Automobile Technology

Whether you drive a car, a truck, or an SUV, there are some great features that are available these days. Some of these features include Blind Spot Mirrors, Cruise Control, Navigation Systems, and Power Steering.

Air-filled bladders

Whether you are in the transportation industry, military, or aerospace, you may have seen or used air-filled bladders. These bladders are made from a variety of materials, and are used for a variety of purposes.

There are two main types of bladders: inflatable and rigid. Both types come in a variety of thicknesses. The inflatable variety is often preferred because it is easier to store than rigid metal tanks. It also has a higher degree of flexibility. It is also collapsible.

ATL has designed flexible bladders for manned aviation applications, and has more than 600 bladders in their inventory. Their materials are crashworthy, and meet EASA ETSO standards for strength.

Blindspot mirrors

Adding a blindspot mirror to your automobile is a simple and inexpensive way to make driving safer. A blindspot is an area of the car’s rear where the driver may not see an object. It can also be a hazard to the driver, especially on highways.

A blindspot mirror is an inexpensive piece of hardware that can be attached to a car’s side mirror. It compresses the image towards the outer edge of the mirror, providing a wider field of view. These mirrors are commonly made of heavy-duty ABS plastic.

There are a wide variety of blindspot mirrors on the market. Some are custom-fitted to your vehicle, while others are universal add-ons. Some are well-made, while others aren’t.

Cruise control

Adaptive cruise control is one of the more advanced automobile technologies. Essentially, it is a system that detects when other cars are ahead of you and accelerates or decelerates accordingly. This helps you maintain a preset following distance and minimizes driver fatigue, especially on long highway trips.

Although adaptive cruise control systems are available in premium cars, they have yet to trickle down to the mainstream. Some automakers bundle the technology with other features.

Essentially, the system monitors your speed, then sends signals to your brakes and steering system to adjust your speed. The system works by using a variety of sensors, including radar and cameras.

Power steering

Various forms of power steering in automobile technology have been implemented over the years. It’s a feature that has evolved from a mere manual control mechanism to a fully automatic system that makes tiny wheel angle corrections. In addition to improving safety and handling, EPS systems help drivers get the most out of their vehicle.

An electric motor mounted on a steering rack generates the power that is used to rotate the steering wheel. It can be used to turn the wheels in either direction. The motor may also be mounted to the steering column.

The electrical power steering system consists of an electric motor and an analog-sensing integrated circuit. The system detects changes in magnetic flux to calculate a steering torque signal. This signal is then fed to a power steering control module.

Back-up cameras

Several years ago, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted a study on the efficacy of backup cameras. The study determined that the backup collision fatality rate was relatively low, with an estimated 58 to 69 lives saved each year.

The backup camera system was introduced into the mass market in the early 2000s, but was still a novelty. In 2003, only three car models made backup cameras available. Until recently, these cameras were not found on US cars.

The backup camera is a simple device that engages when the driver backs up the car. The image is then sent to a monitor or display screen. The quality of the picture will depend on the quality of the camera and the resolution of the monitor.

Navigation systems

Using GPS and other advanced technologies, navigation systems are helping drivers get from point A to point B. In addition to being able to locate the destination, they can also alert the driver of dangerous obstacles and other road hazards. They can also help drivers avoid traffic congestion and save fuel.

Originally designed for military use, the GPS system has also become popular among the general public. It is now used for navigation by most of the vehicles sold in North America. It is also used for traffic monitoring and emergency notifications.

A navigation system can use a number of devices, including GPS, Bluetooth, and wireless connections. It can help the driver find the shortest route, avoid certain obstacles, and locate safe resting spots.