Development of new steering system for resolution of steering operation problems during low speed driving

Abstract

This research is a study of the new steering system to improve maneuverability during low speed driving. First, we investigated the problem of the steering operation during low speed driving. As a result, it was found that the changing of steering grip position is one of the workload. Therefore, we developed the new steering system to solve the problem. We can operate a vehicle without the changing of steering grip position by using the proposal system that is changed upper limb motion and grip position's shape. We conducted driving simulator experiment to investigate driver characteristics change between the proposal system and the conventional system with low gear ratio. As a result, operation by the proposal system makes low driver gain. Therefore, the system is maneuverable even if it is low steering gear ratio. Finally, we conducted subjective experiment using an actual vehicle. As a result, it was indicated that the driver can operate a vehicle by using the proposal system even if he has never driven an actual vehicle.