Hitachi Astemo develops prototype of a new steer-by-wire steering device that expands cabin space JCN Newswire

Hitachi Astemo develops prototype of a new steer-by-wire steering device that expands cabin space

October 20, 2022
TOKYO, Oct 20, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Hitachi Astemo, Ltd. has developed a prototype of a new steer-by-wire steering device that eliminates the conventional steering wheel and expands the cabin space. Steer-by-wire is a feature that steers the vehicles electrically--an essential technology for self-driving and other next-generation vehicles.The steer-by-wire technology links the steering and turning actuators* via electric signals to steer the car - providing the benefit of improved safety and comfort, as well as flexibility for interior design.In anticipation of automated driving, Hitachi Astemo is leveraging the collective strength of the Hitachi Group in developing steer-by-wire technology. New steer-by- wire devices that retain the conventional steering wheel -- or eliminate it altogether -- give automobile manufacturers improved flexibility in designing next-generation vehicles.* A device that converts power from motive force or driver operation into an action.With steer-by-wire systems, the lack of a mechanical link enables the downsizing of steering devices to increase cabin space and eliminate the conventional steering wheel altogether. A smaller steering device, however, can result in the vehicle's steering being overly sensitive to driver inputs. To resolve this, Hitachi Astemo's new steering device incorporates advanced steering feel technology, developed by the former Showa Corporation (merged to become part of Hitachi Astemo in 2021); and information control technology that detects and transmits road surface information, jointly developed with Hitachi, Ltd. The technology's speed-sensitive steering, optimized steering ratios to manage steering angle, and communicative control technology -- which detects and suppresses distracting external disturbances such as road surface irregularities and inclines-- enable smooth driving without being oversensitive to vehicle movement.In addition, the optimization of the turning actuator, the elimination of control devices on the of the steering wheel/device, and a simple mechanical device for steering feedback not only make the system cost-effective, but also enable the optimization of driver assistance controls, such as emergency avoidance and behavior compensation control.To prevent failures, which are a concern with steer-by-wire systems, fail-safe functions are integrated to ensure continued operation in the event of a failure or loss of circuitry. Two power supplies are used for the actuator, and the steering angle sensor detects the steering device's input angle in the actuator.Hitachi Astemo is committed to strengthening its business and delivering technological innovation through a strategic business portfolio, which consists of the Powertrain & Safety Systems business, Chassis business, Motorcycle business, Software business and Aftermarket business. Aiming for a better environment globally and growth around the pillars of "green," "digital," and "innovation," we will deliver highly efficient internal combustion engine systems; electric systems that reduce emissions; autonomous driving for improved safety and comfort; advanced driver assistance systems; and advanced chassis systems. Through such advanced mobility solutions, we will contribute to realizing a sustainable society and provide enhanced corporate value for our customers.For more information, please visit the Hitachi Astemo website: www.hitachiastemo.com/en/. Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
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Hitachi Astemo develops Steer-by-Wire prototype with advanced steering and failsafe function JCN Newswire

Hitachi Astemo develops Steer-by-Wire prototype with advanced steering and failsafe function

October 3, 2022
TOKYO, Oct 3, 2022 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Hitachi Astemo, Ltd.has developed a Steer-by-Wire prototype for vehicles, which actuates the tires not mechanically, but through the electric control of steering wheel inputs. The prototype not only realizes smooth, effortless steering wheel operation, but also redundancy through a fail-safe function that enables the continued operation in the event of a failure.Steer-by-Wire with redundancyIn anticipation of the evolution of autonomous driving, Hitachi Astemo and Hitachi, Ltd. are combining resources(1) to realize the practical application of a Steer-by-Wire that not only improves safety and comfort, but also realizes a greater degree of freedom in layout design, which is achieved by linking the steering system and wheel-turning system actuators using electrical signals.Normally, the driver infers the road surface condition from the steering reaction force of the steering wheel and use that information in operating the vehicle. With Steer-by-Wire, Hitachi Astemo leverages the advanced steering feel technology developed through the former Showa Corporation's many years of extensive research. In addition, Hitachi Astemo and Hitachi, Ltd. Research & Development Group have jointly developed a function that conveys when the vehicle body has not turned during inputs of the steering wheel. Furthermore, Hitachi Astemo is leveraging industry-leading skidding control technology developed by former Hitachi Automotive Systems, which suppresses external interference from road surface irregularities, such as wheel tracks on snowy roads, to minimize the need for steering corrections by the driver.To address the concern of Steer-by-Wire functionality in the event of failure, Hitachi Astemo's prototype has a failsafe function, which adopts a two-system approach for the power source and wire harness that connect the actuator on the steering side and actuator on the wheel turning side; triples both the circuits in the steering wheel angle sensor in the steering side actuator and circuits in the wheel turning side actuator; and controls the braking force of the four wheel brakes while linking it to the vehicle steering function. This enables continued operation even in the event of failure or circuit loss, thereby enhancing safety.Hitachi Astemo is committed to strengthening its business and delivering technological innovation through a strategic business portfolio, which consists of the Powertrain & Safety Systems business, Chassis business, Motorcycle business, Software business and Aftermarket business. Aiming for a better environment globally and growth around the pillars of "green," "digital," and "innovation," we will deliver highly efficient internal combustion engine systems; electric systems that reduce emissions; autonomous driving for improved safety and comfort; advanced driver assistance systems; and advanced chassis systems. Through such advanced mobility solutions, we will contribute to realizing a sustainable society and provide enhanced corporate value for our customers.(1) A device that converts power from motive force or driver operation into some kind of action.For more information, please visit the Hitachi Astemo website: www.hitachiastemo.com/en/ Copyright 2022 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
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