Design of an Ackermann-type steering mechanism

This article focuses on the synthesis of a steering mechanism that exactly meets the requirements of Ackermann steering geometry. It starts from reviewing of the four-bar linkage, then discusses the number of points that a common four-bar linkage could precisely trace at most. After pointing out the limits of a four-bar steering mechanism, this article investigates the turning geometry for steering wheels and proposes a steering mechanism with incomplete noncircular gears for vehicle by transforming the Ackermann criteria into the mechanism synthesis. The pitch curves, addendum curves, dedendum curves, tooth profiles and transition curves of the noncircular gears are formulated and designed. Kinematic simulations are executed to demonstrate the target of design.

[1]  P. A. Simionescu,et al.  Optimum synthesis of the four-bar function generator in its symmetric embodiment: the Ackermann steering linkage , 2002 .

[2]  D. B. Dooner,et al.  Function generation utilizing an eight-link mechanism and optimized non-circular gear elements with application to automotive steering , 2001 .

[3]  M. Raghavan,et al.  Number and dimensional synthesis of independent suspension mechanisms , 1996 .

[4]  P. A. Simionescu,et al.  Synthesis and analysis of the two loop translational input steering mechanism , 2000 .

[5]  E. Chicurel.  A 180° steering interval mechanism , 1999 .

[6]  Jörnsen Reimpell,et al.  The Automotive Chassis: Engineering Principles , 1995 .

[7]  Subir Kumar Saha,et al.  Kinematic and sensitivity analysis and optimization of planar rack-and-pinion steering linkages , 2009 .

[8]  P. A. Simionescu,et al.  Synthesis and analysis of the steering system of an adjustable tread-width four-wheel tractor , 2007 .

[9]  C. Suh,et al.  Optimal design of mechanisms with the use of matrices and least squares , 1973 .

[10]  Arthur G. Erdman,et al.  Mechanism Design : Analysis and Synthesis , 1984 .

[11]  David D. Ardayfio,et al.  Analytical design of seven joint spatial steering mechanisms , 1987 .

[12]  S. Pramanik,et al.  Kinematic Synthesis of a Six-Member Mechanism for Automotive Steering , 2002 .

[13]  Takashi Emura,et al.  A new steering mechanism using noncircular gears , 1992 .

[14]  Xianzhen Huang,et al.  Reliability Sensitivity Analysis for Rack-and-Pinion Steering Linkages , 2010 .

[15]  Robert Reed,et al.  Optimum Ackerman for Improved Steering Axle Tire Wear on Trucks , 1991 .

[16]  Donald L. Cronin,et al.  Steering error optimization of the Macpherson strut automotive front suspension , 1985 .

[17]  Daniel Álvarez Mántaras,et al.  Development and validation of a three-dimensional kinematic model for the McPherson steering and suspension mechanisms , 2004 .

[18]  K. H. Hunt,et al.  Kinematic geometry of mechanisms , 1978 .

[19]  P. A. Simionescu,et al.  Dynamic effect of the bump steer in a wheeled tractor , 2007 .

[20]  M. A. Townsend,et al.  Optimal Design of Rack-and-Pinion Steering Linkages , 1983 .

[21]  P. A. Simionescu,et al.  Applications of Watt II function generator cognates , 2000 .

[22]  Antonio Carcaterra,et al.  A function generating differential mechanism for an exact solution of the steering problem , 1998 .

[23]  P. A. Simionescu,et al.  Initial Estimates in the Design of Central-Lever Steering Linkages , 2002 .