Marine TFD for Recreation & Working Vessels
Marine SbW systems enable precise maneuverability and enhanced operator control with tunable steering settings for custom operation.
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TFD Integrated Solutions for Steer-by-Wire Applications
Features and Benefits
- Tunable Steering Settings. Adjust the "feel" of the steering system - lock-to-lock steering ratio, soft-stop and end-stop with vibration event signals.
- Increased OEM Design Freedom. Redefine the operator experience by eliminating the steering column and moving the steering wheel to optimize comfort and productivity.
- Integrated Safety. Fully operational, dual isolated channels provide safety redundancy.
- Improved Operator Ergonomics. Proprietary magnetically-responsive (MR) materials provide smooth and consistent resistive steering torque. This gives the operator a greater sense of connectedness to the vehicle.
The TFD steering unit is typically mounted below the vehicle’s steering wheel. As the operator turns the steering wheel, the hall-effect steering sensor detects and transmits the steering position to the vehicle steering controller. The steering controller uses information from a variety of vehicle inputs to determine the preferred steering response.
The steering response can be programmed for partial or multiple rotations, to be speed sensitive, and to generate end-stop control, position detents and more. Integration with other devices and technologies, such as electric motors, GPS and vision systems, can provide sophisticated hybrid steering control.
Torque feedback to the operator is generated through our proprietary “Direct Shear Mode” design, in which a rotor attached to a shaft shears magnetically responsive (MR) material against a fixed stator.
As the current commanded by the vehicle steering controller to the TF steering unit changes, a lowpower (0-1 amp) coil generates a magnetic field that instantaneously changes the properties of the MR material and the subsequent torque feedback
5 Nm TFD for steering wheels less than 6"-8" in diameter
Specifically designed to meet the growing trend of adopting smaller steering wheels for lighter use vehicles such as forkliftsw, UTVs and greens mowers.
12 Nm TFD for steering wheels 8"-14" in diameter
Heavier duty forklifts and most agricultural and construction vehicles benefit from the TFD with improved steering feedback, increased flexibility and reliable control signals.
20 Nm TFD for steering wheels more than 14" in diameter
Heavy-duty off-highway and industrial vehicles integrate well with the 20 Nm TFD for a maintenance free functional design that is easy to install and features a broad set of operating conditions and environments.
Blogs
Resources
Which TFD is Right for Me? Part 1
So you’re designing a steer-by-wire system, you’ve watched our intriduction video on the LORD Tactile Feedback Device (TFD), and you’re interested in evaluating a sample part for your system. BUT, how do you decide which of our TFD steering units is best for your system?
Which TFD is Right for Me? Part 2
If you are developing a steer-by-wire system, you may need help selecting a LORD Tactile Feedback Device (TFD). While the vehicle central controller is responsible for managing the actual turning of the vehicle, a TFD works at the front end of the steering system to perform two functions.
Functional Safety: Having Confidence in Your Equipment
Understanding safety standards is critical to designing and manufacturing computer-controlled systems. Every endeavor, every environment and every manufacturer must address safety—and every component within a larger system must achieve its own safety metrics for the overall system to be safe.
Innovative Solutions for the Off-Highway Market
Learn more about the products available for the off-highway market.
5 Nm CAN-Enabled TFD Brochure
Key performance attributes and torque characteristics for the 5Nm TFD
12 Nm CAN-Enabled TFD Brochure
Key performance attributes and torque characteristics for the 12Nm TFD
20 Nm CAN-Enabled TFD Brochure
Key performance attributes and torque characteristics for the 20Nm TFD