Optimal Design of Steering Mechanisms in Road Vehicles

Abstract

This paper deals with the design of steering mechanisms in road vehicles. With this aim, the kinematic models of three types of steering linkages are considered and Ackermann steering geometry is used to define the objective function. The proposed method uses a dimensional synthesis technique based on local optimization to obtain the dimensions of the links. The problem is formulated as function generator synthesis, where the inner wheel is supported by the input link and the output link is supported by the outer wheel. The formulation presented in this paper was developed by the authors and it is capable of considering the necessary accuracy conditions in the design of this kind of linkage. Three examples are shown to illustrate the application of the method.