A Global Positioning System (GPS) fleet management system is a network that allows the vehicles in a fleet to be tracked via satellite and with the results available to company supervisors in real time. Each vehicle has a device, sometimes referred to as a "black box," that receives signals from GPS satellites to pinpoint the location; it then transmits the data wirelessly over the Internet, where it can be viewed by the fleet's management staff. In addition to location data, most types of GPS fleet management system variants are capable of keeping track of a variety of other vehicle information including speed, fuel consumption, and engine idling. This information can enable fleet managers to maximize the use of each vehicle.The primary purpose of a GPS fleet management system is to help the owners or managers of a fleet keep track of where their vehicles are and what they are doing. It can be used in any type of vehicle; examples include public transportation such as buses, delivery services, or taxi cabs. A GPS fleet management system is also very useful in the operation of emergency services, such as police, fire, or ambulances, to enable dispatchers to determine which vehicles are the closest to the location of an incident and can respond quickest.
Each vehicle tracked with a GPS fleet management system has a device placed inside it capable of acting as both a receiver and a transmitter. The device receives data from GPS satellites to pinpoint the location of the vehicle. Acting as a wireless modem, the device also transmits this data along with additional information on cellular networks. The information is then processed in a central location and posted on the Internet for access. This process happens within seconds so that the data is available to the fleet managers in "real time."
Along with the location of the vehicle, the GPS fleet management system is also usually able to monitor and transmit other information including the speed the vehicle is traveling, fuel consumption, amount of time spent idling or turned off, and when the engine is started. This data can be analyzed by fleet managers to evaluate the use of each vehicle and ensure that each one is being operated properly and earning maximum income. It can also keep track of employees while they're on the clock and prevent unauthorized operation of the fleet's vehicles. Some systems are also able to track mechanical information about a vehicle's performance; this can determine when maintenance and repairs should be scheduled, thereby reducing vehicle downtime.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Hints for Racing Rims Set-up
Racing rims are automobile wheels that are generally lightweight and very round. A racing wheel, or racing rims as they are sometimes called, are machined to exacting quality standards to ensure the most round wheel possible in order to avoid unwanted vibration at high speeds. The center bolt hole region of racing rims is typically stronger than that of a street wheel to ensure that the center of the wheel is not ripped out or damaged by the extreme power applied by the race vehicle. Racing rims also frequently incorporate a bead lock or double-bead lock ring to retain the tire in the event of a blow-out as well as to prevent the wheel from spinning inside of the tire upon acceleration. A racing wheel is often extremely wide to fit the oversized rear race tires or very narrow to fit the extremely skinny front racing tires of a drag-racing vehicle.Science has proven that lightweight objects accelerate faster than heavy-weight items. This understanding has resulted in racing rim manufacturers creating the lightest wheels possible for competition use.
Constructed of lightweight aluminum, steel or magnesium, racing rims are designed to give the utmost in strength while remaining as light as possible. This often makes the wheels subject to damage through light contact, but this is a trade-off that most racing teams are willing to make to have lightweight racing rims. Often, valve stems on racing wheels are positioned to the inside of the wheel to prevent the valve stem from breaking and creating a flat tire if it makes contact with another vehicle.To add strength to the center of the wheel, most racers use extra-large lug nuts to fasten the race wheels to the vehicle. By using the extra-large lug nuts, the side load of the wheel is spread out over a larger area and prevents the wheel from ripping out and tearing over the lug nuts. Some racing rims are equipped with directional vent holes in the center of the wheel. These vent holes suck cool air into the wheel and are helpful in cooling the brake pads as well as the tire in very high-speed racing applications.Racing wheels, like most racing parts, are very strong. They are not, however, tested and approved for use on public roads. Therefore, racing rims are not legal for use on a street-driven vehicle in most areas. The lightweight design of these racing-only components would most likely break upon contact with a pothole or repeated bumps. Race tracks are ground very flat and smooth to prevent this from happening to racing rims during a competition.
