Product category:
Ballscrews, Linear Guides, Jacks, Dampers
News Release from: Schaeffler (UK) | Subject: Schaeffler electromechanical steering system
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 20 March 2008
Electromechanical steering improves
handling
The electric motor becomes active only at the moment when steering motion is initiated, removing the need for pumps and feeds.
Modern electromechanical steering systems can improve handling and reduce fuel consumption by up to 3%, compared with conventional hydraulic steering systems The Schaeffler Group has developed a high-precision ball screw drive that offers a performance density that is exactly matched to the high demands of electromechanical steering systems
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 12 Mar 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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The new sub-assembly is being used on Volkswagen's latest Tiguan model.
Schaeffler supplies the ball screw drive to Volkswagen, as well as a toothed rack, which is partly designed as a spindle on which the drive is located.
Ball screw drives are used to transform rotary motion into linear motion through a direct coupling between the drive element and the output element.
In the Tiguan, the ball nut is driven by a servomotor, which is linked to the ball screw drive via a belt.
In contrast to hydraulic steering systems, where a pump constantly supplies pressure to provide steering motion, the electric motor becomes active only at the moment when steering motion is initiated.
Pumps and feeds are therefore no longer required, which reduces the space required for operating the electromechanical steering system.
The ball screw drive can support high dynamic loads thanks to appropriate spindle dimensions and high material strengths.
In addition, due to the low internal friction of the ball screw drive, the driver can feel the low frequency changes on the wheel when driving on road surfaces.
For applications on other vehicle models, Schaeffler can modify the ball screw drive in such a way that the steering characteristics and driver handling vary depending on the customer's wishes. Request a free brochure from Schaeffler (UK) ...
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