Energy efficient power steering pump control system
US8408352B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 2007 |
| Grant date | Apr 2, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 9, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/2607
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electronic control unit monitors pressure conditions present at the input to the steering system and other vehicle data signals and then provides override control of a hydro-mechanical flow control device. An electro-hydraulic valve is connected to the supply side of the hydro-mechanical flow control device and reacts to the electronic monitoring of pressure and other vehicle data to alter the counter-balancing forces within the hydro-mechanical flow control device. This causes a by-pass diversion of steering fluid to the source by the hydro-mechanical flow control device and thereby relieves backpressure on the pump when relatively little steering assist is required to be provided by the steering system. The control of steering fluid diversion at such times results in a significant reduction in parasitic losses within the steering system and improves the operating and fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.