Figure 4.16 The model of the steering system

3. Creating the Constraint Joint

Select the Hooke Joint tool . Select the constraint method 2 Bod-1 Loc and Pick Feature. Select the Left_Tie_rod and the Center_link, and then click the point: Left__Tie_rod_inner, Hooke Joint orientation: axis direction of the Left_Tie_rod and the Center_link, to create the constraint joint between the Left_Tie_rod and the Center_link.

Setting up Working Grid orientation: Global XZ direction. Click Top View Select the Revolute Joint tool . Select the constraint method 2 Bod-1 Loc and Normal To Grid, Select the Center_link and the Pitman_arm, and Click the point: Pitman_arm_pivot, to create the revolute joint.

Setting up Working Grid orientation: Global XZ direction. Click Top View. Select the Revolute Joint tool . Select the constraint method 2 Bod-1 Loc and Normal To Grid, Select the Pitman_arm and the Chassis, and Click the point: Lower_sector_shaft_point, to create the revolute joint between the Pitman_arm and the Chassis.

Select the Spherical Joint tool . Select the constraint method 2 Bod-1 Loc and Normal To Grid. Select the Center_link and the Idler_arm, and then click the point: Idler_arm_pivot, to create the constraint joint between the Center_link and the Idler_arm.

Select the Hooke Joint tool . Select the constraint method 2 Bod-1 Loc and Pick Feature. Select the Idler_arm and the Chassis, and then click the point: Idler_arm_center, Hooke Joint orientation: plus (or minus) axis direction of the Idler_arm, to create the constraint joint between the Idler_arm and the Chassis.

Select the Hooke Joint tool . Select the constraint method 2 Bod-1 Loc and Pick Feature. Select the Right_Tie_rod and the Center_link, and then click the point: Right_Tie_rod_inner, Hooke Joint orientation: axis direction of the Right_Tie_rod and the Center_link, to create the constraint joint between the Right_Tie_rod and the Center_link.

Select the Revolute Joint tool . Select the constraint method 2 Bod-1 Loc and Pick Feature, Select the Steering_gear and the Chassis, and Click the design point: Steering_gear.CM, Revolute Joint orientation: axis direction of the Steering_gear cylinder, to create the revolute joint between the Steering_gear and the Chassis.

Select the Coupler Joint tool . Select two types of Constraint Joint: the Revolute Joint between the Steering_gear and the Chassis, the Revolute Joint between the Pitman_arm and the Chassis. The Revolute Joint between the Pitman_arm and the Chassis is the Coupler Joint. The Scale of the Coupler Joint is modified to 14.

Select the Constant-Velocity Joint tool . Select the constraint method 2 Bod-1 Loc and Pick Feature. Select the Steering_wheel and the Steering_shaft, and then click the point: Steering_wheel_pivot, Constant-Velocity Joint orientation: axis direction of the Steering_wheel cylinder and the Steering_shaft, to create the constraint joint between the Steering_wheel and the Steering_shaft.

Select the Constant-Velocity Joint tool . Select the constraint method 2 Bod-1 Loc and Pick Feature. Select the Steering_gear and the Steering_shaft, and then click the point: Steering_shaft_pivot, Constant-Velocity Joint orientation: axis direction of the Steering_shaft and the Steering_gear cylinder, to create the constraint joint between the Steering_shaft and the Steering_gear.

Select the Cylindrical Joint tool . Select the constraint method 2 Bod-1 Loc and Pick Feature. Select the Steering_wheel and the Chassis, and then click the point: Steering_wheel.CM, Cylindrical Joint orientation: axis direction of the Steering_wheel cylinder, to create the constraint joint between the Steering_wheel and the Chassis.