Electric Power Steering

Technology is to provide convenience for the users of vehicles. Features include electric power steering (EPS) which is increasingly shifting the position of hydraulic type. In the era of the 1990s, power steering feature is present only on luxury cars circulating in Indonesia. Or become an additional feature at a more affordable car. At that time, the power steering system used is a hydraulic type.






But in recent years, vehicle manufacturers to develop systems that help ease the steering wheel rotation. Honda Motor Co.., Becoming the first automobile manufacturer to develop and use the Electric Power Steering (EPS) for the mass car onHonda Acura NSX in 1993.
The goal is improve the work efficiency of vehicles by changing the power steering work. These changes are transferred to the electric hydraulic system.The reason is simple. Hydraulic power steering system increase vehicle fuel consumption. Energy requirements for the system in operation, is greater than the use of car air conditioner. In fact, hydraulic systems in third place for the car suffered mechanical damage when moving. Position under the losses due to air resistance and friction with the road.
Well, power assisted steering is working process of this electric current can reduce the energy consumption of vehicles that are not necessary. But it is not currently circulating all new cars have been using electric power steering (EPS). But this technology will be a purpose to use all the vehicles circulating in the future.Improve the function of EPS can provide a better economic value on the vehicle and its effect is further operational cost savings. In addition to improving fuel efficiency up to 8%, construction steering systems also become more simple, lightweight and easy to install.With so may reduce the use of space. Because the hydraulic pump, pulleys, belts to drive the pumps, hose pump to the wheel house and the lubricating fluid along the tube as used hydraulic power steering system can be eliminated. EPS also minimize maintenance and potential damage.
Turnover was more precise steering and responsive because the system can adjust the amount of aid given and without noise. Moreover, this system can also be connected with other electrical features. So it can give unity a higher function value. For functions such as safety, performance and comfort. Such as Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Park Assist, and others.What are its components?
Generally Electric Power Steering system (EPS) using the same number of electronic devices, such as:
1. Control Module: For a computer to regulate EPS.2. Electric motors: Served directly help ease the steering wheel rotation.3. Vehicle Speed ​​Sensor: Located in the gearbox and the duty to tell the control module on the speed of the car.4. Torque Sensor: Located on the steering column with the task of providing information to the control module if the wheel starts playing by the driver.5. Clutch: This clutch is between the motor and steering column. His job to connect and disconnect the motor with steering column according to the conditions.6. Noise Suppressor: Acting as a sensor that detects the machine was working or not.7. On-board Diagnostic Display: the form of an indicator in the instrument panel will light if there is a problem with a bunch of EPS system.
How does it work?Once the key turned to the ON position, electrical current memperoleh Control Module for stand-by. Immediately Similarly, EPS indicator on the instrument panel lights up. As soon as the engine of life, then the Noise Suppressor immediately inform the Control Module to activate the electric motor and clutch are all directly connecting the motor with the steering column.
One of the sensors located on the steering rack duty to give information on the Control Module when the wheel starts playing. Called Torque sensor, it sends information about what the steering wheel as far as playing and how fast it spins.With two information, the Control Module immediately send an electrical current as needed to the electric motor to rotate the steering gear. That way the process of turning the steering becomes lighter.
Vehicle Speed ​​Sensor on duty as the car starts moving. These sensors provide information to the control module on the vehicle speed. At high speeds, usually starting from 80 km / h, the electric motor will be disabled by the Control Module. With so steering becomes heavier thereby increasing safety. So the EPS system regulates the amount of electric current supplied to the electric motor only as needed only.
In addition to regulating electric motors work based on information from sensors, Control Module also detects if there is a malfunction of the EPS system. EPS indicator lights on the instrument panel will light flashes if some damage occurs.Furthermore, it also disables the electric motor and clutch will disconnect the motor to the steering column. However, because the steering system equipped with EPS is still connected to the wheel via steel rods, then the car is still possible to drive. While turning the steering wheel as the steering will feel heavy without power steering.

source: SRIPOKU.com