LATERAL CONTROL OF DUAL-MODE VEHICLES

The General Motors dual-mode vehicle is controlled laterally in the automatic mode in three ways. Primary guidance is achieved through front-wheel steering in a response to vehicle-borne computer control. Cables buried in the guideway surface generate a magnetic field for lateral reference. Vehicle-mounted antennae measure the deviation from the desired path, and the computer converts this signal to a steering correction signal, which in turn is magnified hydraulically in the steering mechanism. An independent mechanical backup, consisting of a vehicle-mounted arm and a slot in the guideway surface, is provided for positive switching in the diverge areas. The design of the guideway walls provides a second backup for lateral vehicle restraint. The effects of feedback paths, control system design, and vehicle dynamics on disturbance response and path following are discussed. Vehicle directional control characteristics necessary for automated steering are described. The effects of selected component failures on vehicle lateral control are shown in the paper.

• Record URL:
  http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/sr/sr170/170-033.pdf
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/0360859X
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper appears in Dual Mode Transportation, which is a publication containing the proceedings of a conference conducted by the Transportation Research Board, May 29-31, 1974. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board (TRB)

  Washington, DC   
• Authors:
  • Rosenkrands, John W
  • Lutz, James K
  • Doering, Robert
  • Merkle, Ralph
• Conference:
  • Conference on Dual-Mode Transportation
  • Location: Washington District of Columbia, United States
  • Date: 1974-5-29 to 1974-5-31
• Publication Date: 1976

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Pagination: p 98
• Monograph Title: Dual-mode transportation
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Board Special Report
  • Issue Number: 170
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0360-859X

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automated vehicle control; Control systems; Dual mode transportation systems; Feedback control; Vehicle dynamics
• Uncontrolled Terms: Guided vehicles
• Subject Areas: Highways; Planning and Forecasting;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00149257
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Mar 15 1977 12:00AM