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Shibetsu Proving Ground Introduces Blue Lines for Safer Winter Vehicle Testing
At the Shibetsu Proving Ground in Hokkaido, Japan, a unique solution has been implemented to enhance the safety and efficiency of winter vehicle testing. The innovation? Blue lines painted on snowbanks along test tracks.
The Birth of the Blue Lines
The blue lines were initially inspired by experiments conducted by the Japan Highway Public Corporation. Initially, the lines were painted using converted mini trucks and nozzles attached to fire engines.
How the Blue Lines are Created
The blue lines are created by spraying a water-based blue dye or paint directly onto the compacted snowbanks beside the test track. Operators often use spray equipment mounted on vehicles or handheld sprayers to apply the paint evenly along the snowbanks. Because snow conditions change, the lines may be repainted or touched up regularly to maintain visibility throughout the winter testing period.
The Benefits of Blue Lines
- Improved Visibility: The blue lines provide clear visual markers for drivers navigating test tracks in low-contrast, snowy, and often foggy or dim conditions. This helps drivers better judge track edges and maintain correct lane positioning.
- Enhanced Safety: Clear delineation of track boundaries reduces the risk of vehicles unintentionally driving into snowbanks or off the test course, minimizing accidents and vehicle damage during high-speed or complex winter testing scenarios.
- Better Data Quality: With defined track limits visible, test drivers can maintain consistent runs, leading to more reliable and reproducible test results.
- Environmental Considerations: Using a non-toxic, water-based paint ensures that the environment is not harmed, and the paint naturally disperses with melting snow.
Overcoming Challenges
In winter, around 2,000 snow poles are planted, with 30-40% becoming frozen in place. The removal of these poles can be a nuisance during spring and pose a challenge for removing them. However, team member Toki developed a jig to make it easier to pull out the snow poles.
Meet the Team
The Shibetsu Proving Ground is a place filled with creative ideas for safe testing. Shinji Kataoka supervises the courses and is part of the Vehicle Engineering Development Division's Shibetsu Vehicle Testing Section. Kataoka is also a qualified first-aid instructor, and the facility has a nurse permanently stationed on site for emergencies. Toki is a member of the Shibetsu Proving Ground team, previously involved in development as a test driver.
The Importance of the Shibetsu Proving Ground
The Shibetsu Proving Ground is a key facility for making cars. If snow poles are not removed, summer testing courses cannot be set up. The blue lines, visible in both day and night, help ensure that testing can continue smoothly, even in the harshest winter conditions. The Shibetsu Proving Ground is not just a test site; it's a hub of innovation and safety, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in vehicle development.
In the realm of automotive industry and technology, the innovation of blue lines at Shibetsu Proving Ground has significantly impacted the finance sector related to transportation, especially during winter vehicle testing. The implementation of these blue lines allows for better data quality, enhanced safety, and improved vehicle performance, all crucial factors in the design and development stages of various products in the industry. Additionally, the use of a non-toxic, water-based paint in creating these blue lines aligns with the increasing trend towards environmentally-friendly solutions in the technology sector.
