Honda advanced technology

Honda Advanced Technology is part of Honda's long-standing research and development program focused on building new models for their automotive products and automotive-related technologies, with many of the advances pertaining to engine technology. Honda's commitment to pursuit of ideas and exploration of technological challenges has led to practical solutions ranging from fuel-efficient vehicles and engines, to more sophisticated applications such as the humanoid robot, ASIMO, and the Honda HA-420 HondaJet, a six-passenger business jet. Honda Advanced Technology emphasizes environmental sustainability, safety and advanced mobility.

Engine and Environmental Technology

Honda's focus on fuel-efficiency and the environmental impact of its vehicles dates back to the Clean Air Legislation of the 1960s and 1970s. "Blue skies for our children" has been their guideline in developing future vehicles, inspiring them to launch further research into clean diesels and hydrogen power. Advanced improvement on existing technologies like VTEC and IMA has resulted in i-VTEC and Hybrid Technology that increases fuel economy and further reduces CO2 emissions.

i-VTEC Technology

2.4 DOHC i-VTEC.

i-VTEC is the acronym for intelligent VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control), an evolution of Honda's VTEC engine. The i-VTEC engine works by controlling the timing and lifting of the camshafts depending on engine speeds. The valves open a small amount during low engine speeds to achieve maximum fuel efficiency. The valves will open wider at higher engine speeds to achieve higher performance.

Honda i-VTEC (intelligent-VTEC) has VTC continuously variable timing of camshaft phasing on the intake camshaft of DOHC VTEC engines. The technology first appeared on Honda's K-series four-cylinder engine family in 2001 (In the United States, the technology debuted on the 2002 Honda CR-V).

What is this referring to: The new mechanism debuted in 2003 with the V6 3.0-liter i-VTEC engine which used a new Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) technology that runs on six cylinders during acceleration but used only three cylinders during cruising and low engine loads. In 2005, Honda introduced the 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine for the Civic which could deliver accelerated performance equivalent to a 2.0-liter engine with fuel efficiency that is 6% better than the 1.7-liter Civic engine. The high power output with low emissions and fuel economy is largely contributed by the improvements in several areas:

• Delayed valve closure timing – This controls the intake volume of air-fuel mixture, allowing the throttle valve to remain wide open while reducing pumping losses of up to 16%, which allows the engine to deliver better power output.
• Drive-by-wire technology – This system provides increased precision control over the throttle valve when the valve timing changes, creating a better driving experience where the driver is unaware of any torque fluctuations.
• Restructured pistons – A more compact piston prevents residual gas accumulation which in turn suppresses engine knocking. In addition, oil retention is improved thus reducing friction and increases fuel efficiency.
• 2-bed catalytic converter – This is positioned immediately after the exhaust manifold, providing direct contact which allows for high-precision air-fuel ratio control to drastically reduce emission levels.
• Reduced engine weight – The mass of the connecting rods and overall materials used in building the engine frame is reduced, which helps the engine gain better power and fuel efficiency.

The i-VTEC technology is also integrated in Honda's hybrid vehicles to work in tandem with an electric motor. In Honda's 2006 Civic Hybrid, the 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine uses a 3-stage valve design, an advancement from the 2005 i-VTEC technology. Aside from weight and friction reduction, the engine operates on either low-speed timing, high-output timing or 4-cylinder idling when the VCM system is engaged, each yielding better engine output upon varying driving conditions. Its competency helped place the Honda Civic Hybrid as the third "Greenest Vehicle" in 2009.

Earth Dreams Technology

Earth Dreams Technology is Honda's latest generation of engines proving their commitment to fuel-efficiency and environmental impact. By enhancing Honda's original VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control System) technology to further improve thermal efficiency and minimize friction, a new combination of high output and fuel efficiency was achieved. Each engine class will receive different modifications in the new Earth Dream Technology roll out.

• 660cc class engine

Employs DOHC and VTC (Variable Timing Control) to improve intake efficiency. Bore pitch has been shortened compared to the present engine models and by reducing the thickness of the cylinder block and camshaft, engine weight is reduced by 15% and fuel efficiency is improved by 10%.

