STEERING SYSTEMS (SMTS)

The MB Dynamics Steering Module Test Simulator family of technologies (SMTS) is an assembly of components and software designed to facilitate the quiet testing, development, troubleshooting, and auditing of a variety of steering gear and steering column assemblies — collectively referred to here as steering modules (including components). The MB SMTS provides quiet turnkey elements necessary to test the NVH and rattle performance of a steering module; to reproduce functional or running noises such as zipper, growl, howl, reversal clunks, howl & growl noises, steering nibble, and other annoying vibration and noises during NVH-related driving maneuvers; to evaluate noises during critical driving conditions like high-velocity parking lot maneuvers in tight spaces with large, rapid angle changes at zero vehicle speeds; and to characterize performance during low frequency (for example 0.2Hz) sinusoids, triangle wave, trapezoid, and CSV position inputs to the steering wheel.
Using SMTS helps evaluate EPS, EPHS, EPAS, MDPS, ColPAS and HPS steering technologies and designs based on their propensity to rattle plus other NVH and driving-dynamics metrics. The MB equipment applies these steering column angular positions and tie rod excitations using electrodynamic, pneumatic, andor acoustically-quiet linear and rotary motor technologies. These are direct-drive and do not use gear reducers or other mechanical power transmission means that can add to test equipment noise and torque variation.
SMTS test rigs do not use hydraulics so there is no high-pressure oil, no risks of leaks and maintenance headaches, no negative environmental impact, and much lower equipment noise levels. While not a durability rig, the SMTS can condition or wear a steering module to varying stages of useful life within the SMTS equipment limits.
MB Engineering Services have been found useful to develop steering-specific test procedures and test processes, to perform test planning and results evaluation, for accelerated learning of the technology, and for data acquisition and analysis.