JohnCal

JohnCal

13p

3 comments posted · 1 followers · following 0

14 years ago @ Macleans.ca - Out of Control · 0 replies · +1 points

I feel it is a yes and no. We are where we are and benefit tremendously from our IT and the ElectroGiGa era. But there, as always, is a cost, and losses deaths etc. None of us are immune.
I personally hope the engineering and industrial institutions will begin a modified approach and implement 99.9% failsafe and simple systems into critical control functions in our electro mechanical lifestyles. In Aircraft this is exactly the issue Airbus, Boeing, and all, is now facing. I wish them the humility and strength of character to revamp their approach and hand the ultimate command back to the humans. Boeing has had this as a override capability to the PIC for many years, but may be leaving that behind.
I think we emotionally accept human error better than a fritzing computer in charge of 400 seat A/C @ FL42. Same here with Toyota. We have had an era of fabulous 'Comfynous' but need no to get our feet back on the ground. Accelerator =a cable please. Brakes=Hydraulic. No wires attached please.

14 years ago @ Macleans.ca - Out of Control · 0 replies · +1 points

Toyota did not get where they are by luck alone, but a mix of luck and very intelligent engineers dedicated to the craft. My hunch is that when the Lexus accident in Cal occurred they peered deeply and right away into the computer management software and found a data chain which could lead to a misinterpretation of sensor data and an erroneous command. I saw a story recently of a similar situ in Oz w/ a '02 or so Ford Explorer barely coming to a semi-stop after many km and burned up brakes. Says to me 'puter probs. IMO they have done the best they can with a terribly difficult situation. And have needed time to determine, fabricate and issue new software. Thats my guess. Personally I prefer simple all-mechanical systems for these functions. May that return to the throttle.

14 years ago @ Macleans.ca - Death on the track · 0 replies · +2 points

Good to see comments mentioning the poor design of this track. In the photo it really does appear to be a 1970's type facility- wood capped wall leading straight into a vertical section. Huh? In this day and age I cannot imagine an engineering and design firm coming up with this. I hope his family and loved ones are duly compensated if legally possible. I looked quickly at the Altenburg German facility, a mid '80s facility-it is apparent much consideration is given there to smooth entry and exit transitions if an upset occurs and the athlete(s) REMAIN in the track chute!!!. Participants in bobsled luge skeleton have been in leave-the-track accidents years ago! - so this is a known potential, and not difficult to prevent 99.99% of the time. Obviously this lack of containment safety infrastructure is the crux issue here, not speed, and the athletes involved would be much more comfortable psychologically if there was a good design in place here, and the facilities potential for records could then be realized more readily. But when we are nervous we all tighten up. I say this facility leads sliders to be tight due to the lack of a flowing design. Sure some will handle it, but some will be injured due only to poor design