Pyöränohjauksen

Pyöränohjauksen, often translated as steering or wheel steering, refers to the mechanism and principles by which the direction of a wheeled vehicle is controlled. This fundamental aspect of vehicle design allows for navigation and maneuvering, enabling a vehicle to turn or follow a desired path. The most common system in automobiles is rack and pinion steering, where a rotating pinion gear engages a linear rack gear. Turning the steering wheel rotates the pinion, which in turn moves the rack, translating rotational motion into linear motion to turn the wheels.

Other steering systems exist, such as recirculating ball steering, which is often found in larger trucks and heavy machinery due to its robustness. In simpler vehicles like bicycles, direct linkage and pivoting handlebars provide steering. The geometry of the steering system, including factors like caster, camber, and toe angles, significantly impacts the vehicle's handling, stability, and tire wear. Modern vehicles increasingly incorporate power steering, which uses hydraulic or electric assistance to reduce the effort required from the driver to turn the steering wheel, making maneuvering at low speeds much easier. Advanced steering technologies also include four-wheel steering, where the rear wheels can also turn, improving maneuverability in tight spaces and enhancing stability at higher speeds.