Ferrari New Steering Patent - Something or Nothing?

southnc · Aug 7, 2014

Ferrari awarded patent, involving better steering precision.

Apparently, it does not involve any hardware change - just software. Hence, it could possibly be retrofitted to existing cars.

Ferrari has been awarded a patent on a a new, more precise steering setup. It uses existing power steering hardware, but reduces inherent "transmission error"—slack between the driver turning the wheel and the response from the front wheels—from driver inputs. Also, the system aims to reduce variations in effort required to turn the steering wheel a given amount.

The neat bit is that the patent doesn't require any new hardware; rather, a software update can allow the existing electric power steering system to eliminate initial slack and smooth out the turning forces required.

There is a drawback, it seems. The patent states that "the driving perception perceived by the driver is not always optimal." In other words, the unhappy and unintended result in making the steering more precise is that it feels strange, subjectively, to the driver. That could be a sign that this patent alone isn't enough to bring the system to market, at least not without development that would make it feel more natural to the driver. But hacking existing hardware to improve steering accuracy is a neat idea.

No word yet on whether Ferrari intends to use this patent in any future product.
Click to expand...

Source:
Ferrari's steering system patent could increase precision - Road & Track

My Verdict: Nothing (rather have the old no-power steering)

4rePhill · Aug 8, 2014

Sounds like they've made a fundamental change to the software parameters and are just updating their previous patent to ensure that the changes are covered.

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Ferrari New Steering Patent - Something or Nothing?

southnc Formula 3

4rePhill F1 Veteran

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