Computer Controlled Integrated Steering / Drive System for Vehicles

Abstract

Abstract This paper discusses how a computer controlled four-wheel-steering (4WS) system can be used to increase the ability, namely low speed stability and traction as well as increased manoeuvrability of four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles. The essential feature of the integrated 4WS/4WD vehicle is that the path of the vehicle is selected via a joy stick or steering wheel, and a computer then controls the drive system of the two right hand wheels independently of the two left hand wheels, along with the positive rotation of the four wheels about vertical axes to the appropriate angles. Previous work by Spark and Besselink (1994a) relating to two wheel steering (2WS) / two wheel drive (2WD) systems will also be discussed briefly and expanded.