Abstract: A power actuator assembly includes a torque transmission device, a motor mounted to the torque transmission device extending along a motor axis, and a screw coupled to the torque transmission device and extending along a screw axis. An adjustment mechanism interconnects the screw and the torque transmission device and permits selective rotational adjustment between the adjustment mechanism and the torque transmission device to rotate the motor relative to the torque transmission device. A connecting device releasably interconnects the adjustment mechanism to the torque transmission device to permit repeated re-positioning of the motor relative to the torque transmission device.

Abstract: A steering system with reduced coupling between a position overlay unit and a torque overlay unit may include a remote valve assembly for controlling a hydraulic assist force or an electric motor for providing torque overlay and electric assist to a rack of a rack and pinion steering system. In one embodiment, the position overlay unit may provide the assist force and the torque overlay unit may provide a motor command signal to the motor of a differential positioned on a steering shaft. In another embodiment, the position overlay unit may provide the motor command signal and the torque overlay unit may provide the assist force. In either embodiment, the position overlay unit may include variable ratio gain that uses a position signal to output a variable ratio command.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly preferably has a collapsible steering shaft that extends rotatably along a centerline and a collapsible column that houses and co-extends with the shaft. The column preferably has inner and outer jackets that retract axially to collapse the column. An energy absorbing device has a member engaged between the inner and outer jackets and controls the collapse of the column generally via a high load stage and a low load stage of operation. The member is preferably elongated axially having a distal end that is looped over and spaced radially outward from the remainder of the member. The distal end is attached disengagably to the outer jacket via a pin received in a hole in the distal end and a fuse engaged operably to the pin and attached to the outer jacket.

Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly for a vehicle and a method for manufacturing the steering column assembly. The steering column assembly includes a steering column member having an aperture extending along an axis. The steering column assembly also includes a steering shaft rotatably disposed at least partially in the aperture. The steering shaft includes a steering wheel engaging end axially spaced from the aperture. The steering column assembly also includes a supporting member for supporting a vehicle accessory. The supporting member is cantilevered from the steering column member and cooperates with the steering column member to define a groove substantially surrounding the steering wheel engaging end.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly is provided that includes a column jacket and a bracket for attaching the assembly to a vehicle. A plate is coupled to the column jacket, and defines a opening therethrough and a slot extending along a longitudinal axis from the opening. A pyrotechnic device interconnects the bracket to a pin, and transversely moves the pin relative to the plate into the opening in response to a collision event. The pin deforms the slot as a result of longitudinal movement of the plate relative to the pin for absorbing energy imparted to the vehicle during the collision event, thereby reducing the likelihood of injuring a driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly preferably has a collapsible steering shaft that extends rotatably along a centerline and a collapsible column that houses and co-extends with the shaft. The column preferably has inner and outer jackets that retract axially to collapse the column. An energy absorbing device has an elongated strap having a substantially linear first segment engaged to the inner jacket and a substantially linear second segment engaged to the outer jacket. The first and second segments preferably project in a common axial direction from a bend segment of the strap having a pre-defined radius. At least a portion of the strap is in a preferably converging recess that extends axially with the column. The recess is preferably defined by the outer jacket and is configured to accept the bend segment. During column collapse and thus plastic deformation of the strap, the radius of the bend segment preferably decreases as the bend segment generally scrolls along the length of the strap.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly preferably has a collapsible steering shaft that extends rotatably along a centerline and a collapsible column that houses and co-extends with the shaft. The column preferably has inner and outer jackets that retract axially to collapse the column. An energy absorbing device has a member engaged between the inner and outer jackets and controls the collapse of the column generally via a high load stage and a low load stage of operation. The member is preferably elongated axially having a distal end that is looped over and spaced radially outward from the remainder of the member. The distal end is attached disengagably to the outer jacket via a pin received in a hole in the distal end and a fuse engaged operably to the pin and attached to the outer jacket.

Abstract: A watercraft steer-by-wire control system comprising: an input device; at least one transducer in operable communication with the input device; a rudder control system in operable communication with the input device and configured to control a rudder of a watercraft; and a bow thruster control system in operable communication with the at least one transducer and configured to control a bow thruster of the watercraft. A method for the maneuvering if a watercraft. The method comprises: applying a force in a first degree of freedom of an input device; measuring the movement of the input device in the first degree of freedom; converting the movement into a signal proportional to the amount of movement; and transmitting the signal to a bow thruster control system.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire handwheel actuator in a vehicle is presented. The handwheel actuator comprises a driver input shaft; a gear train connected to the driver input shaft; a motor responsive to control signals from a controller and variably geared to the gear train; a electro-mechanical brake responsive to the control signals from the controller and geared to one of the driver input shaft and the gear train; and a stop mechanism attached to a housing and coupled to one of the electro-mechanical brake and the gear train.

Abstract: A variable control steering actuator for mechanically adjusting an angle of the steerable wheel of a motor vehicle includes a controller, a braking device in operable communication with the controller, and a clutch device associated with the braking device. The clutch device is disposed on an input pinion of the steering shaft. The input pinion is in operable mechanical communication with the steerable wheel through both the clutch device and the braking device. A method for mechanically adjusting the angle of the steerable wheel of the vehicle in order to control the vehicle includes disengaging the clutch device and rotating the steering shaft independently of an input from an operator of the vehicle. The rotation of the steering shaft may be effectuated through a motor disposed in operable communication with the steering shaft.

Abstract: A variable control steering actuator for mechanically adjusting an angle of the steerable wheel of a motor vehicle includes a controller, a braking device in operable communication with the controller, and a clutch device associated with the braking device. The clutch device is disposed on an input pinion of the steering shaft. The input pinion is in operable mechanical communication with the steerable wheel through both the clutch device and the braking device. A method for mechanically adjusting the angle of the steerable wheel of the vehicle in order to control the vehicle includes disengaging the clutch device and rotating the steering shaft independently of an input from an operator of the vehicle. The rotation of the steering shaft may be effectuated through a motor disposed in operable communication with the steering shaft.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire handwheel actuator in a vehicle is presented. The handwheel actuator comprises a driver input shaft; a gear train connected to the driver input shaft; a motor responsive to control signals from a controller and variably geared to the gear train; a electro-mechanical brake responsive to the control signals from the controller and geared to one of the driver input shaft and the gear train; and a stop mechanism attached to a housing and coupled to one of the electro-mechanical brake and the gear train.

Abstract: A motor vehicle power steering system including a hydraulic pump, a fluid motor, and an electronic control valve which regulates boost pressure independent of pump discharge flow rate so that the pump does not require a constant flow valve. The flow area of a throttling orifice which determines the magnitude of boost pressure depends on the magnitude of a pilot pressure in a pilot pressure chamber behind a valve spool of the electronic control valve. The pilot pressure is regulated by a solenoid controlled pintle. The duty cycle of the solenoid is controlled in open-loop fashion by an electronic control module of the power steering system in response to signals from a steering wheel torque sensor of the power steering system. Fluctuations in the discharge flow rate of the hydraulic pump attributable to changes in engine speed induce spool movements to increase or decrease the flow area of the throttling orifice to maintain boost pressure consistent with the scheduled pilot pressure.