Abstract: Magnetic ring systems for attachment to a shaft and methods of making and using are provided. According to an embodiment, a magnetic ring system for attachment to a shaft comprises: a magnetic ring; and an adaptor configured to fit inside the magnetic ring, the adaptor comprising an inner wall spaced from an outer wall, wherein the inner wall comprises a plurality of grooves for engaging the shaft.

Abstract: A method for reducing current and torque ripple in a brushed electric motor is disclosed. The motor includes a stator and a rotor. The stator includes a brush housing having a plurality of circumferentially spaced brushes disposed about a commutator, each brush having a contact face that is in electrical contact with the commutator, an opposed bias face and a peripheral wall, each brush disposed in a brush pocket having a pocket wall, a base and a bias spring that is configured to apply a contact force to the bias face, thereby urging the contact face into electrical contact with the commutator. The method includes inserting a damper between each pocket wall or respective base and the respective brush.

Abstract: A brush type motor including a stator having at least one magnet with an inner circumferential surface is provided. The inner circumferential surface is defined by a first radius orthogonally extending from a first axially extending centerline. The motor has an armature disposed within an interior region of the stator having teeth. Each tooth has an arcuate surface defined by a second radius orthogonally extending from a second axially extending centerline. At least one tooth is radially closer to the inner circumferential surface than the teeth adjacent to the at least one tooth. Each tooth further includes at least one dummy notch extending into the tooth. The first axially extending centerline is in a first position different than a second position of the second axially extending centerline.

Abstract: Magnetic ring systems for attachment to a shaft and methods of making and using are provided. According to an embodiment, a magnetic ring system for attachment to a shaft comprises: a magnetic ring; and an adaptor configured to fit, inside the magnetic ring, the adaptor comprising an inner wall spaced from an outer wall, wherein the inner wall comprises a plurality of grooves for engaging the shaft.

Abstract: A sensors casing supports torque sensors and the position sensors and segment magneto-sensitive elements to detect the relative rotation between an input shaft and an output shaft and the angular position of the shaftsin a steering column housing. The sensor casing is removeably attached to the support housing by a mounting flange for detaching the electrical components from the steering column housing assembly.

Abstract: A method of interfacing an electromagnetic sensor with a controller in a motor control system, the method including: applying an excitation signal to the electromagnetic sensor; receiving a first electromagnetic sensor output signal based on the excitation signal, the first electromagnetic sensor signal comprising an amplitude modulated signal corresponding to a position of a rotor of the electromagnetic sensor; and receiving a second electromagnetic sensor output signal based on the excitation signal, the second electromagnetic sensor signal comprising another amplitude modulated signal corresponding to the position of the rotor of the electromagnetic sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus that relates to a gear set. The apparatus includes, a housing, a first gear movable in the housing such that a first axis defined by the first gear is repositionable relative to the housing, a second gear in mesh with the first gear, and a second axis defined by the second gear. The apparatus constrains movement of the first axis to a plane containing both the first axis and a line commonly perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis, and a biasing member that urges the first gear toward the second gear.

Abstract: An integrated torque and position sensor is set forth for measuring the relative rotational movement between an input and an output shaft and for measuring the final angle position of the output shaft. The integrated sensor includes a wheel that rotates with the shaft. An incremental sensing mechanism detects the incremental rotation of the shaft. In response to the shaft rotating to a predetermined angle, an actuation mechanism engages the wheel with a change gear for every new revolution in which the shaft passes. A segment sensing mechanism detects the segment in which the shaft is disposed. A method is set forth to calibrate and compensate the electrical outputs generated by the integrated torque and position sensor. The method produces common amplitudes and establishes a common angle with an expected phase angle shift for the electrical outputs.

Abstract: A method of interfacing an electromagnetic sensor with a controller in a motor control system, the method including: applying an excitation signal to the electromagnetic sensor; receiving a first electromagnetic sensor output signal based on the excitation signal, the first electromagnetic sensor signal comprising an amplitude modulated signal corresponding to a position of a rotor of the electromagnetic sensor; and receiving a second electromagnetic sensor output signal based on the excitation signal, the second electromagnetic sensor signal comprising another amplitude modulated signal corresponding to the position of the rotor of the electromagnetic sensor.

Abstract: A sensors casing supports torque sensors and the position sensors and segment magneto-sensitive elements to detect the relative rotation between an input shaft and an output shaft and the angular position of the shaftsin a steering column housing. The sensor casing is removeably attached to the support housing by a mounting flange for detaching the electrical components from the steering column housing assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly for a vehicle. The steering column assembly includes a steering column structure to support a steering wheel at a first end and be coupled at a second end to steerable wheels of a vehicle. A steering shaft extends through the steering column structure. A steering wheel position sensor is supported by the steering column structure to sense an angular position of the steering shaft and communicate a position signal. A steering wheel torque sensor is supported by the steering column structure to sense a torque associated with rotation of the steering shaft and communicate a torque signal. A motor is spaced from the steering column structure and an electric power steering controller receives the position and torque signals and controls the motor in response to provide a power steering assist to the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring relative displacement between a first shaft and a second shaft includes first and second rotor assemblies. The first rotor assembly is coupled to the first shaft and is centered on an axis. The second rotor assembly is coupled to the second shaft. The second rotor assembly has first and second stator plates. Each of the first and second stator plates includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper and lower surfaces are parallel. The first and second stator plates include a plurality of teeth extending in a direction radial of the axis. The first and second stator plates form a gap between the lower surface of the first stator plate and the upper surface of the second stator plate. The apparatus further includes at least one magnet having a magnetic field and disposed on the first rotor assembly and a sensing device disposed within the gap for sensing a magnetic flux of the magnetic field.

Abstract: An integrated torque and position sensor is set forth for measuring the relative rotational movement between an input and an output shaft and for measuring the final angle position of the output shaft. The integrated sensor includes a wheel that rotates with the shaft. An incremental sensing mechanism detects the incremental rotation of the shaft. In response to the shaft rotating to a predetermined angle, an actuation mechanism engages the wheel with a change gear for every new revolution in which the shaft passes. A segment sensing mechanism detects the segment in which the shaft is disposed. A method is set forth to calibrate and compensate the electrical outputs generated by the integrated torque and position sensor. The method produces common amplitudes and establishes a common angle with an expected phase angle shift for the electrical outputs.

Abstract: A variable reluctance rotational displacement sensor with: an annular sleeve; a coil coaxially aligned within the sleeve; a first ring in magnetic communication with the sleeve, coaxially aligned and configured to rotate relative to the sleeve. The first ring including a first plurality of axially directed teeth arranged about a circumference of the ring on a front portion thereof. The sensor also includes a second ring in magnetic communication with the first ring and the sleeve, the second ring coaxially aligned and configured to rotate relative to the first ring and the sleeve and including a second plurality of axially directed teeth configured substantially the same as the first plurality of axially directed teeth and oriented adjacent to the first plurality of axially directed teeth on a rear portion of the second ring. The coil generates a signal responsive to a differential displacement between the first and second rings.