A Speed Sensitive Variable Assistance Power Steering System

The paper describes the variable assistance power steering system introduced on the 1978 Honda Accord LX. The system provides full power assist at parking speeds, with a gradual decrease in assistance with increasing vehicle speed, giving a normal unassisted “road feel” at highway speeds.

The system eliminates sudden changes in steering effort at highway speeds, due to power source failure. Particular attention was given to ensure a ‘fail safe’ condition in the event of a malfunction of any part of the system and specifically the speed sensing mechanism.