Steering System besic concept and Akerman Linkage

Steering System and Ackerman Linkage

Introduction of steering system:-

Everyday we are working with the steering system in the garage. We are well aware of the problems encountered in steering and how they can be rectified. But we need to go into depth to investigate whether we are doing steering work and the concepts behind how they came into existence. We need to investigate the nomenclature of the parts used in steering and study what their importance is.

History of steering system:-

You will be surprised when you know that when the first-time vehicle was invented, that did not have steering. That time when need to take turn of the vehicle then first stop and take a turn by lifting the vehicle. But along with the development of the technology the steering system was also invented.

The first steering systems for automobiles were very simple. They consisted of a tiller, which was a long, vertical bar that the driver would grip and turn to steer the vehicle. Tillers were difficult to use, and they gave the driver very little feedback about the direction of the wheels.

In the early 1900s, steering wheels began to replace tillers. Steering wheels were easier to use, and they gave the driver more feedback about the direction of the wheels. However, early steering wheels were also very heavy, and they required a lot of force to turn.

In the 1920s, power steering systems began to be developed. Power steering systems use a hydraulic pump to assist the driver in turning the steering wheel.

The first power steering systems were very complex, and they were only available on high-end vehicles. However, as the technology improved, power steering became more affordable and it became standard on most vehicles.

Today, there are a variety of different steering systems available. Some of the most common types of steering systems include:

1.       Rack and pinion steering:

This is the most common type of steering system. It uses a rack and pinion gear to convert the rotation of the steering wheel into linear movement of the steering linkage.

2.       Worm and sector steering:

This is an older type of steering system that is still used on some vehicles. It uses a worm gear and a sector gear to convert the rotation of the steering wheel into linear movement of the steering linkage.

3.       Recirculating ball steering:

This is a type of steering system that uses recirculating balls to reduce friction. It is often used on heavy-duty vehicles.

Steering systems have come a long way since the early days of automobiles. They have become easier to use, more efficient, and more reliable. As the technology continues to improve, steering systems will become even better, making it safer and easier to drive.

Here are some additional thoughts on the history of steering systems:

 

The first steering systems were very simple, but they have become increasingly complex over time.

Power steering systems have made it much easier to turn the steering wheel, especially at low speeds.

There are a variety of different steering systems available today, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Steering systems have come a long way since the early days of automobiles, and they will continue to improve in the future.

Requirement of Steering system:-

Essential for driving, we all know, cars are used to move from one place to another and we will not always travel in a straight line. Steering systems are therefore used to maintain our direction or take corners on a banding or winding road and are also used for drifting using understeer and oversteer concepts.

The steering system is a critical component of any vehicle, as it allows the driver to control the direction of travel. There are a number of requirements that a steering system must meet in order to be effective and safe.

One of the most important requirements is responsiveness. The steering system must be able to respond quickly to the driver's input, so that the vehicle can be steered safely and smoothly.

Another important requirement is effort. The steering system must not require too much effort from the driver, even at low speeds. This is especially important for vehicles that are frequently driven in stop-and-go traffic.

The steering system must also be stable. The vehicle must not wander or veer off course when the steering wheel is not being turned.

Finally, the steering system must be durable. It must be able to withstand the rigors of everyday driving, as well as the occasional bump or pothole.

These are just some of the requirements that a steering system must meet. By meeting these requirements, the steering system can help to ensure the safety and comfort of the driver and passengers. 

Here are some additional thoughts on the requirements of steering systems:

 1.      The steering system must be able to provide feedback to the driver about the direction of the wheels.

2.      The steering system must be able to withstand the forces applied by the driver during cornering and braking.

3.      The steering system must be able to operate in a variety of weather conditions, including rain, snow, and ice.

The requirements of steering systems are constantly evolving as new technologies are developed. As the technology continues to improve, steering systems will become even better, making it safer and easier to drive.

Basic parts of steering system:-

1.       Steering wheel:

A steering wheel is a round shape control unit which used to steer vehicles. It is typically made of leather or plastic and is attached to the steering column. The driver turns the steering wheel to change the direction of the vehicle's wheels.

