Power Assisted Steering Valves
For F1 and High Performance Automotive
Delivering An Evolving High-End Technology To Niche Customers And Meeting Changing Regulations
Surprisingly, current Formula 1 cars weighing just 746 kg require Power Assisted Steering (PAS) systems because of the extreme levels of downforce generated at speeds of over 300 km/h.
The Challenge
Initially, Formula 1 allowed complex software controlled PAS systems, featuring multiple redundancy for safety. However, in 2002 an FIA cost-cutting initiative, outlawed the use of any electronic controls in power steering. The teams first investigated electric motor based solutions but reverted to more ‘power dense’ hydraulic technology. Following this regulation change, a variety of hydromechanical approaches were tried, however these were larger than ideal and challenging to set up.
The Result
To address this issue, in 2005 Moog introduced a miniature linear hydro-mechanical power steering valve, the E243 Series, which was quickly adopted by the F1 teams. The E243 valve, incorporated hydro-mechanical servo technology that Moog had first used in the US space programme back in the 1960s, when electronics were not considered sufficiently reliable for some critical systems. Moog selected the power stage of a conventional servovalve, as a control element that could be integrated in the car’s steering rack. Using an innovative approach, ‘shaped’ hydraulic ports within the E243 valve, along with springs and orifices were used to replicate software “lookup table” functionality. This approach allowed easy tuning of assistance level and system linearity, to give the driver the precise steering “feel” required. Over the intervening years the Moog E243 valve range has been refined to reduce weight and improve controllability and today the entire F1 grid uses these tiny but essential devices.
Moog Global Support
Our commitment to keep your motion control components and systems running at peak performance by providing responsive repair and O&M support. Around the globe in 24 countries, local teams of trained Moog technicians are on standby with the services you need from express repairs to exchange programs, and on-site technical support