- #1
zekester
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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?
Choosing an Electric Motor for Steering Wheel Resistance: Expert Advice
- Thread starter zekester
- Start date
In summary, a generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. It can be done using a motor as the generator, or by using a force-feedback joystick to control the resistance.
- #2
Danger
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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? 
- #3
zekester
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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.
- #4
marcusl
Science Advisor
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Why not use friction? Wrap the shaft with a piece of leather and put a clamp around the whole thing...
- #5
zekester
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sorry, i should have said this before, but the resistance needs to be able to vary from no resistance to around 7 N*m
- #6
marcusl
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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.
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.
- #7
Danger
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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.
- #8
KleptoPanda
- 8
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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.
1. How do electric motors work?
Electric motors work by converting electrical energy into mechanical energy. This is accomplished through the interaction of a magnetic field and an electric current. The current, typically provided by a battery or power source, flows through a wire coil in the motor, creating a magnetic field. This field then interacts with a permanent magnet, causing a rotational motion that powers the motor.
2. What are the main components of an electric motor?
The main components of an electric motor include a stator (housing), rotor (rotating part), armature (electromagnet), commutator (switches direction of current), and brushes (conductors that make contact with the commutator).
3. What are the different types of electric motors?
There are several types of electric motors, including DC motors, AC motors, synchronous motors, and induction motors. Each type has its own unique design and function, making them suitable for different applications.
4. What are the advantages of using electric motors?
Some of the advantages of electric motors include high efficiency, low maintenance, and the ability to control speed and torque. They also produce no emissions, making them more environmentally friendly than combustion engines.
5. What are some common uses for electric motors?
Electric motors are used in a wide range of applications, including industrial machinery, household appliances, transportation (such as electric cars), and renewable energy sources (such as wind turbines). They are also commonly used in robotics and automation systems.
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