Parker Hannifin introduces its LORD Drive Suggestions Machine (FFD) an built-in answer combining a steering sensor, a magnetically responsive variable brake for instantaneous and clean steering really feel, and an electrical motor for energetic steering options.
“We’re enthusiastic about this subsequent step in steer-by-wire (SbW) suggestions. As electrical steering adoption will increase, and the labor pool continues to shift to much less skilled operators, OEMs will probably be tasked with growing comfy, intuitive, and straightforward to function machines. Our FFD facilitates probably the most direct reference to finish customers, creating the texture within the operator’s arms. This offers OEMs with an amazing alternative to distinguish their autos,” mentioned Zach Allen, product advertising and marketing supervisor for Industrial Options at Parker.
The converging developments of electrification and autonomy are driving OEMs to more and more undertake SbW methods of their automobile product roadmaps. With SbW methods there isn’t a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and street wheels, which has challenged OEMs in offering the operator with a high-quality steering really feel. When mixed with shrinking, and sometimes growing older, labor forces, offering a premium operator expertise is paramount for OEMs and their finish clients. The LORD FFD permits extremely responsive SbW methods, enhancing operator confidence.
Additional, our FFD offers an distinctive, low-effort, steering efficiency which boosts operator consolation and offers extra design flexibility to the OEM. The mixed results of enhanced operator confidence and luxury in the end result in elevated productiveness.
The FFD combines a Magneto-Rheological (MR) brake with a small servo motor and on-board electronics. On this built-in bundle, the MR brake and the motor work collectively to optimize efficiency for the operator.
Some great benefits of FFD embrace its small measurement, low energy necessities, a excessive bandwidth haptic really feel and simplified structure. The MR brake is massive sufficient to offer crisp end-stops however since it’s a semi-active system, it doesn’t pose a problem for purposeful security. The servo motor offers the required haptic performance in a compact measurement and is straight coupled to the steering shaft with none gears. The absence of a planetary gear prepare offers the most effective haptic really feel and low inertia. On-board electronics with built-in connectors facilitate a small area declare which helps with integration choices.
The brand new LORD FFD product being launched for the off-highway market in 2025 options SIL2 structure with quad redundant angular place sensors and CAN Bus communication per SAE J1939 specs. This can be utilized for each 12 VDC and 24 VDC methods.
Because the MR brake is very environment friendly, the ability consumption for full torque is lower than 12 watts. The excessive bandwidth of the servo motor is finest in offering return-to-center performance, energetic force-feel like wheel slipping, vibratory haptic warning alerts (like chirp and dither) and command-following for a number of steering synchronization or autonomy.
