The converging trends of electrification and autonomy are driving original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to increasingly adopt steer-by-wire (SbW) systems in their vehicle product roadmaps. With SbW systems, there is no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and road wheels, which has challenged OEMs in providing the operator with a high-quality steering feel. When combined with shrinking, and often aging, labor forces, providing a premium operator experience is paramount for OEMs and their end customers.
The Parker Lord Force Feedback Device (FFD) enables highly responsive SbW systems. Further, the FFD provides an exceptional, low-effort, steering performance, which boosts operator comfort and provides additional design flexibility to the OEM. The combined effects of enhanced operator confidence and comfort ultimately lead to increased productivity, improving the ultimate goal of both OEMs and end users alike.
By combining tactile feedback device (TFD) technology with an electric motor, the FFD provides the best of both worlds – offering smooth tactile feedback as well as active operator feedback features. The motor portion of our FFD enables these additional features through the ability to generate assistive torque in addition to the resistive torque provided by the TFD element.
The assistive torque provided by the motor facilitates features such as return to center, wheel buzz, and autonomous command following. Also, due to the TFD and motor units working in harmony with one another, more effective steering torque can be a packed into a smaller space envelope. The ability to customize steering feedback responsiveness and features through software adjustments enables OEMs to create truly unique operator experiences – tailored to each machine type and end use application.
The FFD is available with SIL2. Fail operational, dual isolated channels (2 sensors per channel) provides safety redundancy. The TFD portion provides feedback through magnetically responsive (MR) technology. With torque feedback independent of speed and temperature, a wide variety of applications can benefit from the smooth and quiet steering feel.
