LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN STEERING SYSTEM AND EPAS

By : Jyotirmai Sharma - A2367816029 (B.tech AME)

Electrically assisted power steering (EPS) is the latest technological cross we bear. Replacing hydraulic
assist with a computer-controlled electric motor seemed like a reasonable idea when it first surfaced.
EPS looks like a step in that direction.

Electro-Hydraulic power steering system

1. Hydraulic assist
( greater reduction ratio )
2. 12V power supply
(Since large reduction ratio possible, DC-DC converter for voltage step-up is not needed)
3. Small cylinder diameter (50mm)
(Motor does not need to be mounted on rack )

EPS powered directly by motor

1. Motor power directly assists steering
(large reduction ratio not obtainable with worm gear or ball screw)
2. 42V power supply
(small reduction ratio means DC-DC converter needed to provide power)
3. Large motor diameter(110mm)
(to provide sufficient power, a large motor must be mounted on the rack shaft)
Motor Power Converted to Hydraulic Pressure to Assist Steering
By providing power assist via hydraulic pressure,

This system delivers a naturally smooth steering feel

Flexibility of control allowed by electric power, offers more precise steering power characteristics.

It also improves fuel economy since the electric powered pump operates only when steering assist is needed.
New steering technology providing instinctive driving
Direct Adaptive Steering transmits the driver’s steering inputs, moving the tires through translating the driver’s steering into
electronic signals, and independently controlling the angle of the tires, and the steering force. The technology provides a sense of
strong propulsion on a variety of road surfaces ( the feeling like you are directly touching the road )

For example, the technology is helpful on bumpy roads or bad road surfaces where the driver is forced to grip the steering wheel
tightly. The amount of vibration transferred to the driver through the steering wheel is reduced, helping the driver to easily maintain
a straight line of travel.

When traveling along highways, the system automatically makes small adjustments to steering, reducing the need for manual
steer inputs. This leads to a more confident and relaxed driving experience.

Technical functionality
In prior systems the driver’s steering inputs were communicated mechanically.

Now the Direct Adaptive Steering utilizes electronic signals and can transmit the driver’s steer inputs faster than a mechanical
system. At the same time, the system communicates information from the road surface to the driver in a way that is faster and
easier to understand.

The system communicates the driver’s steering inputs to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The ECU then converts the information
to control signals for the Steering Angle Actuator, adjusting the cutting angle of the front tires. The road information, such as the
force on the tires, is simultaneously communicated from the Steering Angle Actuator to the ECU, which then screens it and returns
only the information necessary for driving back to the steering wheel.

Conventional steering systems communicate to the driver the oscillations when passing over roads with furrows, but Direct
Adaptive Steering provides feedback on only the information necessary for driving.

Another major function of the Direct Adaptive Steering is the newly developed straight-line stability system. If the vehicle’s line of
travel deviates from a straight path, the Direct Adaptive Steering enhances the car’s handling characteristics by producing
fractional sensations of resistance as feedback from the steering, helping the driver keep a straight line of travel and reducing the
need for course corrections in a smooth and natural way. The feedback is so subtle that a driver may not notice it.
Technology Configuration
Direct Adaptive Steering uses multiple ECUs to simultaneously monitor the vehicle’s operating condition. If a single ECU
malfunctions, another ECU will instantly take control. In the event of power supply being disrupted, the backup clutch will engage,
allowing operation by connecting the steering wheel and wheels mechanically. Direct Adaptive Steering was developed from the
desire to have a system that directly links the steering and driver for an experience that feels like the driver’s hands and feet are
spread around the outside of the vehicle, holding the car in their hands. The technology opens the door to new innovation such as
Nissan’s EV concept car PIVO and its four-wheel independent steering.
REAR WHEEL STEERING

While the steering function has traditionally been restricted to the front wheels only, some OEMs have experimented with four-wheel-
steering (4WS) or all-wheel-steering (AWS) systems over the last few decades, with mixed results.

Mitsubishi used 4WS on its Gallant VR-4 Turbo in the late-1980s,

Honda used 4WS on the 1980s Prelude, and

Nissan used rear-wheel-steering system on the 300ZX and Skyline GT-R in the late-1980s and early-1990s.

Systems that utilise the rear wheels as well (in addition to the front wheels), for steering, can help reduce the turning circle at low
speeds, thereby making the vehicle more easily maneuverable, and at the same time, they can also help increase vehicle stability at
high speeds.

Of course, the degree of movement available for the rear wheels is much smaller than that for the front wheels, which continue to handle
most of the steering function.

While OEMs did experiment with 4WS/AWS systems in the 1980s and 1990s, these systems fell out of favour after that due to their
higher cost and complexity.

Now, however, due to the dynamic advantages that they offer, such systems are once again being developed by leading tier-1
technology suppliers (not just for cars but also for commercial vehicles) and one can find 4WS on some high-end cars produced by
Ferrari, Porsche, BMW and a few others.

In this case, electronic sensors monitor various parameters (steering wheel movement initiated by the driver, vehicle speed, gear
position, suspension movement, pitch and yaw data etc.) and decide the degree to which the rear wheels move, in accordance with the
front wheels. Consequently, all-wheel-steering systems have the potential to boost safety, since they increase the effectiveness of anti-
lock braking and traction control systems.

At higher speeds, especially, AWS systems provide inherently higher levels of traction to begin with, which positively affects a
vehicle’s handling characteristics.

Furthermore, in the case of emergency braking or steering, with increased and/or sudden driver inputs, the position of the wheels can
help ABS and TC systems do their job better.