Technology never ceases to amaze us as we can witness some unique and outstanding features available in cars. Features such as assisted parking, unmatched off-roading capabilities, and massage seats, to name a few, are all shining examples of technology hitting a home run. However, all of these features wouldn’t be as fascinating if your car could not give you a smooth and easy driving experience. A feature that holds paramount value in making driving easier and giving a smooth riding experience is the power steering system.
Modern features, aesthetics, speed, and range all make a car attractive, but they could all be undermined if driving wasn’t as easy as it is nowadays, a special thanks to the power steering system. The evolution of power steering has seen many turns of events since its introduction in the 1950s. Let’s steer to the past and learn all about the history and evolution of power steering.
What is Power Steering
A power steering system helps reduce the effort required to turn the steering. It can do so with the help of hydraulic systems. There are different types of steering wheels available nowadays with advanced assistance systems, but this wasn’t the case in the past.
Driving wasn’t as convenient without the power steering system. More effort was required to turn the steering wheel, and people needed to turn it over and over again when they had to take a turn in their car. The introduction of the power steering system was a major step in making driving relatively easy.
A Brief History of Power Steering
Cars of the early times were relatively difficult to drive as they contained hard steering wheels. This was particularly a hard task if the vehicle was stationary and you needed to make a turn. Steering and shifting at the same time also required extra effort, and all this made driving difficult. The automotive industry understood the need for better steering options, but the lack of technology during that time didn’t allow any advancements in this area.
THE 1900s – FAILED ATTEMPT
The origin of power steering can be traced back to the 19th century, but the first prominent attempt dates back to the 20th century. Robert E Twyford, an American automobile engineer patented a design for the four-wheel drive system that also included a power steering system. The whole idea was a failure as the whole system was purely mechanical.
1926 – EARLY DEVELOPMENTS
In 1926, an American engineer, Francis Davis, created the first power steering system. However, his system was not used until much later. Davis acquired five patents from 1931 to 1943, each one for a different component. All the components were a part of Davis’ power steering system.
Francis Davis was first given a contract by General Motors to work on the power steering system. However, his contract was terminated because of the failing economy of the US during the 1930s. He was then hired by Bendix Corporation, which wanted to market his hydraulic power steering system. Three years later, his system was installed on at least 10 vehicles.
Interestingly, General Motors bought two of his designs and used them in Buicks. Check out these facts about General Motors to learn more about the car brand.
WORLD WAR EFFECT
The start of World War saw the rise of vehicle production. It was a major point in the history and evolution of the power steering system. Power steering systems were deemed essential, particularly for heavy vehicles, as they were harder to steer. That time saw the true evolution of power steering as it was used in almost all armoured vehicles.
Davis’ patent design expired by the end of the war. Chrysler, a leading automobile brand, used Davis’ design for making their own power steering system known as ‘Hydraguide’. By 1960, almost 3.5 million vehicles alone in the US were equipped with a power steering system, making it a must for the vehicles to come.
Evolution of Power Steering
As time passed, cars evolved, and so did the power steering system. It was a need of time to make the system suitable for the growing requirements of modern vehicles. Listed below are the types of power steering systems and how they have evolved over the years:
HYDRAULIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM
The hydraulic power steering system uses fluids to put pressure on the wheels when the steering wheel is turned. The fluid pressure was generated by a pump. The pump was driven by a belt connected to the engine. As the belt drove power from the engine, the hydraulic system was not considered fuel-efficient.
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM
The evolution of electric cars has witnessed some extraordinary features in these electric-powered vehicles. The electric power steering system can be found in most modern cars. Instead of hydraulic fluids, the wheels are assisted by an electric motor, making steering easier.
The electric power steering system is the most fuel-efficient option for steering systems. Additionally, the system can adjust itself depending on the car’s speed like a light steering on low speeds and a heavy one on high speeds. Check out these electric power steering system benefits to learn more.
Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering SYSTEM
The Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EPHS) also known as the hybrid electric power steering system is a hybrid model. It contains the functionality of both hydraulic and electric power steering systems. EPHS, like the hydraulic system, uses fluids to generate pressure for better steering. However, instead of drawing power from the engine, there is a separate electric motor for the pump.
These advancements make the hybrid power steering system better than a hydraulic one in terms of fuel consumption. Additionally, the array of features in a hybrid system outdoes the ones in hydraulic systems.
This was everything you needed to know about the evolution of the power steering system. Driving a vehicle wouldn’t be as comfortable if it wasn’t for this system. From the introduction of power steering to this date, we have witnessed many advancements and with technology reaching new heights, we can expect to see some more in the future.
Go through our comparison of electronic vs hydraulic power steering systems as it can help you decide the right one for yourself. Additionally, if you are looking for vehicles with any of these advanced systems, check out these used cars for sale in the UAE and have your pick.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for the evolution of car parts and more.
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