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ISSN 2063-5346
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DEVELOPMENT OF STEER-BY-WIRE ELECTRONIC AUTOMOTIVE STEERING SYSTEM

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Burada Jyothi, Marpina Akhila, Ganta Abhishek, Gollangi Shanmukharao, Boddanam Narendra Kumar, Deverakonda Rohith, Dr.C.L.V.R.S.V Prasad
» doi: 10.31838/ecb/2023.12.1.097

Abstract

Conventional steering systems in the automobiles have mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the road wheels which leads to the limitations for realistic vehicle control and automation. In the modern EVs that are being developed, existence of mechanical links in the steering system is a hindrance for automation towards the implementation of driver assistance features such as lane keeping assist and collision avoidance and other smart driving features. Steer-by-Wire refers to an electronic automotive steering system in which the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the road wheels is replaced by an electronic link. Compared to traditional steering methods, Steer-by-Wire presents many advantages in the areas of vehicle functionality, architecture and human interface. It also improves the vehicle stability, vehicle driving performance, comfort and maneuverability. This is because the Steer by wire mechanism is based on position sensor and Electronic controller unit (ECU) using servo drives. Currently, in the EVs the steer by wire is implemented just by removing the steering column and disconnecting the steering wheel and the steering mechanism at the front axle. However, all the mechanical links in the Ackermann steering mechanism exists. Further, more research is happening towards the development of Steerby- Wire electronics steering system on passenger vehicles by completely eliminating the mechanical links i.e Ackermann steering mechanism by having independent control of the both the front wheels satisfying the condition for perfect steering. In the present project, an attempt has been made to visualize and demonstrate the working of an electronic Steerby- Wire system. A lab setup for the Steer by wire system is developed and fabricated to demonstrate working the steering system using geared DC motors with simple electronic controls eliminating the mechanical elements viz. Ackermann steering mechanism, steering column, Rack and pinon, Tie rods etc. The wheel positions about the King pin are controlled simultaneously using a variable power supply that has predefined voltages calibrated for the various angles of rotation of the wheels satisfying the condition for the perfect steering. The knuckle arm positions about the king pin for both the wheels are controlled by two independent simple lead screw and nut setup. Both the lead screws are driven and controlled by two directly coupled DC geared motors. Further, as the knuckle arm being connected to the nut, the position of the nut relative to the lead screw will decide the steering angle. Both the geared motors are controlled by the predefined power supply pulses that results in different angles of rotation for both the lead screws which ends up with different steering angles for the inner and outer wheels during steering. This lab set-up developed enables easy understanding and demonstrating the operation of Steer-by-Wire system eliminating completely the physical connectivity between the driver and the front axle.

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