• 1.3 to 1.5L class engine

Employs VTC, direct injection technology and the Atkinson cycle using the DOHC, VTEC technologies as the base. Extensive friction reduction measures have been implemented.

• 1.8 to 2.0L class engine

Employs direct injection technology and the Atkinson cycle using the DOHC, VTEC technologies as the base. Implementation of VTC and high-capacity EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) to both the intake and exhaust ports creates significantly reduced friction. For the 2.0L class hybrid vehicle engines, use of an electric water pump eliminates the need for a belt in the auxiliary device and contributes to a reduction in friction.

• 2.4L class engine

Based on the DOHC and VTEC technologies, it employs VTC and direct injection technology and implements extensive friction reduction measures. Engine has improved 5% in fuel efficiency and output, and a 10% improvement in maximum torque compared to the previous engine.

• 3.5L class engine

Employs new valve train mechanisms and direct injection technology in the SOHC, VTEC, VMC systems to improve fuel efficiency by over 10% and 5% of output; relative to the present standalone engine model.

Through its implementation first in the mini-vehicle N BOX and gradually onto other vehicle models, Honda aims to achieve top-of-industry fuel efficiency for every category within three years, while simultaneously setting a timeline of 2020 to reduce by 30% CO2 emissions for all products sold worldwide, relative to emission figures for 2000.

Integrated Motor Assist

3 stage i-VTEC + IMA.

The Integrated Motor Assist, or IMA as it is commonly known, is Honda's hybrid car technology that uses a gasoline-electric drive system developed to achieve higher fuel economy and low exhaust emissions without compromising engine efficiency. The IMA system uses the engine as the main power source and an electric motor as an assisting power during acceleration. It was first designed for the Honda Insight in 1999, which combined the electric motor with a smaller displacement VTEC engine and a lightweight aluminum body with improved aerodynamics. Low emissions target was realized when the car achieved the EU2000. In 2001, the Honda Insight Integrated Motor Assist system was declared "Best New Technology" by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).

The development of the IMA system is a result of optimizing the various technologies that Honda has built over the years, including the lean-burn combustion, low-emission engines, variable valve timing, high-efficiency electric motors, regenerative braking, nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery technology and the microprocessor control. The target of this integrated system was to meet improvements in several areas:

• Recovery of deceleration energy

With the IMA system, the amount of energy regeneration during deceleration is optimized and friction is reduced. The recovered energy is used to supplement the engine's output during acceleration.

• Reduction of energy displacement

The IMA supports the engine during a low rpm normal driving range by utilizing the electric motor to generate a high-torque performance. When the gasoline engine enters a higher rpm range, the electric motor ceases and power output is supplied by the VTEC engine. The assistance from the electric motor reduces the work of the gasoline engine, allowing the engine to be downscaled. This results in better mileage and reduces fuel consumption.

• Achieving lean burn engine operation

A key feature of the IMA is the improvement in combustion efficiency through lean burn technology which significantly reduces combustion times. A more compact combustion chamber and a higher compression ratio also improve heat efficiency in addition to higher air-fuel ratio. Motor assist is applied under moderate load condition to broaden the learn-burn operating range. This in turn improves the driving experience and fuel consumption.

• Idle stop system

The power from the electric motor is generated and conserved when the vehicle moves forward. When brakes are applied, the IMA system shuts off the engine and conserved power from the electric motor is utilized. This minimizes vibration of the car body and saves fuel when the engine is idling. When the brakes are released, the electric motor will restart the engine.

Among the Honda car models that are using IMA:
Honda J-VX (model 1997 concept car)
Honda Insight (model 1999-2006, 2010–2014)
Honda Dualnote (model 2001 concept car)
Honda Civic Hybrid (model 2003–present)
Honda Accord Hybrid (model 2005-2007)
Honda CR-Z (model 2009–present)

Transmission Technology

Variable Torque Management 4-Wheel Drive (VTM-4)

After studying various all-wheel and four wheel drive systems offered by the wide variety of pickups on the market today, Honda engineers concluded that virtually every one had functional shortcomings and was undesirably bulky, and heavy. The direct result of that research was to use Honda's innovative fully automatic VTM-4 system. This system provides front-wheel drive for dry pavement cruising conditions and engages all-wheel drive when needed to improve stability or maneuverability. Unlike many competitive systems that use an engagement strategy triggered by wheel slippage, the Ridgeline's VTM-4 system anticipates the need for all-wheel drive and engages the rear wheels before slippage begins. Additional torque is redistributed to the rear for improved performance during acceleration, especially on low friction surfaces and during towing. The VSA system provides a limited-slip differential effect by applying braking force to a slipping front wheel thereby directing driving force to the wheel with more grip.

