The document discusses dual axis steering mechanisms. It describes how dual axis steering allows both front and rear wheels to steer simultaneously, improving maneuverability and stability. It then discusses different types of dual axis steering systems, including mechanical linkages and electronic systems. Specific linkage types are also outlined, such as rack and pinion, tie rod, and Ackermann steering. The document concludes by explaining the benefits of dual axis steering, such as improved stability, maneuverability, and reduced steering effort.
3. INTRODUCTION
A dual axis steering system is a type of steering system that allows a vehicle to steer
both the front and rear wheels simultaneously. This allows for improved
manoeuvrability and stability, as well as the ability to make tighter turns and navigate
narrow spaces. Dual axis steering systems are commonly used in industrial vehicles
such as forklifts and construction equipment, as well as in some specialized vehicles
such as amphibious vehicles and all-terrain vehicles.
The dual axle steering system shows the working of different motion of wheels with
respect to various turning arrangements. The machine consist of 3 different steering
arrangements i.e. neutral phase, negative phase & positive phase.
4. TYPES OF DUAL AXIS STEERING MECHANISM
β’ Mechanical linkage system:
In this system, the steering linkages are connected to a mechanical actuator that
is operated by the driver. The actuator can be a hydraulic piston, a mechanical linkage, or an
electric motor. The actuator turns the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels,
improving the turning radius of the vehicle.
β’ Electronic system:
In this system, an electronic control unit (ECU) receives information from
various sensors, including the steering angle sensor, speed sensor, and vehicle orientation
sensor. The ECU processes this information and sends signals to the rear wheel steering
actuators, which are typically electric motors. The actuators turn the rear wheels in the same
direction as the front wheels or in the opposite direction, depending on the driving situation.
5. MECHANICAL LINKAGES
β’ Rack and pinion: In this system, the steering linkage consists of a rack and pinion
mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel into linear motion. The
rack is connected to the front wheels, while the pinion is connected to the steering shaft. The
rear wheel steering mechanism is connected to the rack.
β’ Tie rod: This system uses a set of tie rods to connect the front and rear wheels. The tie rods
are connected to the front and rear steering knuckles, allowing them to turn in the same
direction.
6. β’ Ackermann Steering Linkage:
This linkage is a common method
used in front-wheel steering
systems for cars. It consists of two
steering arms, one for each front
wheel, connected to a steering
shaft. As the shaft is turned, the
arms move in opposite directions,
allowing the wheels to turn at
different angles for the inside and
outside of a turn.
7. Bell Crank Linkage: This type of linkage consists of a pivoting arm that connects to two other
arms at different angles. As the central arm is turned, it causes the other two arms to move in
opposite directions. This type of linkage can be used to control both the yaw and pitch axes.
β’ Double-Arm Linkage: This linkage
uses two arms that are connected at a
pivot point. The two arms are offset
from each other, which allows the
system to steer along two axes. As one
arm is turned, it causes the other arm
to move in the opposite direction,
controlling the steering along the two
axes.
8. β’ Torque Tube Linkage: This type of
linkage uses a rigid tube to transfer
steering torque between two steering
mechanisms. This linkage is commonly
used in aircraft to control the
pitch and yaw axes
10. Feature Normal Steering Mechanism
Dual-Axis Steering
Mechanism
Steering Control Single-axis control Dual-axis control
Movement Range Limited movement range Full movement range
Stability
Can be unstable at high speeds
or on uneven terrain
Provides better stability and
control
Maneuverability
Limited maneuverability in tight
spaces or sharp turns
Provides greater
maneuverability in tight spaces
and sharp turns
Steering Response
Less responsive and may
require more effort to turn the
wheel
More responsive and requires
less effort to turn the wheel
Driver Feedback
Provides less feedback to the
driver about road conditions
and vehicle performance
Provides better feedback to the
driver about road conditions
and vehicle performance
Cost Typically less expensive Typically more expensive
11. WHY WE USED DUAL AXIS STEERING MECHANISM
β’ Improved stability: The dual-axis steering system provides better stability and control
during turns, which is especially important at high speeds. The front and rear wheels are
linked together and move in tandem, providing a smoother and more stable ride.