Constructed of lightweight aluminum, steel or magnesium, racing rims are designed to give the utmost in strength while remaining as light as possible. This often makes the wheels subject to damage through light contact, but this is a trade-off that most racing teams are willing to make to have lightweight racing rims. Often, valve stems on racing wheels are positioned to the inside of the wheel to prevent the valve stem from breaking and creating a flat tire if it makes contact with another vehicle.To add strength to the center of the wheel, most racers use extra-large lug nuts to fasten the race wheels to the vehicle. By using the extra-large lug nuts, the side load of the wheel is spread out over a larger area and prevents the wheel from ripping out and tearing over the lug nuts. Some racing rims are equipped with directional vent holes in the center of the wheel. These vent holes suck cool air into the wheel and are helpful in cooling the brake pads as well as the tire in very high-speed racing applications.Racing wheels, like most racing parts, are very strong. They are not, however, tested and approved for use on public roads. Therefore, racing rims are not legal for use on a street-driven vehicle in most areas. The lightweight design of these racing-only components would most likely break upon contact with a pothole or repeated bumps. Race tracks are ground very flat and smooth to prevent this from happening to racing rims during a competition.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Infotainment systems news
I have been more involved in development of infotainment systems this year. BMW demonstrates what they call ConnectedDrive and Ford updates their Sync system to what they call myFord Touch
Compared to the amount of information at the links above there is very little about the comparable 2010 Volvo infotainment system at the official Volvo website. Note that the BMW is just a concept vehicle, while the Volvo system in in production, and still has less information about it on the web.
When the car gets connected, it also gets exposed: Telematics and security: Protecting the connected car
Therer are some interesting news about some major players as well: Nokia announce a strategic partnership with Microsoft on 11 February. I have no idea how this will affect Meego and GENIVI. Time will tell...
On the other hand there was a lot of activity around GENIVI at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. And GENIVI is based on Meego...
Compared to the amount of information at the links above there is very little about the comparable 2010 Volvo infotainment system at the official Volvo website. Note that the BMW is just a concept vehicle, while the Volvo system in in production, and still has less information about it on the web.
When the car gets connected, it also gets exposed: Telematics and security: Protecting the connected car
Therer are some interesting news about some major players as well: Nokia announce a strategic partnership with Microsoft on 11 February. I have no idea how this will affect Meego and GENIVI. Time will tell...
On the other hand there was a lot of activity around GENIVI at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. And GENIVI is based on Meego...
Functions of Oil Pan
An oil pan is a component that typically seals the bottom side of four-stroke, internal combustion engines in automotive and other similar applications. While it is known as an oil pan in the U.S., other parts of the world may call it an oil sump. Its main purpose is to form the bottommost part of the crankcase and to contain the engine oil before and after it has been circulated through the engine. When an oil pan is removed, some components revealed usually include the crankshaft, oil pickup, and the bottom end of the dipstick. Some oil pans will also contain one or more magnets that are designed to capture small pieces of metal before they can plug the oil filter or damage the engine.
During normal engine operation, an oil pump will draw oil from the pan and circulate it through the engine, where it is used to lubricate all the various components. After the oil has passed through the engine, it is allowed to return to the oil pan. In a wet sump system like this, the amount of oil that an engine can hold is directly related to the size of the oil pan. An engine can hold no more oil than can fit in the pan without reaching the crankshaft, since a submerged crankshaft will tend to aerate the oil, making it difficult or impossible for the oil pump to circulate it through the engine.
The drain plug used to change the engine oil is typically located somewhere on the oil pan. An easy way to locate an oil drain plug is to find the pan and then look for its lowest point. The pan may be slanted, have a bulge on one end, or be at a slight angle due to the position of the engine. This low point is usually where the drain plug is located so that nearly all of the oil in the pan can be drained through it.
Certain engines, such as those in race or high performance cars, may make use of what is known as a dry sump system. Instead of storing all the oil in the crank case, these engines have a divorced reservoir that it is pumped to and from. Oil pans on engines like these will typically be much smaller than those in wet sump systems, since the oil is returned to the reservoir after being used for lubrication.
During normal engine operation, an oil pump will draw oil from the pan and circulate it through the engine, where it is used to lubricate all the various components. After the oil has passed through the engine, it is allowed to return to the oil pan. In a wet sump system like this, the amount of oil that an engine can hold is directly related to the size of the oil pan. An engine can hold no more oil than can fit in the pan without reaching the crankshaft, since a submerged crankshaft will tend to aerate the oil, making it difficult or impossible for the oil pump to circulate it through the engine.
