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Development of an Electrical Power Steering (EPS) system for Emergent Markets, with emphasis on improved fuel economy and cost advantages to the customer. The EPS for Emergent Markets provides high steering wheel assistance on parking maneuvers and appropriate assistance on driving conditions similar to conventional EPS systems. The assistance levels decreases while vehicle speed increases providing better steering feel at high speed conditions (highway tracks). It also provides good tuning capability balanced with piece cost. In addition, this EPS enables an aftermarket bolt-on system for non-assisted steering vehicles (i.e., manual steering vehicles).

The aim of this paper is to describe the development process of a hydraulic power steering check valve focusing on three pillars: Better steering behavior (steering wheel kick performance), lower backpressure and lower cost in comparison to baseline. The check valve concept is based on basic principles of a one way valve: a sphere inside housing which allows flow in one direction and blocks the flow when the fluid tries to flow in the opposite direction, like an electrical diode. An experimental test procedure with objective measurements was developed in order to allow a complete and fast evaluation of the different design options. Finally, the backpressure decrease was translated to vehicle fuel economy benefit.