β’ Enhanced manoeuvrability: With the dual-axis steering system, the rider or driver can
make quick and precise turns, making it easier to navigate around obstacles and other
vehicles.
β’ Better handling: The system also improves the handling of the vehicle, especially during
sudden or emergency manoeuvres. The rider or driver has better control over the vehicle,
which can help avoid accidents and collisions.
β’ Reduced effort: The dual-axis steering system also reduces the effort required to steer the
vehicle, making it more comfortable for the rider or driver to operate the vehicle.
Overall, the dual-axis steering mechanism is used because it provides better stability,
control, manoeuvrability, handling, and comfort for the rider or driver.
19. CALCULATIONS
To calculate a dual-axis steering mechanism, you need to consider several factors, including the desired
steering angle, the distance between the two wheels, the size and weight of the vehicle, and the maximum
turning radius required. Here are some basic calculations you can use to get started:
Steering Angle: The steering angle is the angle through which the wheels can turn left or right. The
maximum steering angle depends on the type of vehicle, but typically ranges from 25 to 45 degrees. To
calculate the steering angle, use the following formula:
Steering Angle =
Where:
Wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear axles Turning Radius is the minimum radius required to
turn the vehicle Track Width is the distance between the two wheels Ackerman Angle: The Ackerman angle is
the angle at which the inner and outer wheels turn during a turn. To calculate the Ackerman angle, use the
following formula:
Ackerman Angle = ππππ‘ππ
πβππππππ π
Turning Radius+πππππ ππππ‘β
2
Wheelbase: The wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear axles of the vehicle. To calculate the
wheelbase, measure the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels.
arctan
πββ β ππππ π
(Turning radius β Track width)
2
20. Turning Radius: The turning radius is the minimum radius required to turn the vehicle. To calculate the turning
radius, use the following formula:
Turning Radius =
Track Width: The track width is the distance between the two wheels. To calculate the track width, measure the
distance between the centres of the left and right wheels.
Weight Distribution: The weight distribution is the percentage of weight on the front and rear wheels. To calculate
the weight distribution, use the following formula:
Weight Distribution =
ππππβπ‘ ππ ππππ πβπππ
πππ‘ππ ππππβπ‘
Γ 100
These calculations are just a starting point for designing a dual-axis steering mechanism. You should consult a
qualified engineer or mechanic for more detailed calculations and guidance on building a custom steering system.
πβππππππ π
sin π
21. Here is a step-by-step calculation of the dual-axis steering mechanism:
Step 1: Determine the steering ratio
The steering ratio determines how much the steering wheel needs to be turned in order to achieve a certain degree of steering
angle. For dual-axis steering, there are two steering ratios to consider: one for the steering angle and one for the camber angle. The
steering ratio is usually expressed as a ratio, such as 15:1 or 20:1.
Steering Ratio Formula: SR =
π π€
π€
β’ Where SR is the Steering Ratio (steering: wheel)
β’ SW is the degrees of turn of the steering wheel
β’ W is the degrees of turn of the wheel
Step 2: Calculate the steering angle
The steering angle is the angle of the wheel around the vertical axis. It is typically measured in degrees. The steering angle is
determined by the steering ratio and the angle of the steering wheel. For example, if the steering ratio is 15:1 and the steering wheel
is turned 30 degrees, the resulting steering angle would be 450 degrees (15 x 30 = 450).
