Nissan unveiled what it calls “the world’s first steering technology that allows independent control of a vehicle’s tire angle and steering inputs” and says the technology will be in showrooms as early as next year.
Unlike a conventional steering system that employs a mechanical link between the steering wheel and the front wheels, Nissan’s new system reads the driver’s intentions from steering wheel inputs, but actually controls the wheels by computer. The company says the system actually increases the direct driving performance feel.
Accompanying this steering technology, Nissan has also developed a camera-based straight-line stability system to enhance on-center driving capability. Using a camera mounted above the rearview mirror, the system analyzes the road ahead, recognizes the lane direction, detects changes in the vehicle’s direction, and transmits this information to multiple electronic control units as electronic signals. If the vehicle direction changes due to road surface or crosswinds, the system also acts to minimize the effect of these conditions resulting in less required steering input from the driver.
System reliability is achieved by multiple ECUs. In the event a single ECU malfunctions, another ECU will instantly take control, and in extreme circumstances such as the power supply being disrupted, a backup clutch can re-connect the steering wheel and wheels mechanically, for traditional steering control.
Nissan says the technology will be equipped on select Infiniti models within one year to provide “Driving as Intended” and “Driving with Peace of Mind” for owners.
In related “self-steering” news from Nissan, the company recently demonstrated technology it is working on that allows a car to temporarily take control of the vehicle to avoid a collision. A video released by the carmaker shows a specially equipped Nissan Leaf swerving to avoid a pedestrian and returning to its intended lane of travel, all with no driver input.
by Nissan’s Press Release: http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2012/_STORY/121017-02-e.html