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Computation and optimization of rack and pinion steering mechanism considering kingpin parameters and tire side slip angle

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Abstract

In this paper, the parameter optimization and error analysis of the rack and pinion steering mechanism are carried out on the basis of considering the influence of kingpin parameters. The steering characteristic equation describing the motion of the steering mechanism is calculated by analyzing the spatial geometrical relationship between the wheel and kingpin and unifying the projection relation between the kingpin and the equivalent steering trapezoid. The ideal Ackermann equation is modified by the Ackermann rate and the kingpin parameters. The modified Ackermann equation is used as the objective function. The segmented fitness function and the evaluation function with weighted factors are designed. A genetic algorithm containing the three functions is used to optimize the parameters of the steering characteristic equation. The error analysis of the numerical example shows that the accuracy of steering trapezoid structure parameters, steering characteristic equation, and Ackermann equation is improved compared with that before optimization.

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Acknowledgments

The research presented here was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51775426), Xi’an Science and Technology Development Program (21XJZZ0039), and Xianyang Key Research and Development Program (2021ZDYF-GY-0027). The authors are grateful for this support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Mechanical Engineering, Xi’an University of Science and Technology, 710054, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China

    Xinqian Zhang, Farong Kou, Guohong Wang & Jianan Xu

Authors
  1. Xinqian Zhang
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  2. Farong Kou
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  3. Guohong Wang
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  4. Jianan Xu
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Farong Kou.

Additional information

Xinqian Zhang is a doctoral student in Vehicle Engineering from Xi’an University of Science and Technology. He received his M.S. from the same university in 2020. His research directions are continuously variable transmission, steering system dynamics, and steering control of self-driving vehicles.

Farong Kou is a doctoral supervisor, Professor, and Vice President of the School of Mechanical Engineering in Xi’an University of Science and Technology, Shaanxi Province, China. He received his M.S. in Vehicle Engineering from Chang’an University and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern Polytechnical University. His research directions include vehicle system dynamics, vibration control and energy recovery, and new energy intelligent networked vehicles.

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Zhang, X., Kou, F., Wang, G. et al. Computation and optimization of rack and pinion steering mechanism considering kingpin parameters and tire side slip angle. J Mech Sci Technol 37, 81–94 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-022-1209-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-022-1209-0

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