Steering Solutions
Steering System Testing with Te.Sense Shark
Steering feel – which describes how torque builds, how much displacement is needed, and how clearly vehicle performance is communicated back to the driver – is a critical characteristic for automotive developments. It directly shapes a driver’s confidence and understanding of vehicles, and it is a cornerstone of brand character for most vehicle manufacturers.
Good steering feel acts as a primary feedback channel, informing drivers about how much grip the steered tires have, how close the car is to its limits, and how the vehicle is responding to directional control and road nuances. This influences not only performance and safety, but also confidence, comfort, and perceived quality; two cars with identical objective metrics can feel radically different based solely on steering system tuning.
As vehicles evolve to include electric and variable assist steering systems – as well as ADAS and automation – preserving meaningful, consistent steering feedback becomes even more important, because it anchors the human-machine interface and defines the character of the car.
KTL's Te.Sense Shark product series covers a range of testing solutions for lab work and proving ground tests. Explore all the options below to find a perfect match for your steering system testing needs.
Te.Sense Shark ICS
Easy-to-install, in-car steering sensors for high-resolution handwheel displacement and torque measurements.
Features
Standard:
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Measures torque and angular displacement
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Suitable for lab or test track
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Integral data processing
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CAN data output
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Intuitive, easy-to-use software interface (Windows OS)
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Easy to install / remove
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Low profile for natural steering feel
Optional:
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Several torque cell specification options
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In-car data display monitor
Technical Specifications
Te.Sense Shark ICS in-car steering wheel sensors are the perfect solution for standard and special steering system characterizations. It's a must-have tool for tuning, measuring steering range, hysteresis, torque ripple, and compliance testing for industry standards and regulations.
These turn-key devices can be mounted in-car to an existing steering wheel or directly to a steering column. The system includes KTL's Test Control and Steering Analysis Software, a user-friendly interface for easy test set ups as well as live data streaming and acquisition.
Te.Sense Shark EMR
High-performance, real-time steering rack loading system, fully compatible with powertrain dynos, test benches, and HIL / VIL simulation environments.
Features
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Electro-magnetic actuation that simulates real-time steering rack loads for HIL and VIL testing
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Compatible with axle-coupled dynamometers, steer-by-wire systems, etc.
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Enables human steering system interactions during bench and lab tests
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Can be mounted to chassis, test bench; Supports both above-ground and underground arrangements
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Compact design eliminates interference with chassis dynos and other systems
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Low latency response with zero backlash
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High mechanical stiffness for stability, accuracy and long service life
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Robust force control for reduced sensitivity to micro-vibrations during dyno operation
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Can be configured to suit most HIL data communication protocols and simulation environments
Technical Specifications
Te.Sense Shark EMR steering rack loading systems are the perfect solution for special steering system characterizations that support ADAS developments and other vehicle control studies. Sometimes real-time human interactions (control and feedback) are necessary in conjunction with powertrain dyno and bench tests. Shark EMR has been designed for exactly such cases.
With Shark EMR, simulated road loads are applied through a low-maintenance, compact, electro-magnetic servo linear motion mechanism, offering high speed, low latency, and zero backlash during directional changes. It's a must-have tool for passive and active steering system tuning in lab environments.
These turn-key devices are fully compatible with HIL and VIL ecosystems, and can be easily integrated as supplemental devices to increase test and simulation capabilities. Shark EMR devices can be mounted to vehicle chassis or to test benches, and can be configured for both above-ground and underground installations when used in conjunction with powertrain dynos.
