The topic for the project is to design an Automotive Cruise Control System although you may choose a different title for your report. The aim is to research cruise control systems and the practical considerations involved in implementing a cruise control system in a vehicle. Essentially you will be designing a cruise control system of your own and facing some of the challenges that an automotive designer would encounter. The project is also a good introduction on how to write a professional report which you will be faced with in your career, you should take care to ensure that all spelling and punctuation is correct and that the overall look of the report is polished and clean.
The report should consist of the following components:
1. A cover page. Include the Student Name, Course Code, Title and Date. Your cover page is the first thing the reader sees so it may be a good idea to add graphics to the page to draw attention to your report.
2. Introduction to the topic. Research the topic of cruise control systems in a historical context and identify the complex mechanical and electrical hardware involved in implementing such a system. What are some of the difficulties that terrain, weather, safety and congested driving conditions introduce? What are some of the interesting modern developments in cruise control systems that contrast with comparatively basic old systems that may grab your reader's interest?
3. Description of the problem. Describe the cruise control system that you intend to implement along with the features you would like to include. What will set your system apart from other systems on the market and why will your system be preferred? Will your system be designed for high end vehicles or will it focus on economic applications?
4. Description of the steps involved in solving the problem. Identify the physical hardware and electronic or mechanical control devices that your system will include such as cameras and electronic throttle controls. What steps will need to be taken to take your proposition to production. What will be the most cost and time intensive components to design and manufacture, will any of the components be available as off-the-shelf products or will they need to be designed from the ground up?
5. A detailed solution. Create a detailed table of all the inputs and outputs your system will include along with the physical devices that will be required by each input and output, feel free to add other fields such as cost, supplier, and quantity. Make a complete and aesthetically appealing flowchart that details your systems operation, include graphics that will convince your boss, investor, or client that your system is the best choice. How will your system handle the logic involved in combining all of the inputs to produce a safe and predictable
way of controlling the vehicle? Will you be able to make use of any mathematical functions or methods when you are processing the logic?
6. Conclusion and analysis of the results. Write a conclusion that highlights the major points of interest in your project and ties together some of the most interesting features you intend to include.