Adaptive Steering System

Adaptive Steering System

Direct Adaptive Steering transmits the driver’s steering inputs, moving the tires through translating the driver’s steering into electronic signals, and independently controlling the angle of the tires, and the steering force. The technology provides a sense of strong propulsion on a variety of road surfaces, and the feeling like you are directly touching the road.

For example, the technology is helpful on bumpy roads or bad road surfaces where the driver is forced to grip the steering wheel tightly. The amount of vibration transferred to the driver through the steering wheel is reduced, helping the driver to more easily maintain a straight line of travel.

When traveling along highways, the system automatically makes small adjustments to steering, reducing the need for manual steer inputs. This leads to a more confident and relaxed driving experience.

Power steering transformed driving by making steering easier and lighter. Adaptive Steering takes this to a whole new level. This innovative technology makes it easier to manoeuvre at low speeds (you need fewer turns when parking, for instance), while at higher speeds it makes the vehicle response smoother and more connected.

This is because Adaptive Steering monitors how the vehicle is being driven, and optimises the steering ratio to the vehicle’s speed. Adaptive Steering also has two settings to further increase driving pleasure. Normal mode makes everyday driving more fun, while Sport mode even creates a more responsive and engaging drive.

An adaptive steering system is a type of steering system that adjusts the steering ratio based on the speed of the vehicle. At low speeds, the steering ratio is more sensitive, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces. At high speeds, the steering ratio is less sensitive, making it more stable on the highway. This type of steering system can be found in many modern vehicles and is designed to improve the driving experience by making the steering more responsive and intuitive.

Adaptive steering is a technologically advanced steering system that uses sensor input from different sources to essentially “adapt” the steering to the driver and the road conditions. The sensors are mounted on the vehicle and along with software are programmed to perform a certain way depending on the specs of the system. For example, as you increase speed of the adaptive steering vehicle, the steering should tighten so the vehicle doesn't "float” or feel spongy. At lower speeds, maybe the opposite. The overall result should be a better steering/driving vehicle.

Technology Functionality

In prior systems the driver’s steering inputs were communicated mechanically. Now the Direct Adaptive Steering utilizes electronic signals and can transmit the driver’s steer inputs faster than a mechanical system. At the same time, the system communicates information from the road surface to the driver in a way that is faster and easier to understand.

The system communicates the driver’s steering inputs to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The ECU then converts the information to control signals for the Steering Angle Actuator, adjusting the cutting angle of the front tires. The road information, such as the force on the tires, is simultaneously communicated from the Steering Angle Actuator to the ECU, which then screens it and returns only the information necessary for driving back to the steering wheel.

For example, conventional steering systems communicate to the driver the oscillations when passing over roads with furrows, but Direct Adaptive Steering provides feedback on only the information necessary for driving.

Another major function of the Direct Adaptive Steering is the newly developed straight-line stability system. If the vehicle’s line of travel deviates from a straight path, the Direct Adaptive Steering enhances the car’s handling characteristics by producing fractional sensations of resistance as feedback from the steering, helping the driver keep a straight line of travel and reducing the need for course corrections in a smooth and natural way. The feedback is so subtle that a driver may not notice it.

Technology Configuration

Direct Adaptive Steering uses multiple ECUs to simultaneously monitor the vehicle’s operating condition. If a single ECU malfunctions, another ECU will instantly take control. In the event of power supply being disrupted, the backup clutch will engage, allowing operation by connecting the steering wheel and wheels mechanically. Direct Adaptive Steering was developed from the desire to have a system that directly links the steering and driver for an experience that feels like the driver’s hands and feet are spread around the outside of the vehicle, holding the car in their hands.