Volvo Dynamic Steering, a device that claims to reduce steering force up to 85 percent, is coming to North America after development and use in Europe, the builder announced Sept. 12. The steering assist greatly cuts driver effort while stabilizing the vehicle in crosswinds and crowned and uneven pavement, helps maintain control in a front-tire blowout, and automatically returns the wheel to center during slow-speed maneuvering, officials said at a press event at the New River Valley assembly plant in Dublin, Va.
The system has been adapted to North American steering gear and axles, and helps reduce driver fatigue and increase road safety, said Chris Stadler, a Volvo Trucks’ product marketing manager. Volvo Dynamic Steering, or VDS, will be an option in Volvo VNL and VNR models in early 2020. If testing shows that it works well with high-capacity front axles, it might be offered later on the vocational VHD.
“Drivers are the trucking industry’s biggest assets, and opportunities to increase driver recruitment and retention are top-of-mind for our customers,” Stadler said. “Providing state-of-the-art features that improve drivers’ physical working conditions and comfort is an important aspect of driver satisfaction, as well as increasing overall productivity and road safety.”
VDS is an active device with an electric motor mounted on top of the hydraulic steering gear. Constant input from multiple sensors determine the appropriate steering wheel response. The system continuously monitors driver actions, environmental factors and road conditions literally faster than the blink of an eye, he said.
The motor provides additional torque at low speeds and when needed to keep the truck safely on the road. This supports driver reactions with greater control and smoother maneuvering. In a failure of sensors or electrical circuitry, it reverts to all-hydraulic operation, Stadler explained.
VDS is ideal for diverse and changing terrains and automatically adjusts to handle any roadway condition, the company says. From rough roads to tight maneuvers in urban environments, VDS can help drivers navigate unexpected situations such as potholes and rapid tire deflations, adding up to 9 foot-pounds of torque to the steering column.
Key VDS features include:
● Vehicle stability control leads to increased directional stability on the highway, which offers a more relaxed and safe driving experience with full control at all speeds.
● Return-to-center swings the steering wheel to the “neutral” position when the vehicle is in motion, making it easier to reverse the vehicle and maneuver in tight areas.
● Dampening filters inputs from the road surface and, based on feedback from multiple sensors, helps improve handling and vehicle stability.
● Lead/pull compensation provides a torque offset within the steering system to compensate for crowned roads, steady crosswinds and other short-term conditions that can affect handling.
With more controlled steering, VDS helps reduce operational fatigue by filtering road vibration and noise through the steering wheel, and reducing repetitive motions, Stadler said. Testing has shown that VDS has the potential to cut muscular strain by up to 30% and for some specific motions, strain can be reduced up to 70%.
“Volvo Trucks’ new feature brings value and support to our customers and professional drivers,” said Stadler. “With the VDS system, we see increased productivity for our customers and decreased fatigue for drivers. In addition, it contributes to improved stability and control of the vehicle, thereby increasing road safety.”
