S+ Blueprint Steering

S+ Blueprint Steering

Next generation steering-feel control

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Sentient’s patented S+ Blueprint Steering is the next generation of steering-feel control and has an exceptional level of steering-feel fidelity, providing relevant vehicle-motion feedback and road feedback. S+ Blueprint Steering interprets the turning forces the driver applies into a vehicle response, resulting in accurate path keeping.

In Total Control Since 2013

S+ Blueprint Steering has an extraordinary ability to resist disturbances caused by the road, tyres and powertrain, combined with excellent steering precision and course stability. S+ Blueprint Steering has been in production since 2013, proving itself to have total control of the steering feel.

That is why it is named S+ Blueprint Steering.

Consistent Steering Feel

S+ Blueprint Steering provides a consistent steering feel, through torque feedback, independently of tyre characteristics, steering-system damping and friction properties, and front-axle suspension properties. A consistent steering feel is also achieved regardless of differences between individual vehicles. Given the hardware-independent steering feel, the vehicle can be tuned to meet any desired steering-feel DNA. Furthermore, road and tyre disturbances do not affect the consistency of the steering feel.

Design Precision
and Easy Tuning

The steering feel can be precisely shaped according to carefully considered requirements. Endless boost-curve tuning and parameter adjustments, aimed at counteracting unwanted levels of friction, inertia, weakness and other disturbance factors, are eliminated. S+ Blueprint Steering also removes several of the limitations and compromises set by the steering and suspension layout.

Close to Zero Disturbance

Conventional boost-curve tuning typically incorporates extra functions to compensate for the unwanted disturbances that are transferred to the steering wheel. A well-tuned boost-curve would generate unwanted torque variations of around 2-3 Nm. Using S+ Blueprint Steering, torque variations as low as 0.05 to 0.25 Nm are achieved, without compromising the steering feel. The following problems, among others, are eliminated using S+ Blueprint Steering.

Torque Steer

Worn roads with longitudinal ruts, for example, cause torque-steer disturbances during acceleration and deceleration, forcing the driver to clutch the steering wheel and compensate for the disturbing torque. Using S+Blueprint Steering, these torque deviations are fully eliminated, resulting in safer and more relaxed driving.

Slow Steering Wheel Returnability

Following a turn, the “returnability” of the steering wheel may not be sufficient due to friction in, for example, the steering system. S+Blueprint Steering provides a smooth and predictable level of returnability, even when driving over bumps in the road, for instance. This is also achievable when reversing the vehicle.

Pull/Drift

Driving on a crowned road surface can cause steering-wheel torque, leading to directional deviation and the tendency to “fall off” to the side of a cambered road. Using S+Blueprint Steering, the driver doesn’t need to compensate for steering-wheel torque when trying to go in a straight line.

Nibble

Brake judder and unbalanced front wheels due, for example, to mud on tyres, cause vibrations in the steering wheel. These vibrations are actively compensated for so that the driver doesn’t experience any undesirable vibrations.

Road Disturbances

At low speeds, uneven road surfaces that are due, for example, to pot-holes, often result in undesirable steering wheel torques or kick-backs. Using S+Blueprint Steering, the driver manoeuvres the vehicle without any kick-back disturbances in the steering wheel.

Future Functionality and
Autonomous Driving

S+ Blueprint Steering is not only about achieving a superior steering feel. Due to the nature of S+ Blueprint Steering’s design, it’s the perfect host for a range of additional functionality, such as S+ Lane Keeping Aid and S+ Personal Steering. S+ Blueprint Steering also ensures a solid and seamless hand-over between autonomous and manual driving.