Rack and Pinion Truck Steering with iHSA

A commuter’s primary concern while traveling by bus has less to do with safety than it does with economy and comfort. However, for the driver and the fleet manager, safety is of paramount importance and investments in technology that improves a bus fleet’s safety record may not be the most advertised aspect, but certainly occupies top priority in the minds of operators and consequently, manufacturers around the world. A safer fleet is a profitable fleet.

German automotive systems supplier tedrive Steering Systems GmbH has developed a rack and pinion truck steering system that incorporates a patented intelligent Hydraulic Steering Assist (iHSA) system that replicates the functionality of an electromechanical system. The company has also crafted the system to be compatible with advanced driver-assistance technologies (ADAS) for buses. The iHSA system ensures that a bus is compatible with a range of cutting-edge ADAS-enabled functions such as lane maintenance warning systems, driving aids, convoying, crosswind stabilization, and parking assistance. The rack and pinion system is a far more efficient power-assisted alternative to most existing standard steering systems due to the reduction in the total number of parts, overall weight, fewer moving parts, and greater control.

As driving assistance systems migrate to buses, the benefits of using iHSA-enabled ADAS system are expected to extend to the military sector, where lane drift prevention systems and proximity control systems are of paramount importance during platooning or convoying multiple vehicles to improve fuel efficiency and safety.

Combining the uncomplicated, cost-effective and efficient production of rack and pinion steering systems with the modular nature of the iHSA system is a groundbreaking step in ushering buses into a new age of on-road safety.