ABSTRACT

Steering mechanism is one of the important systems of an automobile. Ackermann mechanism is

popularly used in all the automobiles. Though advances such as power steering and electronic
steering have taken place the underlying mechanism is none the less, Ackerman steering
mechanism. The Ackermann steering mechanism does not provide perfect steering conditions.
However, it is popular because it involves only revolute pairs.
In this report an attempt is made to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the Ackermann
steering mechanism, and hence an introduction to two new alternative steering mechanisms will
be made that may provide better steering conditions. The first mechanism is based on pulley
(disc) functioning through a belt drive, and the second is a patented mechanism based on sliding
linkages. We shall also see into their design aspects as well as their performance as compared tpo
the Ackermann Steering Mechanism.

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION

2. LITERATURE SURVEY

3. ACKERMANNS PRINCIPLE

4. BELT DRIVE STEERING MECHANISM

5. A NEW PATENTED MECHANISM BASED ON CONTACT LINKAGES

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6. CONCLUSIONS

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7. REFERENCES

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LIST OF TABLES

Table.1.

Values of , *, , e, with 12

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure.1. Turning of a vehicle as per Ackermanns condition

Figure.2 Ackermann steering Mechanism

Figure.3 Mechanism Taking A Right Turn

Figure.4 Steering Error

Figure.5

Belt drive steering mechanism

Figure.6

Mechanism taking a right turn

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Figure.7 Performance Graphs of the belt drive mechanism.

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Figure.8 Proposed Mechanism

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Figure.9 The two coordinates systems

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Figure.10 Family of curves and its Envelope

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Figure.11 Envelope of a Roller

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Figure.12 To find the envelope of this family of curves

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Figure.13 Profile of L1

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Figure.14 Profile of L2

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