标签: steering wheel

Arguing is something that people get into when they are emotionally involved, or maybe even as recreation, as so wonderfully captured by the classic, timeless Monty Python "Argument" sketch (click here for a summary of the sketch; it also has links to the script and a video clip.) Engineers even like to sometimes argue technical issues "after hours", while unwinding at the local snack shop, watering hole, or conference. But what should engineers argue about: The "best" processor? The "best" operating system or language? Which debug tools to use in various circumstances? Yes, those are viable topics, but I'd like to propose some bigger, broader topics for engineers to debate with their fellows. To help you all get started, I have included links to some previous columns on these topics:  • What went right (or wrong) with Space Shuttle program, and why didn't it live up to its initial promise (see here )?  • Is spread-spectrum clocking a clever engineering technique, or is it a down-and-dirty cheat (see here )?  • Should we be switching to Daylight Savings Time, or is it an outmoded concept from an era now gone, and which now brings no real benefit?  • Is circuit design—as distinct from IC design—still a widely needed skill (see here )?  • Should we replace the standard car steering wheel with a joystick (see here )?  • Will the outcome of Texas Instruments' acquisition of National Semiconductor be a net gain, loss, or neutral?  • Is IBM's Watson an indication of how far computers have come in replicating the human brain, or of how little we actually know about the brain?  • And the big one: should "climate science" and even be considered as science, in the classical, traditional meaning of the term "science"? Remember, it's OK to argue based on your personal beliefs, but it is also good to try to argue both sides of an issue—it's an important mental exercise. Are there other "big picture" topics you would suggest engineers have a spirited argument about?  

I went to a technology conference at MIT, organized by Technology Review magazine several years ago. A lot of industry honchos were there, with many from the engineering side rather than marketing. Some of the speakers gave broad overviews of the present state of a technology or application, while others focused on predictions about the near and long-term future.   One talk I remember clearly was given by the technology head at Ford Motor Company (sorry, I don't remember his name). He said that in a few years, most cars on the market would not have steering wheels; they would be replaced by joysticks. It made sense, he pointed out, since the "younger generation" had been raised on video games and their controls, and would be quite comfortable with this non-traditional way of steering the car.   With the continued deployment of control-by-wire in cars, it makes a lot of sense electrically, too: no need for a steering wheel and associated assembly to turn a shaft encoder which, in turn, controls the wheel-steering mechanism via electronically controlled motors or valves. He added that he could envision that cars would next get rid of the accelerator and brake pedals, also to be replaced by hand-controller buttons or a joystick.   Besides the user-comfort factor, this change made lots of financial and production sense, he added. A joystick box is far cheaper in BOM and raw materials than a steering-wheel assembly. A repositionable joystick control also makes it easier to engineer a car to be sold world-wide, since some countries have the driver on the left and others have the driver on the right (designing and building cars for right-hand and left-hand markets is a real engineering and production headache). The joystick also frees up lots of front room, and gives the car designer much more flexibility in cabin design.   Well, long story short, we know how this prediction turned out. You don't see any standard cars without the steering wheel, which has been in use over a hundred years (it replaced the steering tiller of the first cars).   So my question is, why not? Is it due to real or perceived liability issues? Customer preference and potential discomfort? The inevitable time-lag in getting major chages adopted by the public? Regulatory iussues and car inspection regulations? The feeling of "control" that a steering wheel imparts?   I don't know, of course, and I suspect the answer is a combination in unknown proportions of many or all of the above, and perhaps some other factors. On one side, it makes very logical sense, and on the other, it just isn't happening.   What do you think are the reasons? After all, sometimes, the market is a strong force for change; and sometimes—due to cultural forces or innate human nature—it doesn't follow the logical dictates of the engineer or a technology.   Are there other "it absolutely makes sense" consumer-product changes which you think about, and which our technology now allows, but haven't been adopted yet? ?    

I attended a technology conference at MIT, organized by Technology Review magazine a few years ago. Many high-level industry leaders were there, with a lot from the engineering side rather than marketing. Some of the speakers gave broad overviews of the present state of a technology or application, while others focused on predictions about the near and long-term future.   One talk I remember clearly was given by the technology head at Ford Motor Company (sorry, I don't remember his name). He said that in a few years, most cars on the market would not have steering wheels; they would be replaced by joysticks. It made sense, he pointed out, since the "younger generation" had been raised on video games and their controls, and would be quite comfortable with this non-traditional way of steering the car.   With the continued deployment of control-by-wire in cars, it makes a lot of sense electrically, too: no need for a steering wheel and associated assembly to turn a shaft encoder which, in turn, controls the wheel-steering mechanism via electronically controlled motors or valves. He added that he could envision that cars would next get rid of the accelerator and brake pedals, also to be replaced by hand-controller buttons or a joystick.   Besides the user-comfort factor, this change made lots of financial and production sense, he added. A joystick box is far cheaper in BOM and raw materials than a steering-wheel assembly. A repositionable joystick control also makes it easier to engineer a car to be sold world-wide, since some countries have the driver on the left and others have the driver on the right (designing and building cars for right-hand and left-hand markets is a real engineering and production headache). The joystick also frees up lots of front room, and gives the car designer much more flexibility in cabin design.   Well, long story short, we know how this prediction turned out. You don't see any standard cars without the steering wheel, which has been in use over a hundred years (it replaced the steering tiller of the first cars).   So my question is, why not? Is it due to real or perceived liability issues? Customer preference and potential discomfort? The inevitable time-lag in getting major chages adopted by the public? Regulatory iussues and car inspection regulations? The feeling of "control" that a steering wheel imparts?   I don't know, of course, and I suspect the answer is a combination in unknown proportions of many or all of the above, and perhaps some other factors. On one side, it makes very logical sense, and on the other, it just isn't happening.   What do you think are the reasons? After all, sometimes, the market is a strong force for change; and sometimes—due to cultural forces or innate human nature—it doesn't follow the logical dictates of the engineer or a technology.   Are there other "it absolutely makes sense" consumer product changes which you think about, and which our technology now allows, but haven't been adopted yet? ?