The power steering system is one of the most important elements of any vehicle. It is made up of numerous separate mechanical components that work together to translate the driver’s steering wheel turning into the rotation of the car’s front wheels. In general, there are two types of steering systems. The normal steering system and the power-assisted steering system are the two options.
HOW DOES POWER STEERING WORK?
Aside from the rack-and-pinion or recirculating-ball system, there are a few more important components in power steering.
- Pump
- Rotary valve
Pump
A rotary-vane pump provides hydraulic power for the steering. The car’s engine drives this pump through a belt and pulley. Inside an oval chamber, it has a series of retractable vanes that revolve.
As the vanes spin, they remove low-pressure hydraulic fluid from the return line and drive high-pressure hydraulic fluid into the output. The quantity of flow delivered by the pump is determined by the engine speed of the vehicle. When the engine is idle, the pump must be configured to supply appropriate flow.
As a result, while the engine is running at higher speeds, the pump moves far more fluid than is required. A pressure-relief valve is included in the pump to ensure that the pressure does not rise too high, especially at high engine speeds when a large amount of fluid is being pushed.
Rotatory Valve
Only when the driver is putting effort on the steering wheel should a power-steering system aid him (such as when starting a turn). The system should not give any assistance when the driver is not applying effort (such as while going in a straight line). The rotary valve is the device that detects the force on the steering wheel.
A torsion bar is essential to the rotary valve’s operation. Torque is delivered to a narrow metal rod called a torsion bar, which twists.
The torsion bar’s torque is equal to the torque required by the driver to spin the wheels since the top is connected to the steering wheel and the bottom is linked to the worm gear or pinion (which turns the wheels).The bar twists more when the driver applies greater torque to the wheels.
The inner component of a spool-valve assembly is the input from the steering shaft. It also links to the torsion bar’s upper end. The bottom of the torsion bar connects to the spool valve’s exterior section. Depending on the kind of steering on the car, the torsion bar also turns the steering gear’s output, which links to either the pinion gear or the worm gear.
The interior of the spool valve spins relative to the outside when the bar twists. Because the inner half of the spool valve is also connected to the steering shaft, the degree of rotation between the inner and outer components of the spool valve is determined by how much torque the driver applies to the steering wheel (and thus to the steering wheel).
Both hydraulic lines supply the same amount of pressure to the steering gear while the steering wheel is not moved. Ports open and high-pressure fluid is supplied to the proper line when the spool valve is turned one way or the other. This sort of power-steering system turns out to be rather wasteful. Let’s have a look at some of the innovations that will assist boost efficiency in the next years.
TYPES OF POWER STEERING
- HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING
- ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
- ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING
- INTEGRAL POWER STEERING
- LINKAGE POWER STEERING
HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING
Hydraulic assistance was a kind of power steering used from the 1950s until the 2000s. This sort of technology has significant drawbacks. It wastes energy since the pump runs continually, even when the vehicle is driving on its own and no further help is necessary.
This hydraulic system uses hydraulic pumps powered by engines and hydraulic cylinders to boost steering wheel input force, reducing the amount of effort necessary to operate the vehicle’s front wheels.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
In today’s new automobiles, electric power steering (EPS) is the standard. It is the most sophisticated power steering system available. With electric motors and sensors from hydraulic power steering, the hydraulic system is entirely rebuilt.
The motor, which is powered by the vehicle’s battery, employs the force on the steering gear instead of hydraulic force. The sensor that detects the position of the steering column controls the steering gear and torque delivered by the motor.
ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING
The electrohydraulic power steering system is a combination of the hydraulic and electric methods of power steering. It functions similarly to a hydraulic-assist system, with the exception that the hydraulic motor is powered by an electric motor rather than the engine that drives the pump.
This resolves the previously mentioned wasted-energy issue, however, it does not allow for all-electric power steering functions. This technique is presently used by just a few vehicles, notably several large pickup trucks.
INTEGRAL POWER STEERING
When the strain on the steering wheel rim is between 2 and 5 pounds, Integral power steering is used to get assistance power. A specific incorporated power-assist transmission, hydraulic lines, and a power steering pump are all part of this system. It is equipped with a hydraulic piston that is mounted in the steering gearbox.
A control valve, a hydraulic piston, a sector gear arrangement, and a standard worm are all included in the gearbox. The control valve may have several designs depending on the inherent power steering architecture, such as a rotary valve or a spool valve.
An actuator lever and a link connect the response contact valve to the worm shaft’s thrust bearing. The thrust bearing torque moves the control valve and opens and closes the oil path between the valve’s body and the housing of the gear and pinion assembly.
LINKAGE POWER STEERING
The power cylinder is connected to the steering linkage in this setup. A hydraulic control valve is located on the linkage power steering. A center-link or drag link is connected to one side of this valve.The control valve receives input signals from the steering gear and steering wheel.
By rotating to the right or left, the valve responds, opens the connection, and directs the hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic ram. The steering linkage is connected to this ram. The power direction is controlled by the flow of liquid on one side of the ram’s piston. One of the biggest drawbacks of this steering mechanism is that it is readily destroyed.
THE FUTURE OF POWER STEERING
Several developments that will enhance fuel efficiency are expected. The “steer-by-wire” or “drive-by-wire” system is one of the most innovative concepts on the drawing board. These systems would replace the mechanical link between the steering wheel and the steering with a wholly electronic control system.
The steering wheel would function similarly to the one you can buy for your home computer to play games. It would have sensors that inform the car what the driver is doing with the steering wheel, as well as motors that offer input to the driver on what the car is doing.
A motorized steering system would be controlled by the output of these sensors. The steering shaft would be removed, freeing extra room in the engine compartment. It would also lessen vibrations within the vehicle.
The Hy-wire, a concept automobile from General Motors, is equipped with this sort of driving technology.The ability to fine-tune vehicle handling without having to change any mechanical components is one of the most intriguing parts of the GM Hy-drive-by-wire wiring system.
All you need is updated computer software to make changes to the steering.Future drive-by-wire automobiles would most likely allow you to customize the controls to your preferences by pushing a few buttons; similar to how you can alter the seat position in a car now.
It would also be feasible to keep different control preferences for each driver in the family in this type of system.
Car steering systems haven’t altered much in the last 50 years. However, advancements in automobile steering will result in more efficient cars and a more comfortable ride during the next decade.
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CAR STEERING FAQ’s
What is the purpose of the steering wheel?
The steering mechanism in your automobile is intended to allow you to maneuver the vehicle and maintain control over its movement.
What is the variation between power and conventional steering
A rack and pinion are used in manual steering to convert the movement of the steering wheel to the movement of the wheels. With enhanced responsiveness, reduced resistance, and even electrical components, power steering is a more precise version of manual steering. Manual steering is much more difficult to handle than power steering.
What are the three most significant elements of a power steering system?
The pump, pump pulley, and rotary valve are three of the most critical parts of a steering system.
Is it possible to drive without the assistance of power steering?
Driving without power steering is a viable option. You don’t want to drive your automobile if it has power steering and the system is broken. Rather, get your automobile to a repair as soon as possible to reduce the potential damage.
