Övers. av: Life on Board: projektrapport

As traditional mechanical systems are replaced by electromechanical shift-by-wire (SBW) solutions, new challenges arise for both vehicle developers and drivers. The increased degree of freedom in design and functionality can cause situations where selectors and instruments of a familiar system appear alien to the driver. From a safety perspective it was important to understand the relation between features that are technically viable to introduce as support for the driver, to the expected impact on vehicle safety. The purpose with the project was to build knowledge of how new gear shifter concepts would affect usability and hence traffic safety. Three background related studies and four experimental studies were performed during the project. The results show that there are shifter solutions in production that creates unnecessary distraction and confusion during gear shifts. A normal gear selection differs with 1,42 seconds when average values are compared between a monostable and polystable joystick shifter. The 1,42 extra second demanded by the monostable shifter means reduced possibilities to avoid accidents. A joystick with a polystable J-shape pattern had the highest usability among the compared shifters in the project. Rotary shifters and the use of haptic clues could also be recommended. Another result of the project was three showcase shifters developed by Kongsberg Automotive mounted in a Volvo Concept Car.