2.       Steering column:

The steering column is a vertical shaft that connects the steering wheel to the steering gear. It allows the driver to turn the steering wheel, which in turn turns the steering gear and the wheels of the vehicle.

3.       Steering rack and pinion:

Steering rack and pinion are a modern type of steering system. For converting incoming rotation movements into liner movements, it used a rack and a pinion gear. It is the most common type of steering system used in cars today.

4.       Universal joint:

A universal joint is a mechanical joint that allows to pass incoming drive at 22.5-degree angles between two different shafts. It is commonly used in automotive steering systems and driveshafts.

5.       Tie rod:

A tie rod is a component of a vehicle's steering system that connects the steering linkage to the wheels. It is responsible for keeping the wheels aligned and preventing them from wobbling.

What is Ackerman linkage:-

Ackerman linkage is a type of steering linkage that ensures that the front wheels of a vehicle turn at different angles when the steering wheel is turned. This is necessary to prevent the wheels from slipping sideways when the vehicle is turning.

The Ackerman linkage is named after Rudolph Ackermann, a German engineer who invented it in the early 19th century. The linkage consists of a series of rods and linkages that connect the steering wheel to the front wheels. The linkages are arranged in such a way that the inside wheel turns through a greater angle than the outside wheel when the steering wheel is turned.

The Ackerman linkage is based on the principle of curvature radius. The inside wheel of a turning vehicle has a smaller curvature radius than the outside wheel. This means that the inside wheel must turn through a greater angle in order to follow the same curve as the outside wheel.

The Ackerman linkage is an essential part of any vehicle's steering system. It helps to ensure that the vehicle can turn safely and smoothly. Without the Ackerman linkage, the wheels would slip sideways when the vehicle was turning, which would make it difficult to control the vehicle and could lead to an accident.

Here are some additional thoughts on Ackerman linkage:

 

1.      The Ackerman linkage is typically made of steel or aluminum.

2.      The Ackerman linkage can wear out over time and need to be replaced.

3.      The Ackerman linkage is not perfect, and there is always some slippage between the wheels and the road. However, the Ackerman linkage is the best way to ensure that the wheels turn at the correct angles when the vehicle is turning.

There were some conditions of this steering system:

1. When the car is moving on the road, the tire should not Drag or literal slip. 

2. When vehicle take a turned the vehicle’s inside tire less and outside tire should turn more. 

Quality of a good steering system:

There have been some benefits from the arrival of the Ackerman linkage.

1.       Center Point of steering:

In steering systems, the center point of steering is the point at which the steering linkage intersects the ground. This point is also known as the kingpin or kingpin axis. The center point of steering is important because it determines the turning radius of the vehicle. 

Here are some additional thoughts on the center point of steering:

1.       The center point of steering is typically located in front of the center of the vehicle.

2.       The center point of steering can be adjusted to change the turning radius of the vehicle.

3.       The center point of steering is an important factor in the stability of the vehicle when turning.

2.       Self-Centering received effects:

Self-centering steering is a desirable feature in vehicle steering systems. It allows the steering wheel to return to its center position after a turn, which can improve stability and reduce driver fatigue.

This effect is achieved through a combination of factors, including the caster angle of the front wheels, the scrub radius of the steering system, and the friction between the tires and the road.

Self-centering steering can be enhanced through the use of power steering, which reduces the amount of force required to turn the steering wheel.

Here are some additional thoughts on self-centering steering:

1.       Self-centering steering is not perfect, and there will always be some residual steering input required to keep the vehicle tracking straight.

2.       Self-centering steering is more important in vehicles with high speeds or heavy loads.

3.       Self-centering steering can be a safety feature, as it can help to prevent the vehicle from drifting out of control.

3.       True Rolling Motion Received:

True rolling motion is a type of motion in which a wheel rolls without slipping. This means that the point of contact between the wheel and the ground is always moving at the same speed as the wheel. True rolling motion is essential for the smooth and efficient operation of vehicles.

Here are some additional thoughts on true rolling motion:

1.       True rolling motion is achieved through the friction between the wheel and the ground.

2.       The center of rotation of the wheel must be located directly above the point of contact with the ground.

3.       True rolling motion is not possible if the wheel is spinning too fast or if the ground is too slippery.