The steering angle πΏ can be simply calculated as: πΏ = ππππ‘ππ
π
π
The steering angle of the inner wheel, πΏπ is a function of the steering angle of the outer wheel, πΏπ:
22. Step 3: Calculate the camber angle
The camber angle is the angle of the wheel around the horizontal axis. It is also typically measured in degrees. The camber
angle is determined by the steering ratio, the angle of the steering wheel, and the vehicle's suspension geometry. The camber
angle affects the tire's grip and the vehicle's stability, so it needs to be carefully calculated. The exact formula for calculating the
camber angle depends on the specific suspension geometry of the vehicle.
β’ Locate the uppermost point (D) on the rim and find the projection of that on the metal square (A).
β’ Similarly, locate the lowermost point (C) on the rim and find the projection of that on the metal square (B).
β’ Measure and note down the distances BC, AD and AB.
β’ Now, if the camber angle is ΞΈ, then
ππππ =
π΄π· β π΅πΆ
π΄π΅
23. Step 4: Adjust the steering mechanism
Once the steering angle and camber angle have been calculated, the steering mechanism needs to be adjusted to achieve the desired
angles. This usually involves adjusting the position of the steering arms, tie rods, and other steering components.
Step 5: Test and fine-tune
After the steering mechanism has been adjusted, the vehicle needs to be tested to ensure that it is steering properly and that the
camber angle is providing the desired grip and stability. The camber angle may need to be fine-tuned based on the vehicle's
performance and handling characteristics.
Ξ΄o, A Outer Wheel Angle, in a pure Ackermann turn
Ξ΄i, A Inner Wheel Angle, in a pure Ackermann turn
π distance of the steering axes on the road
i wheelbase
24. Comparison
We Take a Modern Car to Compare the Dual Axis Steering System
We take Suzuki Alto 800 Car
The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 uses a Rack and Pinion type of steering mechanism.
In this type of steering, a rack (a toothed bar) is attached to the steering wheel and a pinion (a small
gear) is attached to the steering column. As the steering wheel is turned, the pinion rotates and
engages with the teeth on the rack, causing it to move left or right. This movement is then
transmitted to the wheels via tie rods and ball joints, causing the vehicle to turn
25. The Suzuki Alto 800 may experience steering problems over time. Here are some common steering
problems that can occur:
1. Steering Wheel Vibration
2. Hard Steering
3. Loose Steering
4. Steering Wheel Misalignment
5. Steering Wheel Play
26. Implementation of Our Mechanism in ALTO 800
1. Design and engineering: The first step would be to design the dual-axis steering system
that would be suitable for the Maruti 800. This would involve careful consideration of the
car's existing design, as well as the intended use and performance requirements of the
vehicle. The system would need to be able to provide full movement range, stability, and
responsive control.
27. 2. Prototype and testing: Once the dual-axis steering system has been designed, a prototype
would need to be built and tested to ensure that it meets the required specifications. This would
involve installing the system on a test vehicle and putting it through a variety of conditions to
evaluate its performance.
28. 3. Modifications to the car: If the prototype dual-axis steering system is successful, modifications
would need to be made to the Maruti 800 to accommodate the new system. This may involve
modifications to the car's suspension, steering column, steering wheel, and other components.
4. Installation: Once the modifications have been made, the dual-axis steering system would need to
be installed in the car. This would involve carefully removing the existing steering system and
replacing it with the new system, making sure that all components are properly connected and
aligned.
5. Testing and tuning: Once the system has been installed, it would need to be thoroughly tested
and tuned to ensure that it is functioning correctly. This would involve testing the system in a variety
of conditions and making any necessary adjustments to optimize its performance.
6. Final checks: Before the car is considered roadworthy, final checks would need to be made to
ensure that the dual-axis steering system is safe and reliable. This would involve a thorough inspection
of all components and systems, as well as a test drive to ensure that the car handles correctly and
safely.
29. CONCLUSION
Dual axis steering mechanism allows for more precise and efficient steering
control. The use of two separate axes allows for more accurate tracking and manoeuvrability,
which is particularly useful in off-road or high-speed situations. Dual axis steering systems are
often used in high-performance vehicles, such as race cars and off-road trucks, where precise
steering control is essential.