VTM-4 Modes of Operation

There are three distinct modes of VTM-4 engagement.

• Acceleration Mode

Acceleration torque control (ATC) mode is unique to the VTM-4 system. It works even on dry pavement to actively distribute driving torque to all four wheels as the vehicle accelerates from a stop to cruising speed. One notable benefit of this mode is that traction is immediately available to move the vehicle from rest through a slippery intersection before slippage occurs (Once a wheel slips, the traction available for forward propulsion and lateral restraint is significantly diminished).

The second advantage is that apportioning drive torque among all four wheels greatly diminishes the likelihood of torque steer. Handling dynamics are also improved. Reducing the propulsive force carried by the front tires leaves more adhesion for steering the vehicle into a tight bend or for holding a cornering arc in the middle of a turn. In other words, the dynamic balance is greatly enhanced by ATC logic.

Rear wheel torque rises smoothly from zero to the optimum setting in proportion to vehicle acceleration (both forward and reverse). At higher speeds, the front wheels are capable of providing the desired thrust with excellent handling so torque delivered to the rear wheels automatically diminishes with speed. While cruising, all driving torque is delivered by the front wheels in the interests of smoothness, quietness, and fuel efficiency.

• Slip Control Logic

The second engagement mode uses wheel slippage control logic. If the difference tween front and rear wheels rises because of a slippery surface or poor traction at the front of the vehicle, that condition is detected by wheel-speed sensors which are monitored by VTM-4's ECU. In response, the ECU commands an increasing amount of torque for the rear wheels. Torque is proportional to both slip rate and the rate at which the slip rate is increasing. This operation is similar to conventional slip-based all-wheel-drive systems already on the market.

• VTM-4 Lock Mode

The third mode of all-wheel-drive engagement activates when the driver presses the lock button mounted on the instrument panel. The maximum amount of rear-drive torque is locked in until the vehicle gets moving and exceeds six mph, at which time rear drive torque is gradually diminished. By 18 mph, the lock mode is fully disengaged. When vehicle speed drops below 18 mph, the lock mode automatically reengages. The shift lever must be in the first, second, or reverse-gear position to use the lock mode.

The maximum torque delivered to the rear wheels allows the transmission to claw up a 28-degree (53-percent slope) dirt grade. On a split-mu (split-friction) grade (different amounts of traction at each wheel), VTM-4 automatically provides sufficient rear-wheel torque to help the vehicle climb steep and slippery terrain such as a steep driveway with patches of snow and ice.

Rear Differential Structure The vehicle's rear axle unit does not use a conventional differential. Instead, a hypoid ring-and-pinion gear set supported by a cast-aluminum housing switches torque from the propeller shaft's longitudinal orientation to the lateral orientation necessary to drive the rear wheels.

A connection from the ring gear to each wheel's half-shaft is made by left and right side clutches. Each drive clutch consists of three elements: an electromagnetic coil, a ball-cam device, and a set of 19 wet clutch plates which are similar in design to clutches used in an automatic transmission. Ten of the plates are splined (mechanically connected) to the ring gear while nine of the plates are splined to a half shaft. Left and right clutches are identical.

The VTM-4 system's electronic control unit (ECU) determines torque which is to be distributed to the rear wheels, then electric current is sent to the two electromagnetic coils. The resulting magnetic field moves a rotating steel plate toward each fixed coil. Friction between that steel plate and an adjoining cam plate causes the cam plate to begin turning. As it does, three balls per clutch roll up curved ramps, creating an axial thrust against a clutch-engagement plate. This thrust force compresses the wet clutch plates, thereby engaging drive to the corresponding rear wheel.

