Steering System
This is a mechanism that allows the driver to control the trajectory of a vehicle at will through a control that transmits motion to change the direction of one or more wheels in the desired direction.
Types of Steering
Examples: multi-wheel platform and bicycle
There are countless types, depending on the intended use, from the simplest, such as steering a bicycle, to the most sophisticated systems used in platforms for transporting giant loads.
The most common systems in land transportation are:
*Headset, used on two-wheeled bicycles. The steering wheel is moved by the fork, which is directly attached to the handlebars.
*The direct link, used in small vehicles such as karts and Electrathon electric racing cars, consists of a steering wheel attached to a steering shaft. At the other end of the shaft, there are small arms that contain the rods that pull or push the two front wheels in the direction desired by the driver.
Direct steering Wheel
*Rack and pinion, used in heavier vehicles, has a mechanism that uses a toothed bar (rack) on which a gear (pinion) sits. When turned, it moves the toothed bar (rack), pulling or pushing rods connected to the front wheels so they can be positioned in any desired direction (left or right).
*The power-assisted rack and pinion system is the most common option found on most cars and trucks on the road. It’s called power-assisted because it uses hydraulic or electric power, or both, to move the steering wheels easily and with minimal effort.
*Hydraulic or pneumatic actuators, systems commonly used in platforms for transporting very heavy loads. These platforms have several sets of wheels to ensure even weight distribution on the road surface and prevent sinking. Each set of wheels has an independent steering system, allowing the wheels to be changed simultaneously, facilitating maneuverability.
DIY Experiment: Let’s challenge your creativity, take a look at this video and make your own Ackerman’s steering card demo system:
https://youtu.be/dhKXiE8Oetk
By participating in Electrathon, you’ll learn how to design, build, and fine-tune a steering system.
Electrathon Racing Car
