A steering linkage for short wheelbase vehicles: design and evaluation in a wheelchair power base--a technical note.
An Ackerman steering linkage for short wheelbase, four-wheel vehicles has been developed. The linkage coordinates the steering angle of each wheel through a range of 180 degrees with minimal misalignment between wheels. Control of steering angles is accomplished using a single linear actuator. Control complexity is lower compared to four-wheel systems using individually controlled steering actuators for each wheel. A prototype linkage that provides a minimum turning radius while maintaining maximum stability has been developed and evaluated for a power wheelchair base. The single-actuator linkage is well suited for this application, due to the cost-sensitive nature of wheelchair products.
Brienza
D M
DM
Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA. dbrienza+@pitt.edu
Brubaker
C E
CE
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004867:Equipment Design; D006804:Ergonomics; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D014910:Wheelchairs / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*