Analysis of driving properties of a three-wheeled vehicle with a newly designed steering system

Dižo, Ján; Blatnický, Miroslav; Kurčík, Pavol · 2019 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1051/matecconf/201925403008

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Summary

This paper addresses the stability challenges inherent in three-wheeled vehicles, specifically those with two wheels on the rear axle, which are prone to overturning when navigating curves at higher speeds. Motivated by the need for fuel-efficient urban transport that offers more comfort and protection than two-wheeled vehicles but is lighter than standard four-wheeled cars, the authors propose a newly designed steering system for electric tricycles. The primary research objective is to compare the driving properties and overturning stability of a vehicle equipped with this new steering mechanism against one with a standard steering system. The study employs both analytical modeling and numerical simulation using the Simpack multibody software package. The authors developed three-dimensional virtual models of the tricycle, incorporating mass, inertia, and center of gravity parameters, including a standardized driver model. The core innovation of the new steering system is a front wheel fork design that allows for lateral shifting in addition to rotational movement. This mechanism shifts the front wheel in the direction of the centrifugal force during cornering, thereby improving stability. The analysis focused on curve passing with a radius of 2.0 meters, evaluating the contact force between the internal rear wheel and the road as the criterion for stability breach. The results demonstrate that the newly designed steering system significantly improves overturning stability. Analytical calculations determined that a tricycle with a standard steering system has a maximum safe speed of approximately 13.99 km/h (3.887 m/s) for the specified curve radius before losing stability. Simulation results confirmed this limit, showing that the internal rear wheel loses contact with the road at this speed. In contrast, simulations of the vehicle with the new steering system showed that the internal rear wheel maintained positive contact forces throughout the maneuver, indicating that the vehicle did not breach its stability limits under the same conditions. The authors note that the slight discrepancy between analytical and numerical results for the standard system is due to passenger shifting, which alters the center of gravity. The significance of this work lies in validating a mechanical solution to enhance the safety and usability of three-wheeled electric vehicles. By improving overturning stability, the design allows for safer navigation of curves at higher speeds, addressing a critical disadvantage of the rear-two-wheel configuration. The authors conclude that while the current prototype uses a purely mechanical system, future research will focus on optimizing the steering geometry to prevent excessive tire wear and component loading, and potentially adapting the system for vehicles with various drivetrains. This contribution supports the development of efficient, safe, lower-category urban transport solutions.

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• steering pattern