Choosing an Electric Motor for Steering Wheel Resistance: Expert Advice

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the selection of an electric motor to apply variable resistance torque to a steering wheel shaft, with the motor also functioning as a generator. Participants explore the feasibility, design considerations, and alternative methods for achieving the desired resistance torque.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks recommendations for an electric motor that can apply a resistance torque of 4-7 N*m while also generating electricity.
  • Another participant questions the project's purpose, asking if the motor is intended for electricity generation or to dampen motion.
  • A participant clarifies that the motor's purpose is to apply a small resistance to the steering wheel shaft while allowing it to run as a generator.
  • One suggestion is to use friction instead of a motor, proposing a mechanical solution involving leather and a clamp to vary resistance.
  • A later reply emphasizes the need for the resistance to be adjustable from no resistance to around 7 N*m.
  • Another participant raises concerns about the complexity of using a generator, noting that torque may depend on speed and that mechanical systems could be simpler.
  • One participant suggests considering the motor's use as a motor rather than a generator, referencing force-feedback joysticks as a potential model.
  • Another participant proposes using an MCU-controlled digital potentiometer to manage resistance in the motor windings, mentioning the importance of protective diodes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the best approach to achieve the desired resistance torque, with no consensus on whether to use an electric motor or alternative mechanical methods. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal solution.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight various assumptions, such as the relationship between torque and speed, and the complexity of implementing a generator system. There are also references to the need for calibration and potential design challenges.

zekester
Messages
30
Reaction score
0
I am trying to implement an electric motor as a generator at the end of a steering wheel shaft. The motor would be used to apply a resistance torque to the shaft. What type of motor would you recommend?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
This sounds like a rather odd project. Is the purpose of the motor specifically to generate electricity, or to dampen the motion of the shaft, or what? :confused:
 
the purpose of the motor is to apply a small resistance (4-7 N*m) to the steering wheel shaft. The shaft itself will be turned by a steering wheel. this should allow the motor to run as a generator creating a voltage.
 
Why not use friction? Wrap the shaft with a piece of leather and put a clamp around the whole thing...
 
sorry, i should have said this before, but the resistance needs to be able to vary from no resistance to around 7 N*m
 
tighten the clamp to vary the torque...

Seriously, a generator is complicated. Doesn't the torque depend on the speed? Also athe armature poles in a generator will give you funky results if you turn your steering wheel only a little (like 30 degrees). Mechanical systems are easy. Look at the simple brake on an exercise bike--you turn a screw that squeezes two pads onto the turning wheel. The knob has a pointer that indicates the relative drag. Once you calibrate the torque or drag (which you'd have to do your way too), you're done.
 
And if you have to have something that varies on the fly, without manual input, you might look into using the motor as a motor, instead of a generator. Check into how force-feedback joysticks work.
 
A generator wouldn't be that hard to do. You would just use an MCU controlled digital potentiometer to apply resistance to the motor windings. Then it is just a matter of measuring the change in voltage to determine speed. Make sure you have a set of diodes in place at least equal to the sample rate of you MCU to prevent any damage in case Vin Diesel gets in your car.
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
0
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 74 ·
3
Replies
74
Views
10K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K