Reduction of Steering Effort and Turning Circle Diameter for Mechanical Steering in Light Commercial Vehicles for Better Driver Comfort

Nilesh Kulkarni; Narayan Jadhav; Mangesh Deshmukh

doi:10.4271/2011-01-2147

New generation light commercial vehicles are expected to have lower steering effort, high self centering and less turning circle diameter covering large variety of wheelbases from 2.8 m to 4.5 m even with mechanical steering and keeping same number of total turns of steering wheel compared to old generation light commercial vehicles.

To address above requirements, below parameters related to steering and rigid front axle were studied.

1
Caster angle of front axle
2
Steering compliance and Steering ball joint articulation angle
3
Front axle kingpin axial play
4
Steering gearbox ratio
5
Pitman arm length

The effect of above parameters was studied in isolation and combination. This optimization has resulted in least steering effort and least turning circle diameter in light commercial vehicles with mechanical steering and option of power steering could be eliminated for cost reduction.

The changes which were done have reduced the steering effort by 44% and turning circle diameter by 13.5% compared to old generation light commercial vehicles.

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Reduction of Steering Effort and Turning Circle Diameter for Mechanical Steering in Light Commercial Vehicles for Better Driver Comfort 2011-01-2147

SAE MOBILUS