot safer.
We tried out the aforementioned systems on a specially constructed TVS Apache RR 310 rig and we have to say it works just like it is advertised. In fact these systems can save a lot of lives in our country. The systems are developed with learning from Europe and other parts of the world and then tweaked for the Indian environment. Because the tolerance levels and working factors of the Indian market are completely different than any other country in the world.
Continental's two-wheeler tech drive event also had the following technologies on display:
1) The scalable Contact Sensor System or (CoSSy) is a system which will typically include two to twelve sensors installed at optimal points in the vehicle. Once installed, the CoSSy sensor signals can cover many use-cases, such as the detection of vandalism (scratching) or low-speed parking incidents, because these types of touch are each characterized by a particular sound signature. A feature that might be very effective in the Indian market.
2) Key as a Service (KaaS)
KaaS is a secure, virtual key, and telematics solution that offers seamless user experience for vehicle access, start authorization, and accurate vehicle data.
3) Hybrid Display Solution with Connectivity feature
Segmented Display with Dot Matrix for custom Messages, the Connectivity features enables the user to explore Turn by Turn navigation and Mobile parameters to view on Cluster.
4) TFT Display Solution
TFT based instrument cluster solution with BLE, Ethernet, Optical Bonding, Video input and Touch screen. This platform is highly customizable.
5) Telematics Control Unit (TCU)
Continental TCU with latest mobile technology will help to further increase driving safety, comfort and efficiency. Connectivity is a key element in the automotive world and will even be more important in the future. Offering major network improvements and benefits, 5G will be a key enabler technology for future mobility. Enhanced data rates, higher reliability, and ultra-low response times will allow for real-time communication between vehicles, the infrastructure and an ever-growing number of connected devices.
6) Deflation Detection System Plus (DDS+)
DDS helps in detecting tire pressure loss by using wheel speed sensor signal, with no additional needs for sensors. The technology aids the safety of the vehicle at an optimized cost by merely collecting data from wheel speed sensors and projecting the tire pressure.
7) Wheel Speed Sensors (WSS)
WSS transmits the wheel speed of every wheel to the Anti-Lock Braking System. It is a piece of safety equipment that prevents the wheels of a vehicle from locking up under emergency, panic, or harsh braking conditions.
8) Engine Speed Sensor
Engine Speed Sensor provides CAM and CRANK position signal to electronic control units (ECU) for engine management and ensure increase fuel efficiency and engine performance.
9) eRPS (Electric Rotary Position sensor)
The eRPS is used in Electric Vehicle at motor front end to check high speed rotor position sensor measuring the angular position of the rotor shaft in synchronous electric motors. The sensor signal is required for an efficient e-machine torque control used in electric and hybrid vehicles.
