Kinematic analysis of triple ball tie-rod in ackermann steering and tilting mechanism for tricycle application

Abstract

Nowadays, a concept of tilting three-wheel vehicle is introduced, one of which is the electric tilting tricycle to provide an alternative mode of transportation. Some of the tilting tricycle design usinga tadpole trike configuration and it needs an adequate steering system that can be synergized with tilting mechanism. The steering mechanism follows the Ackermann steering geometry. Usage of Ackermann geometry means applying a mechanism of trapezoidal four-bar linkage to the tricycle. To create and maintain the simple trapezoid shape, Triple Ball Tie-rod model, a single rod which supports three ball joints, is proposed. Since the capabilities of the model are yet to be proven, this research evaluates the usageof a tie-rod model to find out its capabilities to support the works of the steering mechanism of the tricycle. The measurements are conducted after the simulation of the 3D model to extract some data such as maximum lean angle and inner and outer steering angles. Another simulation using regular tie-rod model also conducted with the same method for comparison purposes. The results of the study are maximum allowed tilting angle and generated Ackermann steering angles. Each designed models have their respectiveadvantages.