Electrohydraulic steering system with a safety assist configuration

Abstract

An example electrohydraulic steering system includes: electrohydraulic power unit comprising an electric motor driving a pump; a steering unit that steers a vehicle; and an emergency steering unit including: an accumulator, and a solenoid valve that operates in: (i) a first state in which the solenoid valve allows fluid flow from the pump to the accumulator to charge the accumulator while preventing backflow from the accumulator, and (ii) a second state when a failure occurs that prevents the pump from providing fluid flow to the steering unit, wherein the solenoid valve allows fluid discharged from the accumulator to be provided to the steering unit to allow the vehicle to be steered to a safe position.

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