GOTEBORG, Sweden, May 22, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- SKF's new all-electric steering system offers OEMs the opportunity to design more ergonomically designed cabins, and for greater flexibility in their assembly processes. With the all-electric steering system, not only are there no hydraulics to contend with, but the steering column itself is eliminated. This can dramatically improve comfort and safety for the operator, and simplify design constraints and assembly procedures for the OEM.
Another key component of the all-electric steering system is the ability to program sensitivity and feedback into the system.
"We have a great deal of flexibility with this system," said Klemens Schmidt, Applications Engineer at SKF. We can program the system so that the steering wheel makes two turns lock-to-lock, six turns lock-to-lock, or anything in between. There is no limit. We can also program the system so that steering sensitivity changes with vehicle speed. Schmidt added that this speed/sensitivity feature makes it easier for the driver, especially in tight turning situations.
When he's driving slowly and wants to turn, he doesn't have to move the steering wheel as much as when he's driving fast.
All-electric steering system
Four components make up the closed-looped steering system: a mechanical/ electronic (mechatronic) steering module, a controller, a feedback sensor integrated into the axle and a steering actuator. Each component 'talks' to the next using CAN bus protocols.
"When the operator turns the steering wheel, the system's sensors 'sense' how far the driver has turned the wheel and in which direction. The sensors then send a series of signals to the controller, which in turn tell the steering actuator how far to turn and in which direction, said Schmidt.
It is this integrated controller that regulates all steering functions. Schmidt explained that a position sensor, integrated into the axle, measures the position of the steered wheels. This sensor provides feedback, which is sent to the controller for comparison against the desired position input so that any discrepancies can be corrected.
The SKF system uses state-of-the-art, non-contact absolute position sensors with high resolution for the desired steering position input and feedback. The sensors are fully integrated into the system and are protected from harsh environmental conditions typically encountered with industrial vehicles.
Gteborg, May 22, 2002
Aktiebolaget SKF (publ.)
For further information, please contact:
Lars G Malmer, SKF Group Communication, tel. +46 31 337 1541, e-mail: Lars.G.Malmer@skf.com Colin Roberts, Group Technical Press, tel. +31 306 075 608, e-mail: Colin.Roberts@skf.com Aktiebolaget SKF, SE-415 50 Gteborg, Sweden, tel. +46 31 337 1000, fax +46 31 337 2832, www.skf.com
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