ASB - BMW Active Steering
Help the driver while steering without depriving him of the ability to control the steering wheel - a device that directly affects the position and stability of the car. In short, this is the active steering developed by BMW. A new driving system that sets new standards in agility, comfort and, above all, safety.
“Genuine steering response,” says BMW, “which makes driving more and more dynamic, improves on-board comfort and contributes significantly to safety, as Active Steering is the perfect complement to Dynamic Stability Control (Skid Corrector). Stability Control (DSC). ”
Active steering, in contrast to so-called (wire-guided) systems without a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels, ensures that the steering system remains operational even in the event of a failure or malfunction of the driver assistance systems. The steering provides great maneuverability, ensuring maneuverability even in corners. Electrically Controlled Active Steering provides adjustable steer reduction and servo assistance. Its main element is a planetary gearbox built into the steering column, with the help of which the electric motor provides a larger or smaller angle of rotation of the front wheels with the same rotation of the steering wheel.
The steering gear is very straight at low to medium speeds; for example, only two wheel turns are sufficient for parking. As the speed increases, Active Steering decreases the steering angle, making the descent more indirect.
BMW is the first manufacturer in the world to decide to implement active steering as the next step towards a pure concept of “steering by wire”. The heart of the active steering system is the so-called “overlap steering mechanism”. This is a planetary differential built into the split steering column, which is driven by an electric motor (through a self-locking screw mechanism) that increases or decreases the steering angle set by the driver depending on various driving conditions. Another important component is variable power steering (reminiscent of the better-known servotronic), which can control the amount of force the driver applies to the steering wheel while steering.
Active Steering is also very helpful in critical stability situations such as driving on wet and slippery surfaces or strong crosswinds. The device fires at impressive speed, improving the vehicle's dynamic stability and thus reducing the frequency of DSC triggering.