Unlike mechanically actuated four-wheel drive systems, the VTM-4 system is infinitely variable. The amount of torque provided to the rear wheels is directly proportional to the electric current sent from the ECU and can be adjusted from zero to a preset maximum. This current constantly changes to deliver the optimum rear torque calculated by the ECU. An internal gear pump circulates VTM-4 fluid to cool and lubricate the clutches, bearings, and gears within the rear drive unit. Use of high-strength, low-weight materials such as diecast aluminum for the housing minimizes the bulk and weight of this hardware, helping to keep the weight of the entire all-wheel-drive system to about 212-pounds.

Automatic Mode The VTM-4® electronic control unit, or ECU, constantly monitors vehicle speed and road conditions. When cruising or braking, the Ridgeline operates in front-wheel-drive only for maximum fuel efficiency. When accelerating, however, the VTM-4® ECU detects wheelspin before it happens, through its sensor data. The ECU then instantly calculates the best power split between the front and rear axles, and engages 4-wheel drive by electronically locking the rear clutches.

Lock Mode

The VTM-4 Lock mode can be activated only at speeds less than 18 mph in 1st, 2nd, or Reverse Gear positions. Note, when the transmission shift lever is placed in 2nd gear, it forces the vehicle into a 2nd gear start condition. This is only desirable on slippery surfaces such as ice or packed snow. To apply the maximum torque to the wheels for climbing a grade or to become un-stuck, you should always use the 1st gear position. Lugging the engine with the transmission in 2nd gear from a stop, may overheat the transmission and limit your ability to climb a steep hill or overcome a difficult traction condition.

Safety

Honda operates two of the world's most sophisticated crash test laboratories to improve safety designs and technologies in their vehicles, resulting in the cars scoring five-star ratings in front and side crash tests. A new independent crash test report from Euro NCAP also assessed the 2009 Honda Accord, Honda Civic and Honda Jazz as among Europe's safest cars, with an overall five-star rating.

Honda approaches safety issues through a core feature of advanced safety technologies which are applied to virtually all models as standard equipment to prevent accidents. Active safety technology prevents uncontrollable steering during cornering on the road using the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) while passive safety technology protects passengers and pedestrian by dispersing force into the body frame of the vehicle in the event of a road mishap. This is known as the G-force control (G-CON).

Vehicle Stability Assist

The Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) was introduced by Honda to its vehicles in 1997. The term is Honda's version of Electronic Stability Control (ESC), an active safety feature developed to correct oversteer and understeer by using several sensors to detect loss of steering control and traction while simultaneously braking individual wheels to help the vehicle regain stability.

How VSA Works

VSA combines the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Traction Control System (TCS) with side-slip control to help stabilize the vehicle whenever it turns more or less than desired. ABS is an existing system that prevents the vehicle's wheels from locking up under braking, especially in slippery road conditions. For the ABS to work, the system relies on the computed input from a steering angle sensor to monitor the driver's steering direction, the yaw sensor to detect the momentum of which the wheels are steering (yaw rate), and a lateral acceleration (g-force) sensor to signal the changes in speed. At the same time, the TCS will prevent wheel slip during acceleration while the side-slip control stabilizes cornering when the rear or front wheels slip sideways (during oversteer and understeer).

Controlling oversteer – During an oversteer, the rear end of the vehicle will spin out because the rotational speed of the rear wheels exceeds the front wheels. VSA will prevent the vehicle from spinning by braking the outer front wheel to produce an ouwtard moment and stabilize the vehicle.

Controlling understeer - During an understeer, the front wheels lose traction during cornering due to excessive throttle and this causes the speed difference between the left and front wheels to decrease. When the vehicle steers outwards from the intended trajectory, VSA intervenes by reducing engine power and if necessary, also braking the inner front wheel

G-CON

Honda's G-CON technology aims to protect car occupants by controlling G-forces during a collision. Such collision safety is a result of specific impact absorption by the vehicle's body and frame. The technology is tested between vehicles of varied size and structure in Honda's Real World Crash Test facility, at the Tochigi R&D Center, Japan. It is the world's first indoor, all-weather, omni-directional, vehicle-to-vehicle crash test center, built to increase research in safety technologies that will help vehicles withstand real-world traffic accidents. The car bodies that Honda has developed with G-CON have passed Honda's own demanding testing at the facility, withstanding a fixed barrier full frontal collision at 55 km/h and a frontal offset collision at 64 km/h.

