Electrically assisted power steering has been all but universal across the auto industry for more than a decade. But no matter which company designs and implements the system, every single one has one thing in common. If you're looking for a classic steering feel, they kind of suck.That because, for some reason, not a single one can deliver the responsiveness and feedback of mechanical hydraulic systems. Porsche is working on something, however. It's not a fix, but rather, a workaround. One that could make steering better long-term, something other companies have tried and failed. It's All About Friction? PorscheCarBuzz has found a patent for a new design for an electromechanical steering system, obtained by Porsche last week. In it, company engineers spell out what is wrong with current systems:"Frictional influences on the steering system, for example from the steering shaft, steering column, connecting joints, and input shaft including seal, are perceived by the driver in the steering behavior, especially in the transmission of power from the driver to the road. However, due to their upstream position in the torque flow, these frictional influences cannot be detected by the torsion bar and therefore cannot be directly compensated for. The same applies to the feedback path from the road to the driver. The known electromechanical steering systems are perceived as unsatisfactory."What does all this mean? Essentially, the power steering's electric motor cancels out all the good stuff. It also is slower to react than a conventional hydraulic system.Porsche's idea doesn't try to bring the old feel back. Instead, the patent describes ways to add it back into the system. Not how we'd like it to happen, but interesting nonetheless. Can Math Make Steering Better? Porsche The steering system would monitor how much torque the driver is applying to the wheel, as well as how far they're trying to turn it. It would then use that information to try and better tell the system, through the motor, what to do. The patent says that the system could "automatically adjust the friction in the steering system and thereby ensure better steering feel." It would base this on "general knowledge" of the behavior of good steering. Porsche would be able to have better control over feel, improving safety and comfort.Check out The Drop at our companion site HotCars for a chance to win the Vyper Elite Trio Package, a premium set of garage chairs!This system could use driver hand torque calculations to make for better responses and simulate an old-school feel. It could also work the other way, and send more road noise back up to your hands. BMW has recently patented a system that adds fake noise. We like this idea a lot more.The idea also comes with some neat diagnostic features. Because the car knows how much friction and movement there should be in the system, and can measure how much there is, it can tell when parts are wearing. It can then compensate, but can also warn you if parts are reaching the end of life. Even if you can't feel it.PorscheImagine an old steering system that might normally have gone floppy, but still feels fresh. Normally, you might not know that bushings or tie rods are going bad. This idea could provide that, and even more. It's possible that you could even add feel to simulate what's happening at the rear axle in a 4WS system.The patent goes on with more different implementations and a bit more of the math, if you're interested. We're content enough to know that someone is working on making electric power steering better.Patent filings do not guarantee the use of such technology in future vehicles and are often used exclusively as a means of protecting intellectual property. Such a filing cannot be construed as confirmation of production intent.Source: DPMA