POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Sectioned variable ratio steering assembly

Object No. 87/1547

This is a sectioned example of a variable-ratio, rack and pinion steering assembly developed by AE Bishop and Associates in Sydney. Many Australian-designed cars, including the Holden Caprice, Calais and Lexcen, used this system which was the world's most advanced steering mechanism at the time when introduced in Australia in 1991. It is an Australian innovation which was developed in Sydney and subsequently used by car makers around the world. The 'Variatronic' power steering control unit, a speed sensitive steering control which offered high levels of 'feel' when driving and low-effort steering when parking, was introduced after intensive engineering development by AE Bishop and Associates. A.E. Bishop and Associates had been established by Arthur Bishop who had begun developing and patenting auto-steering systems after the Second World War. By 1993 it was being used in about 30 percent of cars in Australia. AE Bishop also designed the very sophisticated machinery needed to manufacture the various steering system components including an automated slot-milling machine. These machines were made by Kirby Engineering in Sydney, and were used in the production of high-precision valve for over 2 million power steering assemblies a year at a Ford plant in the USA. Reference Renew, Robert, "Making it: Innovation and Success in Australia's Industries", Powerhouse Publishing, 1993.

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Summary

Object Statement

Steering assembly (sectioned), variable ratio, rack and pinion, power assisted, A E Bishop and Associates, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1987

Physical Description

This sectioned variable ratio power steering assembly consists of a variable ratio rack and helical pinion. It was made by A E Bishop and Associates Pty Ltd, Gladesville, New South Wales, Australia.

DIMENSIONS

Height

200 mm

Width

130 mm

Depth

1300 mm

PRODUCTION

Notes

Designed and made by A E Bishop and Associates 1983 - 1987

SOURCE

Credit Line

Gift of A E Bishop and Associates Pty Limited, 1987

Acquisition Date

10 December 1987

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