The drain plug used to change the engine oil is typically located somewhere on the oil pan. An easy way to locate an oil drain plug is to find the pan and then look for its lowest point. The pan may be slanted, have a bulge on one end, or be at a slight angle due to the position of the engine. This low point is usually where the drain plug is located so that nearly all of the oil in the pan can be drained through it.
Certain engines, such as those in race or high performance cars, may make use of what is known as a dry sump system. Instead of storing all the oil in the crank case, these engines have a divorced reservoir that it is pumped to and from. Oil pans on engines like these will typically be much smaller than those in wet sump systems, since the oil is returned to the reservoir after being used for lubrication.
The Use of Oil Filter
A car's oil filter is located on the side of the engine block, which is the lower, larger part of the engine. An oil pump circulates the oil through the engine; every time the engine oil circulates, it passes through the oil filter. The oil filter protects the engine by catching any large particles in the oil, which might damage the engine if allowed to circulate freely.
The oil filter serves a dual purpose, as it also protects the engine by retaining a small amount of oil when the car is turned off. The part of the oil filter that makes this retention possible is called the anti-drainback valve. While the engine is at rest, the oil drains into the bottom of the engine, leaving the moving parts at the top of the engine without proper lubrication when the car is started again. However, the small amount of oil remaining in the oil filter will circulate quickly into the top of the engine during the first couple of seconds after the car is started, restoring proper lubrication as soon as possible.
There are many different kinds of oil filters available. The standard oil filter is usually sufficient, assuming it will be replaced within 3,000 miles (4,828 km). However, an important feature to look for is the anti-drainback valve; an oil filter that has this valve will retain oil while the car is off and provide valuable lubrication to the top of the engine during the first few seconds after startup, as described above. An oil filter without this feature is generally not recommended.
When shopping for an oil filter, it is also important to avoid any fancy-sounding technology. An excellent example is the oil filter by a leading manufacturer that includes Teflon® in the filter itself; the Teflon® circulates through the engine with the oil. However, Teflon® is a semi-solid substance and has the ability to clog small oil passages within an engine. An oil filter with Teflon® in the filter material is not advisable, but an oil filter that uses Teflon in the gasket should not have any adverse effects on an engine.
It is important to change your car's oil filter with the engine oil every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first. Because the job of the oil filter is to trap large particles, preventing them from damaging the engine, it is safe to assume that after 3,000 miles the oil filter may well be getting clogged. A clogged oil filter will pose more resistance to the flow of engine oil, backing up the oil passages and preventing lubrication from reaching all parts of the engine. To prevent the serious damage that results from insufficient lubrication, it is imperative that you change your oil filter regularly.
The oil filter serves a dual purpose, as it also protects the engine by retaining a small amount of oil when the car is turned off. The part of the oil filter that makes this retention possible is called the anti-drainback valve. While the engine is at rest, the oil drains into the bottom of the engine, leaving the moving parts at the top of the engine without proper lubrication when the car is started again. However, the small amount of oil remaining in the oil filter will circulate quickly into the top of the engine during the first couple of seconds after the car is started, restoring proper lubrication as soon as possible.
There are many different kinds of oil filters available. The standard oil filter is usually sufficient, assuming it will be replaced within 3,000 miles (4,828 km). However, an important feature to look for is the anti-drainback valve; an oil filter that has this valve will retain oil while the car is off and provide valuable lubrication to the top of the engine during the first few seconds after startup, as described above. An oil filter without this feature is generally not recommended.
When shopping for an oil filter, it is also important to avoid any fancy-sounding technology. An excellent example is the oil filter by a leading manufacturer that includes Teflon® in the filter itself; the Teflon® circulates through the engine with the oil. However, Teflon® is a semi-solid substance and has the ability to clog small oil passages within an engine. An oil filter with Teflon® in the filter material is not advisable, but an oil filter that uses Teflon in the gasket should not have any adverse effects on an engine.
