EPSON scara robot assembles an electronically adjustable steering gear.
Maneuvering a vehicle is not a simple procedure. For one, various parts are involved in steering an automobile toward a desired direction. One of the parts responsible for effective steering is the steering rack.
There are two common types of car steering systems utilized by a number of automakers, including Mazda — rack-and-pinion and re-circulating-ball steering. Of these types, the rack-and-pinion is the one mostly employed by the automakers for cars and small trucks/SUVs. A rack-and-pinion gear set is enclosed in a metal tube, with each end of the rack jutting from the tube. A component known as tie rod connects to each end of the rack. The mechanism of this type of steering is quite simple. Attached to the steering shaft is the pinion gear. Whenever the steering wheel is turned, the gear spins and moves the Mazda Steering Rack. The tie rod located at the rack connects to the steering arm on the spindle. This type works to convert the rotational motion of steering wheel needed to turn the wheels. The resultant gear reduction also makes turning the wheels easier.
For the wheels to turn from lock to lock (far left to far right), the steering wheel has to make at least three to four revolution. Lighter vehicles, like the ones Mazda manufactures, carry a relatively lower steering ratio than the heavier trucks and other utility vehicles. A lower ratio means a driver needs not to turn the steering wheel as much to get the wheels to go to a desired direction. This quality is most useful in sports cars because of its quicker response.
More than just a simple flip of the steering wheel, there are actually a lot going on inside a steering system, enabling a vehicle to turn as desired. The Mazda steering rack has proven to be a key to this mechanism.
Steering Gear
Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.