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Torque vectoring prototype revealed in Germany
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01/03/2007
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The latest generation of a cross-axle torque vectoring system that enables moment-by-moment redistribution of drive-torque in response to driver demand, vehicle speed and road conditions has been demonstrated to an audience of technologists in Germany, writes Roger Bishop.
A prototype of the Ricardo system, built into an Audi A6 Quattro Avant, was made available for test drives at Berlin’s 5th International CTI-Symposium, Innovative Automotive Transmissions.
The design is compact and can be contained with very limited intrusion into an existing differential envelope with minimal reduction in drive shaft length and articulation.The actuation system is contained on one side of the pinion axis for better packaging while allowing the unit’s centre of gravity to be on the vehicle centreline and ensuring sideshafts of equal length. System actuation is flexible, depending on vehicle architecture, but is compatible with hydraulic, electro-hydraulic and electro-mechanical control strategies.
The demonstration prototype is capable of delivering a cross-axle torque bias of 1,400Nm and differential wheel speed delta of 20%. Response time targets for the demonstrator vehicle have been set at a maximum of 50ms from request to start of torque activation and 100ms to achieve 90% full torque demand.
Chief executive Dave Shemmans said: “The technology of this system is available for automakers and Tier One suppliers alike, offering them a means of accelerating time to market and significantly reducing development effort.”
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Author
Roger Bishop
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