Advantages and Future Trends of Electric Power Steering Systems in Automobiles
What is EPS (Electric Power Steering)?
EPS is the abbreviation of Electric Power Steering in English. Electric power steering system is the development direction of automobile steering system. The system directly provides steering assistance by electric power steering machine, eliminating the power steering oil pump, hose, hydraulic oil, conveyor belt and pulley installed on the engine required by hydraulic power steering system, which saves energy and protects the environment. In addition, it has the characteristics of simple adjustment, flexible assembly and can provide steering assistance under various conditions.
It is precisely because of these advantages that the electric power steering system, as a new steering technology, will challenge the hydraulic steering system that everyone is very familiar with and has a history of more than 50 years.
When the driver manipulates the steering wheel to steer, the torque sensor detects the steering direction of the steering wheel and the size of the torque, and transmits the voltage signal to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit sends instructions to the motor controller according to the torque voltage signal, rotation direction and vehicle speed signal detected by the torque sensor, so that the motor outputs the steering assistance torque of the corresponding size and direction, thereby generating auxiliary power. When the car does not turn, the electronic control unit does not send instructions to the motor controller, and the motor does not work.
Technical advantages
1. Energy saving and environmental protection Since the hydraulic pump is always in working state when the engine is running, the hydraulic steering system increases the fuel consumption of the entire engine by 3% to 5%. EPS uses batteries as energy and motors as power elements, and can work independently of the engine. EPS almost does not directly consume engine fuel. EPS does not have the fuel leakage problem of the hydraulic power steering system. EPS is electronically controlled, which has almost no pollution to the environment and reduces fuel consumption.
2. Easy installation The main components of EPS can be integrated together, which is easy to arrange. Compared with the hydraulic power steering system, many components are reduced. There is no oil pump, oil pipe, pressure flow control valve, oil storage tank, etc. required by the hydraulic system. The number of components is small, easy to assemble, and time is saved.
3. High efficiency The efficiency of the hydraulic power steering system is generally 60% to 70%, while the efficiency of EPS is higher, which can be as high as more than 90%.
4. Good road feel Most traditional pure hydraulic power steering systems use fixed magnifications and have large working driving force, but they cannot achieve the lightness and road feel of the car when driving at various speeds. The hysteresis characteristics of the EPS system can be compensated by the software of the EPS controller, so that the car can get satisfactory steering assistance at all speeds.
5. Good self-centering performance The EPS system has a simple structure, which is not only easy to operate, but also can get the best self-centering performance by adjusting the software of the EPS controller, thereby improving the stability and comfort of the car's operation.
Main structure
The product consists of a steering sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, a power-assisting mechanical device, a steering power-assisting motor and a microcomputer control unit.
Working principle
The microcomputer control unit determines the size and direction of the steering assistance according to the signals transmitted by the steering sensor and the vehicle speed sensor, and drives the motor to assist the steering operation. EPS electric steering system has become the development trend of modern automobile steering system with its advantages of energy saving and environmental protection, easy installation, high efficiency, good road feel and self-centering performance.
Through the coordinated work of the electronic control unit and the electric power booster, the EPS system realizes more intelligent and personalized steering assistance, providing the driver with a more comfortable and convenient driving experience. With the continuous advancement of technology and the popularization of applications, EPS electric steering system will play an increasingly important role in the future automotive industry, bringing more innovation and convenience to driving safety and comfort.
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