Reduction of wear and tear
Less wear on wheels and track through improved curving capability
Weight reduction
Active steering makes two-axle bogieless vehicles feasible, offering
advantages such as
- reduced mechanical complexity (which of course is paid for by a higher
degree of electronic control complexity)
- reduced vehicle weight
- reduced traction/braking requirements
- reduced energy consumption
- reduced track damage
Extra functionalities
A mechatronic approach may bring added value of a different kind, e.g. the
integration of the suspension, guidance, drive and braking sub-systems which
today are designed and controlled separately. The use of differential torque
control to achieve active steering or guidance is a step towards higher degrees
of system integration. In addition, condition and fault diagnosis for
maintenance purposes could be provided at low extra cost, making use of the
sensors fitted for mechatronic control. |