Abstract: A steerable element angular sensor system may include a sensor having a sensing axis positioned along an axis of rotation of a knuckle, a connector connecting a yoke and a knuckle of a steering system. The sensor may detect rotation of at least one of the knuckle and the connector. Also, the sensor system may include protection from rotation detection interference from linear and angular movements of at least one of the connector and the knuckle. The sensor system may be included within a steerable element assembly and provided within a vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the operational condition of a relay configured for selective short-circuiting of the windings of a motor is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes a current source connected to a first node in common with a first contact in the relay, and a second node in common with a second contact in the relay. A microprocessor provides an input signal to the current source. The input signal, when applied to the current source, causes the current source to apply a first voltage to the first node and a second voltage to the second node.

Abstract: A modular motor and controller assembly for a rear steering system of a motor vehicle includes a motor portion and a controller portion disposed in direct mechanical communication therewith to form a unitary package. The motor portion may include a motor and a motor port, the motor port being configured to provide a communicational interface between the motor and the controller portion. The controller portion may include a controller port configured to be matingly engaged with the motor port. Electronic communication is generally maintained through the controller port and the motor port through a pronged connector.

Abstract: A modular motor and controller assembly for a rear steering system of a motor vehicle includes a motor portion and a controller portion disposed in direct mechanical communication therewith to form a unitary package. The motor portion may include a motor and a motor port, the motor port being configured to provide a communicational interface between the motor and the controller portion. The controller portion may include a controller port configured to be matingly engaged with the motor port.

Abstract: A rotary position transducer and method of mounting the same. The transducer includes a housing having a disc-shaped end plate, a guide in a main aperture in the end plate, a plurality of frangible coupling elements rigidly supporting the guide on the end plate, a stator rigidly supported on the transducer housing behind the end plate, and a rotor rigidly attached to the guide and supported inside of the stator with an annular gap therebetween. The transducer is mounted on a structural member around a shaft rotatably supported on the structural member by first mounting the guide on the shaft, then rigidly clamping the transducer housing to the structural member, and then applying torque to the shaft to fracture the frangible coupling elements and release the rotor for rotation with the shaft relative to the transducer housing and the stator.