Steer-by-wire electronic steering system

It can be said today that digital technology has crept into every aspect of life. Gradually, details, mechanical systems are replaced by more modern, more accurate electronic technologies. And the auto industry can't avoid this digital storm either.

Previously, in a car, there were mechanical systems that people seemed to never be able to replace: such as differentials, steering systems, rudder systems, etc. But today, this is no longer true. Specifically, today, we begin to get acquainted with the term 'steer-by-wire' or 'drive-by-wire', which means the cable wheel drive system and electronic signals. This technology first appeared on Nissan's Infinity Q50 in 2013 and will continue to thrive in the coming years.

Drive By Wire electronic steering system allows control of vehicle navigation by electronic signals and hydraulic transmission.

Instead of using mechanical connections to drive, the Drive By Wire electronic steering system allows control of vehicle navigation with electronic signals and hydraulic transmission . Since the advent of cars, they work mainly with mechanical structures that link and drive together, along with the development of science and technology, especially in the field of automation and electronics, making cars today are no longer just mechanical. According to manufacturers, cars of electronic systems today account for 60% of the value, although electronic systems are increasingly equipped with cars, but there is a system that plays a role. very important on cars but not yet 'electronicized' - steering system.

In fact, Drive By Wire electronic steering system has been long-studied and developed by automakers, but only published at the test level and no car manufacturer has put it into commercial vehicles yet. to be able to reach the user. Nissan is the first manufacturer planning to bring the technology to commercial vehicles on several Infiniti 2013 models.

Structurally

At the beginning of the automobile steering system was the pure connection of the mechanical parts the driver rotated the steering wheel and through the pair of cogwheels, roller screws . and to the engine the linkage Move to the front wheel to change the direction of movement of the vehicle. Then, along with the progress, the steering system is equipped with a hydraulic power booster thanks to a belt driven pump from the engine, which reduces the engine's power and consumes more energy. . However, until today, this steering system is maintained by ensuring both good and convenient road grip.

Structure of the popular steering system today.

Meanwhile, Nissan's Drive By Wire steering system is equipped on some Infiniti 2013 models, although it is an electronic drive system but still uses the same drive as on current driving systems, but instead of using Using a power pump like this, the system uses an ECU electronic controller to control the hydraulic flow to the drive ruler along with the steering angle gauge, besides the system uses a clutch to connect directly from the steering wheel to the steering wheel in an emergency. Also on this steering system, a camera is used to monitor the direction of movement of the vehicle and can impact the driver's wheel to divert the wheel when necessary.

Specifically, the electronic steering system includes the following parts:

1. Steering wheel sensor system : Send orders (steering wheel rotation) to the electronic calculation system.
2. Clutch division : Most of the time is in the open state. Activated when there is a power problem, which helps maintain the mechanical link between the steering wheel and the steering wheel.
3. Electronic calculation system : Controlling electric motor (controlling hydraulic flow to steering wheel) and steering wheel rotation sensor system so that the wheel angle is compatible with the driver's requirements.
4. 2 electric motors : Reduced charge only compared to a large electric motor, saving space. It works to change the hydraulic flow inside the drive, thereby changing the wheel's rotation angle.

Structure of Steer-by-wire drive system.

Operation Principle of Drive By Wire

The driver impacts the steering wheel, the steering angle of the steering wheel will be measured by the steering angle gauge and send data to the ECU of the system. The signal from here will then be processed to control the hydraulic flow to the driver's wheel so that the wheel moves as desired by the system. Due to the control by signal transmission, the impact process will take place faster than the current mechanical drive systems.

Principle of operation of electronic steering system.

In addition to the ability to react faster, the system also has the ability to limit the feedback from the road surface, whereby when the vehicle enters the bad road surface, the vibration from the road surface impacts the steering wheel will be removed. Therefore, the driver does not get tired hands and more comfortable.

The camera on the Drive by wire used vehicles help to observe the road ahead and detect objects on the road. When the vehicle starts to deviate from the road (possibly due to driving fatigue), the system's ECU will make small adjustments necessary to maintain the vehicle's position in the proper position on the road.

Although the ECU of Drive By Wire system is divided into 3 independent operating parts to avoid possible errors that endanger the occupants of the vehicle, it is not enough for directly-related systems. Next to human life.

The system is also equipped with a clutch for direct connection from the steering wheel to the steering wheel as on current driving systems. This ensures the steering system is still working normally even if the system's ECU does not work, making the vehicle safer.

1. Principle of operation of the steering system