Steering linkage topology design using angle-based block partitioning symmetric model (APSM)

Under the conditions of large steering angle, conventional designs of steering linkage systems face challenges in simultaneously optimizing precision and work transmission efficiency. In this paper, the Angle-Based Block Partitioning Symmetric Model (APSM) is proposed for the Steering linkage topology design, aiming to achieve synergistic optimization of accuracy and efficiency. Compared with the traditional Spring Connected Block Method (SBM), the angular output mechanism design scenario exhibits improved convergence and accuracy. In the proposed APSM approach, topological optimization is implemented by first dividing the design space into deformable and rigid blocks. We ensure that both sides’ steering angles conform to Ackermann’s formula as a constraint in order to construct the optimization problem with the goal of maximizing work transmission efficiency. The Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization (SIMP) method and the method of moving asymptotes (MMA) are employed for optimizing the design variables ( \(\xi_X\) ${\xi }_X$ , \(\xi_k\) ${\xi }_k$ ) through structural topology optimization. Finally, the kinematic adjacency matrix is innovatively constructed to automatically extract optimized configurations. The ASPM method is examined using three scenarios, including conventional steering vehicles, multi-axle vehicles, and non-Ackermann vehicles. This showcases the method’s effectiveness in achieving optimization with excellent work transmittance efficiency and rapid convergence during the Steering linkage topology design.