How G-Con Works

The structure of the car body is designed to absorb and disperse crash energy throughout the energy compartment. When impact absorption is maximised, the cabin intrusion is automatically minimised to effectively lessen injuries to both occupants and pedestrians. The cabin floor forms a durable and firm foundation. The upperframe of the body structure absorbs the upper part of the collision impact while the lower part of the structure is engineered to prevent misalignment of the body frame of an oncoming car.

To optimize front collision performance and reduce the impact when different sized vehicles collide, the G-CON technology is further developed to incorporate Advanced Compatibility Engineering, Honda's term for crash compatibility. Honda has announced that by 2009, the ACE will be a standard feature in all their passenger cars, regardless of size or price.

G-CON is also designed to improve pedestrian safety by minimizing head and chest injuries of the pedestrian during an accident. The company introduced an advanced test dummy, Polar III, which represents the human body and is equipped with sensors to measure the impact of energy on a human body during a car accident. The data obtained has been used to explore pedestrian safety by improving the design of the vehicles.

Advanced mobility

Honda also ventures into advanced mobility research where the findings were used to create ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative MObility), the world's first humanoid robot, as well as Honda's first venture into flight mobility on 3 December 2003, which is HondaJet.

ASIMO

ASIMO at the Expo 2005

ASIMO, derived from Advanced Step in Innovative MObility, is pronounced ashimo. It was originally a research and development program undertaken by Honda's associates to challenge the field of mobility. The advancement of the research prompted Honda to conceive a humanoid robot capable of interacting with humans and is able to function in society, such as supporting the disabled and elderly.

Asimo started as a pair of mechanical legs and had been in development for over 20 years. E0, the first prototype, debuted in 1986 and evolved into prototype E7 in 1991. By 1993, the prototypes progressed to slightly more man-like walking robots. P1 was introduced in 1993, and subsequently P2 and P3 were presented in 1996 and 1997. The P3 robot was a gawky prototype standing at 160 cm tall and weighed 130 kg.

1986

Experimental model E0, debuted as a two-legged mechanism with a primitive walk.

1987 – 1991

E1 walked at a static pace of 0.25 km/h with a certain distinction of movement between the two legs.

E2 became the first prototype with dynamic movement at 1.2 km/h, mimicking the human walk.

E3 had thigh-like legs and could walk at normal human speed of 3 km/h.

1991 – 1993

E4 could simulate a quicker human step speed of 4.7 km/h. Knee length was also increased to 40 cm.

E5 was the first autonomous locomotion model with a large head cover.

E6 model had improved autonomous balancing control when going up and down the stairs or sloves, even stepping over obstacles.

1993 – 1997

Prototype model P1 was the first man-like model with upper limbs and a body.

P2 was the first autonomous humanoid with realistic movement.

P3 evolved in size and weight, marking it the prototype for Asimo.

In 2000, Asimo was unveiled as a robot with real-time, flexible walking technology which enables it to walk, run, climb and descend stairs. It is also built in with sound, face, posture, environment and movement recognition technology, and could even respond to Internet connectivity to report news and the weather.

By 2004, Honda announced new technologies that target a higher level of mobility which enabled the next-gen Asimo to function and interact with people more naturally. The new technologies introduced include:

• Posture control technology – Walking speed was increased from 1.6 km/h to 2.5 km/h while running speed increased to 3 km/h. This is aided by a newly developed high-speed processing circuit, highly responsive and high power motor drive unit in addition to a lightweight and highly rigid leg structure. The accuracy and response rate is four times faster than the previous model, matching the equivalent speed of a person jogging.
• Autonomous Continuous Movement technology - This allows Asimo to manoeuvre without stopping as it obtains information about its surrounding from its floor surface sensor. The floor surface sensor and visual sensors located in its head can detect obstacles so that Asimo can autonomously change its path and avoid hitting humans or other potential hazards.
• Enhanced visual and force sensor technologies – The sensors are added to the wrists so Asimo can move in sync with people and coordinate its movements to give and receive objects. It can also move forward or backward in response to the direction that its hand is pulled or pushed

With 2005's Asimo model, Honda added advanced level of physical capabilities that allows Asimo to operate in real-life environments and in sync with people. The new Asimo weighed 54 kg and stood at 130 cm tall. It could carry objects using a cart, walk with a person while holding hands, perform the tasks of a receptionist, carry out delivery service and be an information guide. In addition to enhanced visual sensors, floor surface sensors and ultrasonic sensors, Honda developed an IC Tele-interaction Communication Card which allows Asimo to recognise the location and identity of the person who is standing within a 360-degree range. The IC card is held by the person with whom Asimo interacts. Its mobility was also significantly improved, making it capable of running at 6 km/h and in circular pattern.

