Nissan develops Independent Control Steering Technology

In this age, more and more mechanical components are being replaced by better and more efficient electronics. It has been much the same with automobiles. Mechanical components have either been replaced by electronics such as Electric Power Steering (EPS), brake-by-wire technology and in other cases electronics are used to assist mechanical parts such as magnetic suspension system and other electronically controlled suspension systems, etc. 

The latest mechanical target for the electrical boffins at Nissan is the steering column. Since the invention of the automobile nobody has dared mess with the conventional mechanical steering column; it has only been bettered and the angles slightly altered but that’s about it. 

Now though, Nissan has come up with a system that renders the conventional mechanical steering column completely useless. Nissan calls it Independent Control Steering Technology. 

The Independent Control Steering Technology uses Electronic Control Units (ECUs) to independently control a vehicle’s tyre angle and steering inputs. The ECU sends inputs to the steering angle actuator that in turn makes the wheels change direction. 

According to the wizards at Nissan this transfers the driver’s intentions even faster to the wheels and provides intelligent road surface feedback to the driver. Something that will be appreciated by enthusiasts and amateurs alike. 

But there is a catch to the system. The system also controls and insulates unnecessary road irregularities to a deliver smooth and comfortable drive. However in doing so, the system eliminates the feedback from undulations like minor ridges and furrows that are actually appreciated by enthusiasts who enjoying controlling a vehicle’s handling and power delivery over them. 

The Independent Control Steering Technology also uses a camera based straight line stability system. The camera is mounted behind the internal rear view mirror and monitors the direction of the vehicle’s travel in relation to road markings. If the vehicle changes direction due to road surface irregularities or crosswinds the systems makes corrections on its own to bring the vehicle back in line with its intended direction of travel, thereby minimising steering input from the driver in order to reduce fatigue. 

In the event an ECU packs up there are backup ECUs that will take over and just to play it safe Nissan will continue to equip their next generation steering technology with a conventional mechanical steering column as well. In case all else fails the driver will still be able to control the direction of the vehicle. 

Nissan will initially equip select models of its luxury brand, Infinity, with the new Independent Control Steering Technology by the year 2013.