TU-TESL

• 22

According to foreign media reports, next year, Volvo trucks will introduce dynamic steering system from Europe for trucks in North America. The company said the technology could make heavy truck operations effortless, thereby reducing driver fatigue without the help of a masseuse to treat driver neck and shoulder pain. The Swedish truck manufacturer introduced the system in Europe in 2013, aiming to reduce the steering power of flat trucks (trucks with cab above engine) by up to 85%. The tension created when operating the truck in a small area and the vibration generated when driving on uneven roads through the steering wheel axis will make the muscles of the driver's arms, shoulders and neck ache. In a Volvo survey of 250 truck drivers, 82% said they often feel pain and 63% said they often go to see a doctor. Volvo said tests showed that the dynamic steering system could reduce muscle tension by up to 30% and, for some repetitive movements, by up to 70%. Volvo's dynamic steering system is characterized by an electric motor installed on the hydraulic steering device. Multiple vehicle sensors continuously monitor the driver's actions, environmental conditions and road conditions at a frequency of more than 2000 times per second. The system provides up to 9 LBF ft of torque on the steering column, allowing the wheels to return to center when the truck is moving, making it easier for the driver to reverse and operate in narrow areas. 1. Stability control, in all speed ranges, to increase the direction stability of vehicles on the highway; 2. Improve the operation by filtering the road information; 3. When the truck is driving on the crowded road, as well as crosswind driving, it can compensate the torque. Currently, ZF also provides a light touch steering system called reax, while Bosch will equip Nikola Motors' Class 8 trucks with servotwin electric hydraulic steering system in the next decade. All three systems mentioned above support cars, including lane keeping and keeping in the middle of the lane. Daimler truck North America is producing 2020 Freightliner Cascadia models, which are also equipped with L2 partial automation functions. Due to different electrical structures, 24V system is used in Europe, while 12V system is used in North America. It took several years for the dynamic steering system to adapt to Volvo trucks in North America. The dynamic steering rate of Volvo's public system is about 40%, which helps the transformation of the system in the North American market. (all pictures in the article are from Volvo truck)