Geneva Coverage
Bertone Filo
The Filo concept uses “drive by wire” technology engineered by SKF, enabling a radical re-evaluation of the man-machine interface and the architectural of a car’s interior. STILE BERTONE has created a living space inside a car devoid of the traditional constraints imposed on position and freedom of movement.
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Mechatronics, the combination of mechanical devices under intelligent, electronic control, is at the heart of the Filo. It is these techniques that allow much of the interior redefinition, allowing for a reassessment of how a driver interacts with the vehicle and environment in which it is being driven.
Stile Bertone utilises “drive by wire” technology to re-design the interior architecture of the automobile and to create a living space devoid of the traditional constraints imposed on position and freedom of movement.
Finally freed of the bulky and potentially dangerous presence of the steering column, the designers have been able to consider a dashboard free of obstructions and constraints, a large free surface, simple, clean, relaxing. A central binnacle houses the information and driving equipment, while the air outlets disappear and the air conditioning is diffused evenly. The waved floor offers various possibilities for the driver to rest his feet, no longer restricted by the presence of pedals. Both front and rear seats have the appearance of lounge sofas, with the rear positioned higher than that of the front to give greater forward visibility for the passengers. Entrance into the car is made easier due to the absence of the central pillar. A much closer link between the environment of the home and the car is inevitable.
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SKF has drawn on its deep pool of skills to realise the drive-by-wire technology in the Filo concept. The Drive-By-Wire business unit, based in Italy, has driven the project from the beginning, taking design responsibility for the systems. Support has come from other areas
of SKF and from our development partners. SARMA, SKF’s avionics and aerospace arm provided the development basis for the Filo concept’s man-machine interface.
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The braking system was developed jointly with Brembo, SKF’s partner in brake-by-wire. Brembo’s knowledge and experience in calliper design and braking systems, coupled with compact, smart electro-mechanical actuating units from SKF has produced a braking system that, even at this interim stage in the solution development, rivals conventional hydraulic arrangements in performance. Smart electro-mechanical actuating units are at the heart of drive-by-wire. Ball and roller screws convert between rotary and linear motion. Compact electric motors and gearing systems provide the power. Smart control, a combination of sensors, logic and control units, brings by-wire to life.
Control systems for steering, clutch and shift and braking are all SKF developments. The Guida-Filo, blends the proven man-machine interface of today with the benefits of full by-wire operation, integrating throttle, braking and steering as hand controls. The centre boss accommodates all other controls that the driver needs. Gear selection is made by the button system already familiar from the world motor racing. Lights, wipers, audio, heating and air-conditioning are all located within driver’s immediate reach. |
Bertone strongly believe that by utilising fly-by-wire technology, the overall safety and level of function will be improved. It will be increasingly possible to integrate the comfort and luxuries of the home with the automobile. Safety is improved in collision and there is a reduction of industrial investment to change from right to left-hand drive. By-wire is also an environmentally friendly technology, dispensing with hydraulic oil for the braking and power steering systems. The “feel” for the driver’s controls from the mechatronic actuation systems is provided by closed-loop sensor and feedback system.
The car is a true concept in not only appearance but, perhaps more importantly, in function. Bertone have shown with the Filo that use of technology already proven in other industries - such as aerospace - can not only functionally improve the vehicle but also increase safety. Progress in this field now depends upon the relevant legislators - such as the EU and US Government - to make provision for fly-by-wire technology and to ensure high standards of manufacture when this happens.
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