It is important to change your car's oil filter with the engine oil every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first. Because the job of the oil filter is to trap large particles, preventing them from damaging the engine, it is safe to assume that after 3,000 miles the oil filter may well be getting clogged. A clogged oil filter will pose more resistance to the flow of engine oil, backing up the oil passages and preventing lubrication from reaching all parts of the engine. To prevent the serious damage that results from insufficient lubrication, it is imperative that you change your oil filter regularly.
Fuel Injection Pump
A device that pumps fuel into gasoline or diesel engine cylinders is known as a fuel injection pump. The pump is usually driven by a chain or toothed timing belt that is motivated by the gears in a crankshaft. This system is also linked to the camshaft, causing them to be intertwined. In traditional four-stroke engines, it rotates at half the speed of the crankshaft in order to enable the correct timing of the injection process. This occurs as the cylinder's compression stroke is about to begin.
These devices are distinctly different from a fuel pump itself, which is primarily responsible for the flow of the fuel from its container or fuel tank. This is the part of the system in which fuel is brought out of the tank and pumped along a system of tubes to the engine block. The fuel injection pump then pushes the fuel inside the cylinders.
Fuel injection pumps need to operate in high-pressure environments in order to keep the system in full containment. In modern systems this is at the level of 15,000 psi or higher. For this reason, mechanics or engineers who work on these systems, especially diesel, take great care for personal safety. The fuel injection pump itself can possibly push fuel into the human body, causing serious harm to an individual.
In larger models, a concept known as in-line injection is the normal model. In this system, the pistons work with a throttle, which can produce varying power levels in the engine. All of the cylinders are rotated at once and the amount of fuel taken in is adjusted by a volume control method.
Smaller engines, such as those in cars and light trucks, use a distributor pump to control the fuel injection process. The injector pumps gas or diesel into fuel lines, which is how the volume of fuel is controlled. The timing of the injection process is controlled by the crankshaft. Essentially, the faster a vehicle moves, the more fuel is injected into the internal combustion engine. This can be accented with the addition of a turbocharger or supercharger, which gives the engine more power.
The fuel injection pump is ultimately controlled by a device known as a governor. The governor cuts the supply of fuel in event that the moving parts of the engine become too hot and endanger its life. This has the bonus of controlling the speeds a vehicle can reach in order to conform to local laws.
These devices are distinctly different from a fuel pump itself, which is primarily responsible for the flow of the fuel from its container or fuel tank. This is the part of the system in which fuel is brought out of the tank and pumped along a system of tubes to the engine block. The fuel injection pump then pushes the fuel inside the cylinders.
Fuel injection pumps need to operate in high-pressure environments in order to keep the system in full containment. In modern systems this is at the level of 15,000 psi or higher. For this reason, mechanics or engineers who work on these systems, especially diesel, take great care for personal safety. The fuel injection pump itself can possibly push fuel into the human body, causing serious harm to an individual.
In larger models, a concept known as in-line injection is the normal model. In this system, the pistons work with a throttle, which can produce varying power levels in the engine. All of the cylinders are rotated at once and the amount of fuel taken in is adjusted by a volume control method.
Smaller engines, such as those in cars and light trucks, use a distributor pump to control the fuel injection process. The injector pumps gas or diesel into fuel lines, which is how the volume of fuel is controlled. The timing of the injection process is controlled by the crankshaft. Essentially, the faster a vehicle moves, the more fuel is injected into the internal combustion engine. This can be accented with the addition of a turbocharger or supercharger, which gives the engine more power.
The fuel injection pump is ultimately controlled by a device known as a governor. The governor cuts the supply of fuel in event that the moving parts of the engine become too hot and endanger its life. This has the bonus of controlling the speeds a vehicle can reach in order to conform to local laws.
Functions of the Odometer
An odometer tracks the distance traveled by an automobile, truck or other vehicle, and is featured in the dashboard. Motorcycles have an odometer fixed at the base of the handlebars, into a dash, or atop the gas tank. An odometer can be mechanical or digital.
