This section provides an overview for steering devices as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 8 steering device manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked steering device companies as of November, 2024: 1.In Motion Mobility LLC, 2.Creative Controls Inc., 3.TMI Racing Products, LLC.
Table of Contents
A steering device is a crucial component in vehicles and industrial machinery, enabling the control of movement or direction. While broadly used across various vehicles like automobiles, motorcycles, and ships, and in machinery such as cranes and forklifts, this article zeroes in on its application in automobiles.
Made from aluminum, steering devices are prized for their lightweight, strength, and corrosion resistance, offering versatility for both indoor and outdoor tasks.
In automobiles, the steering device allows drivers to navigate by altering the direction of the front wheels. This mechanism is vital for maneuvering and is enhanced by features like power-assist mechanisms (power steering) for ease of operation, and adjustable steering positions to accommodate different driver physiques.
Additionally, the steering wheel often integrates other functionalities such as horn buttons, airbags, and controls for wipers, lights, and various driver assistance systems.
The operation of a steering device involves transmitting the driver's input from the steering wheel through a shaft to a gearbox, which then translates rotational movement into lateral movement. This lateral movement adjusts the tie rods, consequently altering the wheels' angles for direction change.
The Ackermann mechanism principle ensures the inner and outer wheels turn at appropriate angles, allowing for concentric circular paths during turns. Gearboxes like rack-and-pinion and ball-nut types are employed to facilitate this conversion of movement.
Characterized by a pinion gear on the steering shaft engaging with a rack, translating steering wheel rotation into lateral movement. This type is prevalent in modern automobiles due to its rigidity and responsiveness.
Utilizes a ball recirculating screw to convert steering shaft rotation into linear movement, changing the front wheels' angle. Historically favored in trucks for its durability and light operation, its complexity has led to a decline in popularity compared to the rack and pinion type.
Modern automobiles predominantly feature power steering, designed to minimize the effort needed to steer. Options include hydraulic or motor-assisted mechanisms, with electric power steering becoming the standard due to its efficiency.
Adjustable steering systems, such as tilt steering (angle adjustment) and telescopic steering (distance adjustment), enhance driver comfort and control, illustrating the evolution and diversification of steering devices in automotive design.
In summary, steering devices are integral to vehicle operation, combining mechanical ingenuity with ergonomic design to enhance the driving experience.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Creative Controls Inc., established in 1971 and based in Madison Heights, MI, USA, is a manufacturer of automotive mobility equipment. The company produces scooter lifts, hand controls, and new vehicles such as minivans and sprinter vans. These products are used in production facilities, homes, and commercial spaces. The company offers services such as mobility equipment installations, complete van conversion, and diagnostics. It is a member of ADED, the Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists.
In Motion Mobility LLC, established in 2014 and based in Miami, Florida, is a manufacturer and supplier of mobility products. The company’s products include wheelchair securements, vehicle adaptions, wheelchair lifts, hand controls, and ViCki driving assistants. It also offers minivans and commercial vans for rent and services such as inspection, adjustment, repair, and diagnostics of all mobility assistive equipment. The vans produced and sold are utilized in group homes, medical transportation companies, and nursing homes.
Drive-Master, founded in 1952 by Alan B. Ruprecht and headquartered in Fairfield, New Jersey, is a designer, manufacturer, and supplier of new and used wheelchair vans and mobility products. The company produces driving controls, wheelchair lifts, steering modifications, transfer seats, and wheelchair securements. It offers installation, modifications, maintenance, and repair services for mobility products from brands such as EZ Lock, BraunAbility, Eldorado, Drive-Master Driving Controls, and Bruno. The company is a member of The Association For Driver Rehabilitation Specialities and the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association.
Joyson Safety Systems, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier in the mobility safety industry, operating as a subsidiary of Ningbo Joyson Electronic Corp. The company specializes in products for both active and passive safety systems that are the key to providing our customers with solutions for occupant protection. It offers critical components, systems, and technology to both automotive and non-automotive markets. Its product line encompasses steering wheels, airbag systems, seatbelts, and vision & radar systems.
TMI Racing Products, LLC, started in 2013 and located in Alton, VA, USA, is a supplier of safety gears, Nomex underwear, driver cooling systems, custom uniforms, and car build supplies. The company’s products include fire suppression systems, heat shielding wraps, steering wheels, put supplies, and driver cooling systems. The products supplied are used in data, communication, cleaning, automotive, and medical industries. The company supplies products from brands like Aerocatch, Aurora Bearing, Braille Auto Development, Coastal Pet, and HANS Performance Products.
JTEKT was born from the merger of bearing maker Koyo Seiko and machine tool maker Toyoda Machine Works. JTEKT focuses on environmental sustainability to create automotive-specific components as well as industry-agnostic components including sensors, gears, displays, storage devices, and hydraulic units. JTEKT also creates and designs machine tools and equipment necessary for machine production. JTEKT is also developing "internet of everything" (IoE) solutions for modern industry.
Elap Engineering Limited, founded in 1970 and based in Fort St, Accrington, is a designer and manufacturer of mobility products. The company produces swivel seats, driving adaptations, transfer wheelchairs, automatic boot openers, and rear seat grab handles. The products produced are used for hand control and steering aids to complex lifting and hoisting systems installed in homes, commercial spaces, and vehicles. The company is the sole distributor of Kivi products in Ireland and the UK.
Ford Canada founded in 1904, Oakville, Ontario Canada is a manufacturer of Ford automobiles and supplier of Automotive Finance, Vehicle Leasing and Servicing. The company’s portfolio includes SUV’s, trucks and vans, electrified, commercial and performance vehicles. It offers parts and service, roadside assistance, vehicle health alerts and Ford Protection plans. The Company caters to customers in Canada, the United States and other countries around the world offering parts, expertise, owner manuals and warranties.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | In Motion Mobility LLC |
21.5%
|
2 | Creative Controls Inc. |
19.0%
|
3 | TMI Racing Products, LLC |
14.1%
|
4 | Elap Engineering Limited |
11.0%
|
5 | Joyson Safety Systems |
11.0%
|
6 | Drive-Master |
10.4%
|
7 | JTEKT Corporation |
8.6%
|
8 | Ford Motor Company |
4.3%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the steering device page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 5 | 71.4% |
Japan | 1 | 14.3% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 14.3% |