Design and Analysis in Virtual Prototyping Environment of an Innovative Integral Steering System for 2-Axle Cars

Abstract

The paper deals with design, modeling, and dynamic analysis of an integral (4-wheel) steering system for 2-axle cars. The study is focused on the steering box of the rear wheels, which is based on cam - follower mechanism. In the proposed concept, the integral steering intends to improve the stability and handling of the vehicle by considering the integral steering law, which is formulated in terms of correlation between the steering angles of the front and rear wheels. In this regard, a double-profiled cam is designed, whose profile dictates the translational movement of the follower, which is connected to the rear left and right steering tie-rods. The dynamic modeling and simulation of the 4-wheel steering vehicle was performed by using the MBS software package ADAMS. The results of the dynamic tests demonstrate the handling and stability performances of the proposed system, in relation with a classical 2-wheel steering vehicle.