Adaptive electronic throttle control of road vehicles

Previous work at Loughborough University has clearly demonstrated the gains that can be made in overall performance feel through the manipulation of the engine demand map. In particular the studies have shown the importance of the throttle progression, and the relationship between throttle pedal progression and wide-open throttle performance. These studies concluded with a clear set of design guidelines for the initial set up of a vehicle to achieve optimal performance feel for a population of drivers. These studies also highlighted the wide variation in response from different subjects indicating that further gains in satisfaction could be achieved if the demand map were optimised for each driver. Failing to provide optimum performance feel for the driver can result in reduced satisfaction, in turn making vehicles less saleable and more difficult to drive through the increased concentration needed to drive the vehicle. This thesis attempts to solve the problem of demographic and driver preference variation, by developing an electronic throttle system that adapts to driver preference. [Continues.]