Delphi Steering Systems to Unveil New Electric Power Steering Systems
Delphi Steering announced that it will soon be publicly unveiling two new electric power steering (EPS) systems. The advanced EPS designs for pinion-assist and rack-assist electric power steering are claimed to be impressive extensions of Delphi’s EPS portfolio.
Building on the success of its column-assisted EPS system, which debuted on the 1999 Fiat Punto, Delphi Steering is introducing the new systems with high-volume production slated for five different vehicle platforms. Contract details remain confidential by request of the customers, but the global business awards average six model years and include a wide-range of vehicles beginning with B-segment vehicles through full-size utilities. The new technologies will appear on some late-2009 vehicles and go into full production in 2010.
Delphi’s latest designs are considered "under-the-hood" EPS systems. Instead of providing power assist through the steering column below the dash, Delphi’s pinion-assist EPS system has the system controller-motor unit on the steering gear pinion shaft and the rack-assist design has it integrated with the steering rack. The electronics for both systems are designed to withstand the high temperatures and environmental exposure that are typical outside the driver compartment. Delphi’s pinion-assist system has a design range comparable to Column EPS, but offers OEMs packaging and crashworthiness flexibility. Delphi’s rack-assist system is designed for heavier vehicles, to handle higher front-axle loads and to fit into limited content-integration space.
The new systems, as well as Delphi’s successful column-assist EPS system, utilize a highly advanced, non-contacting torque and position steering sensor. The modular design provides superior torque-sensing capabilities, options for either relative or absolute position, and exceptional temperature stability. Extremely compact with minimized parts content, the sensor combines Hall-effect technology with magnets for unmatched durability.