By 2007, Honda updated Asimo with improved intelligence technology that enabled it to operate more autonomously. It could now walk to the nearest charging station to recharge its battery when its power falls under a certain level, and is also capable of choosing its movement when approaching people, whether stepping back or negotiate the right of way.

Honda was also determined to focus its area of research in intelligence capabilities, particularly in developing a technology that uses brain signals to control a robot's movements. By 2009, Honda announced that it has developed a new system, the Brain Machine Interface, which allows human to send commands to Asimo through thought alone. The first-of-its-kind technology uses electroencephalography (EEG) and near-infrared spectroscopy to record brain activity, combined with a newly developed information-extraction technology to link the analysis and command Asimo to move. An electronic helmet is developed to allow humans to control the robot just by thinking about making the movement. This was demonstrated by scientists at the Honda Research Institute, who showed that it took only a few seconds for thought to be translated into robotic action. The technology is still under development and is not yet ready for general use.

Asimo have travelled across the globe to appear not only at motor shows and schools but prestigious science and engineering events. To demonstrate its latest capabilities, Asimo introduced the versatility of the new Honda Insight at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. It completed 54 rounds of 15-minute public performances over 13 days, running, walking and interacting with the crowd.

HondaJet

Honda's research and development in the field of aviation started in the late 1980s. Extensive research and development were carried out with Mississippi State University (MSU) on the HondaJet until 1996 and an experimental aircraft named "MH-02" was finally fabricated.

HondaJet falls under the category of very light jet (VLJ). Usually, a VLJ is able to fly in the max range of 1,320 nmi (2,440 km) at 380 knots (700 km/h), but the HondaJet is able to achieve 420 knots (780 km/h) with the similar max range. The HondaJet produces a range 1,180 nautical miles (2,190 km) with 30-35% higher fuel efficiency when compared to other jets with equivalent performance.

By the year 2003, HondaJet took its first flight. And in 2005, in conjunction with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, HondaJet made its first public appearance. The engine used during the flight was the HF118 turbofan jet which produces 1670 pounds of static thrust (lbst) during take-off.

After more than 20 years of research and development, HondaJet's technology in aviation industry was well-received with its over-the-wing engine mount configuration — a patented design invented by Honda engineers which reduces drag and minimizes shock wave. Other innovations include the natural laminar flow (NLF) wing and fuselage nose which also reduces drag. The advanced all-composite fuselage structure was developed with the intention to provide the aircraft with a light structure and greater interior volume. Its cabin offers its passengers with 2 configurations: 2 pilots and 5 passengers; and 2 pilots and 6 passengers.

On July 2005, HondaJet returned to Oshkosh, Wisconsin to announce its commercialisation. It has been said that the production of 70 jets per year will take place in the United States and there were claims that deliveries will begin in 2010 at the price of USD#3.65 million per compact jet.

On June 27, 2014, the first production aircraft flew for the first time from the Piedmont Triad International Airport (KGSO). During the 84-minute flight, the aircraft climbed to 15,500 feet and reached a speed of 348 knots (644 km/h) True airspeed. The HondaJet has maximum cruise speed of 420 knots (483 mph) and has a maximum altitude of 43,000 feet (13,000 m). The aircraft seats up to five passengers in a standard configuration and can travel at an NBAA IFR range of 1,180 nmi (2,190 km).

External links

• http://world.honda.com/tech/overview Background on Honda advanced technology
• http://www.honda.se/sw2363.asp?Pid=523
• http://world.honda.com/factbook/auto/motorshow/200310/10.html
• http://www.honda.net.my/technology/tech_hondajet.cfm