Muscle burden effect of ultra-compact electric vehicles equipped with steer-by-wire driving assist system

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Liu, Xiaojun^a | Umemoto, Takafumi^a | Kato, Hideaki^b; | Narita, Takayoshi^b | Moriyama, Hiroyuki^b

Affiliations: [a] Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokai University, Hiratsuka-shi, Kanagawa, Japan | [b] Department of Prime Mover Engineering, Tokai University, Hiratsuka-shi, Kanagawa, Japan

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Hideaki Kato, 4-1-1 Kitakaname, Hiratsuka-shi, Kanagawa, Japan. E-mail: hkato@tokai-u.jp

Abstract: Ultra-compact electric vehicles are becoming popular means of personal mobility. However, due to their small size, it is difficult to install an assist mechanism for steering operation in most of these vehicles. As a solution, the research team proposes the application of the steer-by-wire system (SBWS) to control the front tires of the vehicle without any mechanical connection. By changing the steering gear ratio and steering wheel reaction torque, SBWS can provide optimal operability and driving comfort. In this study, an experimental vehicle is equipped with SBWS and the steering reaction torque of the steering wheel based on the steering angle as feedback is adjusted. The experimental results show that changing the steering wheel reaction torque affects driver muscle burden.

Keywords: Muscle burden, ultra-compact electric vehicle, steer-by-wire system, reaction torque

DOI: 10.3233/JAE-171254

Journal: International Journal of Applied Electromagnetics and Mechanics, vol. 59, no. 3, pp. 1143-1151, 2019