The present invention is an improved version of the steering system described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/115,573. The prior steering system features effortless steering input from the driver and negligible bumpsteer during suspension operation. Such extraordinary steering performance is realized with the use of costly and complex electric assist devices and control devices. The present steering system includes an alternative electric assist device which allows for the removal of the costly and complex electric assist devices in the prior steering system. The present steering system also includes a novel hydraulic control valve with a solenoid valve-plunger mechanism. The mechanism prevents premature wear or destruction of the rack and pinion gearset. The use of the alternative electric assist device and hydraulic control valve enables the present steering system to preserve the extraordinary steering performance featured in the prior steering system concurrent with a reduction in cost and complexity.
Augmented Rack and Pinion Steering System
2022-08-25
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
IPC: | B62D MOTOR VEHICLES , Motorfahrzeuge |