A mechanical odometer basically consists of a series of cogs featuring numbers on each edge. The cogs turns in accord with wheel rotation via the odometer cable and drive mechanism. The mechanical odometer is hidden from view by a windowed casing that reveals only a single row of numbers, which displays current mileage. This can be viewed on the speedometer face. Depending on the age of the vehicle, a mechanical odometer might have a maximum count of 99,999 miles, at which point it rolls over to start recounting from 00000 miles.
The modern electronic or digital odometer tracks mileage using a computer chip. The readout is digitally displayed and the mileage is stored in the main engine control module. Manufacturers hoped the electronic odometer might prevent odometer fraud, but this hasn’t been the case.
Resale value of a vehicle is based in large part on mileage. All else being equal, the fewer miles a vehicle has, the higher the resale value. Odometer fraud, or clocking involves manually setting the odometer back to falsely deflate mileage and inflate the value of the car.
Clocking a mechanical odometer is a fairly easy task. Dishonest private parties and unethical retailers can remove the odometer, manually turn the cogs to display the desired mileage, then reinstall the device. Innocent buyers can pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than a car’s actual worth, often discovering odometer fraud too late.
The automobile industry expected the digital or electronic odometer to significantly reduce odometer fraud. However, tools needed to legally calibrate digital odometers for legitimate purposes are readily available online and off. These tools are known to be used to set back digital odometers. Experts claim this is actually easier than turning back a mechanical odometer.
To protect yourself against odometer fraud compare the mileage on the vehicle with the title. Each time the vehicle changes hands, the mileage must be listed on the title. If the vehicle is newer with 20,000 miles or less on the odometer it should still have the original tires. For older cars with low miles, check wear on the gas, brake and clutch pedals. Ask for maintenance records and/or smog check records and note the mileage.
If considering a car with a mechanical odometer, the numbers should line up evenly. If they are crooked or visibly move when you rap the dash or the face of the odometer, experts advise walking away.
Finally, utilize a company like CarFax or AutoCheck to receive a report on the vehicle using the vehicle identification number (VIN). These reports not only verify odometer readings, but will list accidents, flooding, or other reported mishaps that have befallen the vehicle.
A mechanical odometer basically consists of a series of cogs featuring numbers on each edge. The cogs turns in accord with wheel rotation via the odometer cable and drive mechanism. The mechanical odometer is hidden from view by a windowed casing that reveals only a single row of numbers, which displays current mileage. This can be viewed on the speedometer face. Depending on the age of the vehicle, a mechanical odometer might have a maximum count of 99,999 miles, at which point it rolls over to start recounting from 00000 miles.
The modern electronic or digital odometer tracks mileage using a computer chip. The readout is digitally displayed and the mileage is stored in the main engine control module. Manufacturers hoped the electronic odometer might prevent odometer fraud, but this hasn’t been the case.
Resale value of a vehicle is based in large part on mileage. All else being equal, the fewer miles a vehicle has, the higher the resale value. Odometer fraud, or clocking involves manually setting the odometer back to falsely deflate mileage and inflate the value of the car.
Clocking a mechanical odometer is a fairly easy task. Dishonest private parties and unethical retailers can remove the odometer, manually turn the cogs to display the desired mileage, then reinstall the device. Innocent buyers can pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than a car’s actual worth, often discovering odometer fraud too late.
The automobile industry expected the digital or electronic odometer to significantly reduce odometer fraud. However, tools needed to legally calibrate digital odometers for legitimate purposes are readily available online and off. These tools are known to be used to set back digital odometers. Experts claim this is actually easier than turning back a mechanical odometer.
To protect yourself against odometer fraud compare the mileage on the vehicle with the title. Each time the vehicle changes hands, the mileage must be listed on the title. If the vehicle is newer with 20,000 miles or less on the odometer it should still have the original tires. For older cars with low miles, check wear on the gas, brake and clutch pedals. Ask for maintenance records and/or smog check records and note the mileage.
If considering a car with a mechanical odometer, the numbers should line up evenly. If they are crooked or visibly move when you rap the dash or the face of the odometer, experts advise walking away.
Finally, utilize a company like CarFax or AutoCheck to receive a report on the vehicle using the vehicle identification number (VIN). These reports not only verify odometer readings, but will list accidents, flooding, or other reported mishaps that have befallen the vehicle.
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