What is the difference between integral active steering and variable steering ratio?
2 Answers
Integral active steering and variable steering ratio differ as follows: Different principles: The principle of integral active steering is to use a centralized control system that receives various dynamic driving signals from the vehicle, then comprehensively analyzes and outputs an appropriate steering angle. This drives the nut to move the lead screw axially, causing the rear wheels to turn slightly in the same direction as the front wheels, thereby enhancing stability during high-speed cornering. Different effects: The larger the variable steering ratio, the greater the rotation of the steering wheel required to achieve a specified turning distance for the wheels. With the same steering assistance, a larger steering ratio means less force is needed to rotate the steering wheel, making it more effortless. Different development trends: Variable steering ratio mainly develops in two directions: one is the mechanical variable steering ratio system, and the other is the electronic variable steering ratio system.
As an ordinary office worker who frequently drives different cars, I always feel that the steering system greatly affects driving comfort. Variable steering ratio mainly refers to the change in the ratio between the steering wheel rotation and the wheel movement—for example, at low speeds like parking, a slight turn of the steering wheel makes the wheels move faster, feeling agile and effortless; at high speeds, the ratio decreases for more stability. On the other hand, integral active steering is more intelligent—it actively controls the rear-wheel steering. At low speeds, the rear wheels may turn in the opposite direction to reduce the turning radius, while at high speeds, they turn in the same direction to enhance stability. I once tried a friend’s car and experienced that variable steering ratio made turning less tiring in city traffic jams, but active steering kept the car from drifting when changing lanes on highways, doubling the sense of security. The biggest difference between the two is that one is a partial ratio adjustment, while the other is an active intervention across the entire system. Adding a bit of daily experience: I remember driving on a narrow road in the rain once—active steering automatically balanced the car body, preventing skidding, whereas pure variable ratio required more careful handling. For family cars, this makes a huge difference.
