Crabsteering: Find Reference Material & Design Parameters

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of crab steering, specifically focusing on its definition, design parameters, and related vehicle steering systems. Participants explore different types of steering mechanisms, including 4-wheel steering and articulate steering, and share personal experiences and references related to these systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests reference material on crab steering and its design parameters.
  • Another participant expresses confusion over the term "crab steering," suggesting it may refer to 4-wheel steering.
  • A participant clarifies that crab steering involves front and rear wheels turning in opposite directions for circular movement, while also distinguishing it from articulate steering.
  • Some participants share their familiarity and experiences with different steering types, noting the benefits of 4-wheel steering for parking and maneuverability.
  • Discussion includes mention of specific vehicles, such as GM's Jeep and the Hurricane, which utilize advanced steering systems.
  • One participant notes that GM's vehicle may have limitations on steering behavior at higher speeds.
  • Historical references are made to GM's Quadrasteer and Honda's rear steering systems, with comments on their discontinuation and perceived consumer value.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the terminology and definitions related to crab steering and 4-wheel steering, indicating multiple competing views and some confusion regarding the terms used.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of crab steering and articulate steering, as well as the specific design parameters that may be relevant to the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in automotive engineering, vehicle design, and steering mechanisms may find this discussion relevant.

sree
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hi,

can anybody give me any reference material on crabsteering? and the major design parameters involved?
 
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I see that nobody has responded to this yet. The reason that I haven't is that I have no idea what you're talking about. Crab steering? I've never heard the term. Do you mean 4-wheel steering?
 
Crab steering is 4 wheel steering. Front wheels turn left back wheels turn right and the vehicle will go in circles. Front wheels turn left and back wheels turn left and the vehicle moves as if it were in a constant lane change. Not sure if one is more correctly considered 'crab' than the other.

Articulate steering is NOT the same thing. Articulate is where wheels/axles stay straight and the whole vehicle hinges in the center. The effect is the same as front turning left and rear turning right.
 
Thanks, Average. I'm somewhat familiar with both types, but have never heard the 4-wheel one called that. It's a good name for it, though. While I don't know enough about it to help sree, I'm a fan of it. One brand of pick-up truck sold here (Chev, I think) had a limited version of it as an option. You could park the sucker easier than a Volkswagon, and it made trailering a lot easier.
 
hi,

well i am interrested in the second type where the vehicle can move parallel to the road.can anyone provide me any additional info

GM's new JEEP has got the first type of steering.all the four wheels can be turned independently.it can rotate about its yaw axis too.
 
Last I heard the GM vehicle would turn the fronts and the backs the same way above a certain speed. Obviously for lane changes. Possible also selectable at least in reverse. A website somewhere could probably tell you. I'm too lazy to check.
 
It's called the Hurricane. Each set of wheels has it's own engine. There's an article on it here

http://trucks.about.com/od/conceptcars/a/hurricane.htm"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
GM had Quadrasteer on their full size pickups where the rear wheels would steer (discontinued now).

Honda did rear steer in the late 80s/early 90s too, again discontinued.

While it may have benefits, the cost doesn't seem worthwhile to the consumers...
 

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