LEEVENSPARK

Ackermann-linkage Geometry In parallel-set steering arms layout (Fig. 27.26A), the track-rod dimensions yi, xi andy0, x0, remain equal for all angles of turn. With the inclined arms (Fig. 27.26B and C), the inner-wheel track-rod end dimension yi, is always smaller than the outer wheel dimension y0, while negotiating a curve. On the other hand, there is very little variation between xi and x0 for small angular movements. For small steering angles about the king-pin up to say 10 degrees, there is very little difference between yi and y0 and between the inner and outer wheel turning angles. Figure 27.26B illustrates that for a 10 degrees set track rod arms if the outer wheel is turned at 20 degrees, then the corresponding inner wheel is shown to rotate 23 degrees. Similarly for the same set, for 40 degrees outer wheel turn, the inner wheel rotates 51 degrees (Fig. 27.26 C).  Therefore, for a given angular movement of the stub axles, the inner-wheel track-rod arm and track-rod are more eff

Ackermann Principle as Applied to Steering Ackermann Linkage The self propelled motor vehicle almost from the beginning, used the double pivot wheel steering system. This was invented for horse drawn vehicles in 1817 by George Lankensperger, a Munich carriage builder. In England, Rudolph Ackermann acted as Lankensperger's agent and a patent of the double-pivot steering arrangement was taken in his name. With this layout of the linkage the track rod arms are set parallel to each other and a track rod joins them together. In the straight ahead position of the steering, the linkage and axle beam forms a rectangle, but, as the stub-axles are rotated about their king pins, the steering arrangement forms a parallelogram. This linkage configuration turns both wheels the same amount. Figure 27.26A illustrates the parallel-set linkage positioned to provide both a 20 degrees and a 40 degrees turn for the inner and outer wheels. Charles Jeantand in 1878 introduced an improvement to the Acker

The Ackermann Principle as Applied to Steering The Ackermann Principle To achieve true rolling for a four wheeled vehicle moving on a curved track, the lines drawn through each of the four wheel axes must intersect at the instantaneous centre (Fig. 27.23). The actual position the instantaneous centre constantly changes due to the alternation of the front wheel angular positions to correct the steered vehicle's path. Since both rear wheels are fixed on the same axis but the front wheel axles are independent of each other , the instantaneous centres lies somewhere along an imaginary extended line drawn through the axis of the rear axle. The Ackermann principle is based on the two front steered wheels being pivoted at the ends of an axle-beam. The original Ackermann linkage has parallel set track-rod-arms, so that both steered wheels swivel at equal angles. Consequently, the intersecting projection lines do not meet at one point (Fig. 27.24.). If both front wheels are free to follow