How Cruise Control Works
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The Evolution of Cruise Control: From Ralph Teetor to Today
Introduction to Cruise Control
Cruise Control, a feature that has combined safety and comfort beautifully over the years, was invented in 1948 by mechanical engineer Ralph Teetor. Known by different names around the world such as Speed Control, Autocruise, and Tempoma, Cruise Control was born out of the sheer frustration Teetor experienced as his lawyer sped up and slowed down while speaking.
How Cruise Control Works
While Cruise Control systems were developed with the primary objective of maintaining a constant vehicle speed, they have evolved significantly over time. Today, the most basic Cruise Control systems:
- Accelerate and decelerate at the touch of a button
- Disengage when the brake pedal is tapped
- Prevent activation at speeds below 40 km/h
The basic function, however, remains the same, as the Cruise Control system actuates the throttle value with a cable connected to a vacuum actuator. This actuator controls the throttle value, regulating the amount of air the engine takes in.
The Rise of Adaptive Cruise Control
Despite the increase in the number of vehicles on the streets globally, Cruise Control systems haven't declined in popularity. In fact, with the introduction of Adaptive Cruise Control, both safety and comfort have reached new heights. Adaptive Cruise Control systems:
- Automatically adjust the speed of a vehicle to maintain a preset distance from the vehicle in front
- Utilize a radar headway sensor, digital signal processor, and longitudinal controller to control both acceleration and braking
Conclusion
As Alfred North Whitehead rightly claimed, “Ideas won't keep. Something must be done about them.” Today, over 65 years since the inception of Cruise Control, there’s just one thing left to say: thank you, Ralph Teetor!
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