A Review of European Steering Column Technology 973224
This paper will review the current truck and bus steering column technology and marketplace in Europe. European specifications, norms and customer driven performance criteria are discussed. New technical solutions coming onto the market place are creating increasing diversity in techniques applied to steering column design and these are examined. An overview presentation of the Pailton Engineering past and current product and some of their development ideas looks at the two markets, truck and bus, separately.
The concept of pedestal floor mounted and bulkhead mounted steering columns is considered. Mechanical clamping and air unclamping are explained and the use of electrically adjustable columns in trucks and buses is discussed.
The concept of steering systems engineering to include the steering column as a vital integrated member in a steering system instead of a single stand alone item is discussed. In Europe the steering column is being integrated into both the steering systems approach and the driver position systems approach.
Future directions in European approaches to steering column component and system design, and areas for possible improvement are identified which will conclude the paper.
