Reducing Driver Stress and Increasing Driving Safety
Have you ever noticed when you turn and release the steering wheel, it automatically goes back to center? What causes this and why does the steering wheel straighten out after a turn? This is called steering return performance, aslo called active on centering control (steering wheel return), a key factor in vehicle handling, stability and safety.
XEPS has developed an electric power steering (EPS) system with Active on Centering Control (AOC) that has been applied to multiple OEMs’ steering systems. This advanced system adds an active return-to-center feature to the steering function, reducing driver stress and overall driving comfort.
Understanding Steering Return Performance
Steering return performance is the vehicle’s ability to automatically go back to straight ahead after a steering input. Good return performance reduces driver fatigue, improves comfort and safety in emergency situations.
Key Metrics for Steering Return Performance
Return Time: The time it takes for the vehicle to go back to straight ahead after a steering input; shorter is better.
Return Angle: The angle the steering wheel needs to rotate to go back to center; smaller angles are better.
Return Torque: The force a driver needs to apply to get the steering wheel back to center; lower torque is better.
Return Stability: The smoothness and steadiness of the wheel going back to center; higher stability is better.
Testing Methods
Steering return performance is tested in laboratory and on-road, measuring return time, return angle, return torque and stability. Sensors such as angle encoders, torque sensors and inertial measurement devices are used to capture the data.
Improvement Methods
Adjusting suspension settings to improve return speed and stability.
Calibrating steering system parameters such as assist levels and steering ratios.
Selecting the right tire to improve handling.
Integrating electronic assist systems (EPS, ESC) to improve return performance.
Regular maintenance of steering and suspension components to ensure consistent performance.
Integration with XEPS Active on Centering Control
When a driver returns the steering wheel to center, the intended vehicle trajectory can deviate due to the difference between steering input and vehicle heading. If the steering wheel doesn’t return smoothly—especially during large turns at intersections or small corrections while driving straight—the driver may need to make big or repeated corrections, increasing fatigue and reducing confidence.XEPS solves this by adjusting the control algorithm to control the steering wheel return and assistive force. This prevents incomplete centering, uneven return speed and irregular wheel movement caused by variable mechanical friction and tire counterforce so the return to on-center is smooth and precise.
By aligning steering wheel movement with the vehicle characteristics, the system reduces driver stress and provides a pleasant, comfortable, stable and stress-free driving experience.
XEPS is a company that researches, develops, produces and sells automotive steering systems, offering advanced solutions to global OEMs that balance vehicle safety, cost efficiency and driving comfort.
About Active on Centering Control
This function provides assistive force to make it easier for the driver to return the steering wheel to center. By making centering precise, drivers can better control the vehicle during turns, improve handling, safety and overall driving confidence.
