Active Steering

Active Steering mechanism

This is not the conventional steering system, it is much more, it's a variable ratio steering system, a new breakthrough in vehicular technology !Most of the modern vehicles use this system, but it is most commonly found in BMW vehicles. This allows a variable steering ratio. Meaning that at lows speeds (or at rest) a little input at the steering column would give a relatively sensitive response (the wheels of the car turn at a greater angle). Whereas at higher speeds a relatively larger input at the steering wheel would give a less sensitive response. This is achieved by a power assisted rack and pinion steering gear, a double planetary gear system in the steering column, and an electric actuating motor.

Active steering gives a whole new image to the steering system in cars. It utilities a double planetary gear system located at the base of the steering column (rack) to facilitate driver independent steering of the front wheels.

Is it any good ?Oh yes it is, the variable steering ratio makes parking (specially parallel parking) much easier, as less force is to be applied to the steering wheel to achieve a greater degree of turning. In addition, active steering reduces over steering at higher speeds, as it acts as a counter-steer applied by the electric motor! This means there is even more yaw stability control, without compromising the forward speed of the car (no brakes are applied to balance out the vehicle)
Any Cons
The active steering is unable to provide any support in case of an under-steer.Is it Safe ?Yes it is quite safe! In case of a malfunction, the electric motor shuts down, and the steering is set back to a fixed ratio steering system.If one has a problem with the system, it can be turned off easily, by a dash mounted switch (suitable for track days).



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