Force Feedback
Our highly responsive Force Feedbck Device (FFD) system enhances operator confidence while delivering exceptional low-effort steering performance to boost operator comfort and offer additional design flexibility to OEMs. Read More
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Features and Benefits
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
Specifically designed to meet the growing trend of adopting smaller steering wheels for lighter use vehicles such as forklifts, UTVs and greens mowers.
Heavier duty forklifts and most agricultural and construction vehicles benefit from the TFD with improved steering feedback, increased flexibility and reliable control signals.
Industrial and recreational marine 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.
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?
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.
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.
Join us for an introduction to functional safety specifically focusing on our Tactile Feedback Device (TFD®) Steering Unit technology. These devices provide an integrated solution that combines bearing support, steering position sensing, communication and continuously variable resistive steering torque, delivering high-fidelity tactile feedback and maximum control to the operator. Join us as we discuss the functional safety concepts, regulations and system architecture when it comes to TFD integration within a steer-by-wire system.
Learn more about the products available for the off-highway market.
Key performance attributes and torque characteristics for the 5Nm TFD
Key performance attributes and torque characteristics for the 12Nm TFD
Key performance attributes and torque characteristics for the 20Nm TFD