Ever get in a car and just shake your head at the unfortunate way the steering wheel just doesn't fit comfortably into your preferred position? Well, students at
Lake Superior State University are hoping to make that a problem of the past.
Team Steering Innovations, one of five senior project teams under way this academic year in Lake Superior State University's School of Engineering and Technology, recently viewed a next-generation steering adjustment system they are improving for greater performance efficiency for its industrial client, Nexteer Steering Solutions Services Corporation.
"Currently, there are two ways to adjust the steering column: a manually operated mechanical lever and an all-power button," says Fred Berg, assistant engineering manager at Nexteer, who drove a car with the original prototype steering gear up to Sault Ste. Marie from Saginaw on Jan 19. "This new system offers consumers a third option that is both manual and electric."
The new system, which the students with Team Steering Innovations is a one-touch button that allows the driver to easily position the steering column at any desired height, or rake, and telescope the wheel closer or further away. When the button is released, the column is instantly locked in, customizing the fit to the driver.
Team Steering Innovations member Kyle Finlan started working with Nexteer engineers this past summer to develop a proof-of-concept prototype for the new steering column adjustment system, which may see production in the near future. Nexteer is seeking an original equipment manufacturer, more commonly referred to simply as OEM, for the new system.
If you're interested in seeing the prototype, it will be on site for demonstration on Friday, April 29, 1 - 4:30 p.m. in the Center for Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology.
Writer: Sam EgglestonSource: Fred Berg, Nexteer
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