“Interface par excellence between man and car, from the dawn of motoring to the present day, steering has benefited from constant technical evolution. From the definition of design and steering wheel controls to integration with driver assistance systems, passing through the availability of five different technical configurations in the range, our new steering combines comfort, sportiness and safety “: this is how Audi is launching the new revolution on a steering wheel full of sensors designed to detect the angle of the steering wheel in real time, harmonizing power assistance and reduction.
“The steering calibration – explain the Ingolstadt engineers – is influenced by three dimensions of motion: the longitudinal dynamics, the transverse dynamics and the vertical dynamics. body movements related to suspension compression and extension. The Audi engineers’ main objective is to achieve a clear and predictable response regardless of the forces acting on the front axle, while ensuring stability, handling and traction as well as correct absorption of the imperfections of the asphalt. A balanced steering has linear reactions in every situation and communicates to the driver the approaching of the limits of physics. Limits beyond which phenomena such as understeer or oversteer occur “.
And here is the magic of touch controls. If you touch surfaces, the system does not react immediately. Light pressure is required for input to be recorded and tactile and acoustic feedback to be returned. The applied technology is shared with the MMI touch response console, dedicated to the high-end range of the four rings: when the command is activated, a mechanical click is perceived that allows the driver to orient himself intuitively. The House of the four rings integrates into the steering wheel of the Audi Q4 e-tron range an additional technology widespread in the consumer electronics sector, primarily for smartphones and tablets, combining the touch system with swipe movements, for example to scroll through the menus .
Not only that: Hands On Detection (HOD) technology allows capacitive recognition of the grip on the steering wheel and contributes to the driver assistance functions that include steering interventions. A sensor positioned at the base of the first coating layer of the crown detects whether or not the driver keeps his hands on the steering wheel. A “light” grip or light touches are enough for the system to register the contact and evaluate, by means of an integrated control unit, whether the driver is in a position to react quickly. If no contact is registered for more than 15 seconds, the HOD technology activates specific optical and acoustic warnings. Compared to previous systems, which required a real steering action to recognize the driver’s attention, the Hands On Detection system is less invasive, to the advantage of comfort.
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