Science centre staff learns about Osizweni display vehicle

EVANDER – Mr Tsuyoshi Kamimura, an approved BMW mechanic, conducted a Drive by Wire Workshop at the Osizweni Education and Development Centre on 21 February.

This was aimed at helping science centre staff members to use the display BMW 3 Series that was sponsored by BMW South Africa in a joint effort with the Department of Science and Technology in October for educational purposes.

The workshop also provided them with an opportunity to learn about vehicle technology practical and the latest concept and innovations of the display vehicle.

Altogether 18 Osizweni staff members and four from the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown in Johannesburg took part in the three-hour workshop.

Mr Kamimura used interactive exhibits at the Osizweni Science Centre effectively during the first half session of the workshop when he explained basic vehicle technology.

He explained the following: the essential elements of combustion, air intake, throttle control, fuel flow, mixture of fuel and air, generation and distribution of high voltage electricity, ignition and combustion, lubrication, engine temperature control and the transmission system.

The second session was about What is Drive by Wire?

According to a Wikipedia article Drive by Wire refers to the use of electrical or electro-mechanical systems for performing vehicle functions traditionally achieved by mechanical linkages and or actuators.

This technology replaces the traditional mechanical control systems with electronic control systems using electromechanical actuators and human-machine interfaces such as pedal and steering emulators.

Hence, the traditional components such as the steering column, intermediate shafts, pumps, hoses, belts, coolers and vacuum servos and master cylinders are eliminated from the vehicle.

This is similar to the fly by wire systems used widely in the aviation industry.

Mr Kamimura picked up some typical aspects of the Drive by Wire technology and gave an animated power point presentation.

The contents consisted of various questions and answers about the display vehicle.