A Novel Automotive Steering Linkage

This brief outlines results of a numerical study involving a novel mechanism called the Fahey eight-member mechanism (FEMM), that has application to automotive steering. This mechanism is considered in terms of a planar kinematics steering model. We derive the governing kinematics and compare results between a synthesized FEMM and two synthesized Ackermann-type steering linkages. Results suggest that FEMM better approximates ideal steering geometry, and could allow an extended range of motion for moderate speed operations.