Abstract: A vehicle steering control system for a vehicle/trailer combination that provides rear-wheel steering assist to improve the vehicle/trailer combination stability and handling performance. The control system provides an open-loop feed-forward control signal based on hand-wheel angle and vehicle speed. The control system includes a vehicle yaw rate command interpreter that provides a vehicle closed-loop feedback control signal based on the yaw rate of the vehicle, a trailer yaw rate command interpreter that provides a trailer closed-loop feedback control signal based on the yaw rate of the trailer, and a vehicle lateral acceleration command interpreter that provides a closed-loop feedback control signal based on the lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The closed-loop feedback signals are added together and then combined with the open-loop feed-forward control signal to provide the rear-wheel steering assist.

Abstract: A damper assembly is provided including a linear to rotary motion conversion mechanism having an outer tube member. An inner tube member is reciprocally movable and at least partially disposed within the outer tube member. The inner tube member is adapted for linear translation in a first and a second direction. A rotatable shaft is disposed within the inner tube member. The translation of the inner tube member produces a rotation of the shaft. Also included within the damper assembly is a damping mechanism having a rotor fixed to the shaft. A coil is configured to generate an electromagnetic field in response to an applied current. A magneto-rheological fluid is in contact with the rotor, and has a variable viscosity in the presence of the electromagnetic field that, in turn, provides variable resistance to rotation of the rotor and translation of the inner tube member within the outer tube member.

Abstract: A trailer stability control apparatus for a vehicle and a trailer includes a trailer hitch assembly interconnecting a rear end of the vehicle and a front end of the trailer. The trailer stability control apparatus also includes at least one controllable damper connected to the trailer hitch assembly. The trailer stability control apparatus further includes a controller electrically connected to the at least one controllable damper for providing continuously controllable damping forces between the vehicle and the trailer.

Abstract: An engine coolant pump drive system for a vehicle having an engine, an engine coolant system, and at least one sensor for sensing at least one operational condition of the vehicle is disclosed. The pump drive system includes a magnetorheological fluid (MRF) clutch, and a coolant pump. The MRF clutch includes a torque input section coupled to a torque output section via a MRF, the torque input section being configured to receive a torque input from the engine. The coolant pump is configured for operable communication with the torque output section of the MRF clutch. In response to a signal from the at least one sensor, the MRF clutch is configured to provide a continuously variable torque transfer from the torque input section to the torque output section, thereby providing for variable coolant flow in the engine coolant system via the coolant pump capable of a continuously variable speed.

Abstract: A vehicle stability enhancement system for a vehicle having at least one vehicle subsystem includes at least one sensor for sensing at least one vehicle parameter, at least one vehicle control system for adjusting the at least one vehicle subsystem wherein the at least one vehicle control system includes a rear wheel steering control system, at least one memory including at least one set of gain factors, and a controller responsive to the at least one sensor and the at least one set of gain factors for controlling the at least one vehicle control system.

Abstract: A trailer stability control apparatus for a vehicle and a trailer includes a trailer hitch assembly interconnecting a rear end of the vehicle and a front end of the trailer. The trailer stability control apparatus also includes at least one controllable damper connected to the trailer hitch assembly. The trailer stability control apparatus further includes a controller electrically connected to the at least one controllable damper for providing continuously controllable damping forces between the vehicle and the trailer.

Abstract: A vehicle stability enhancement system for a vehicle having at least one vehicle subsystem includes at least one sensor for sensing at least one vehicle parameter, at least one vehicle control system for adjusting the at least one vehicle subsystem wherein the at least one vehicle control system includes a rear wheel steering control system, at least one memory including at least one set of gain factors, and a controller responsive to the at least one sensor and the at least one set of gain factors for controlling the at least one vehicle control system.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for integrating a vehicle stability enhancement system and rear wheel steering. The method includes inputting a vehicle speed and measured vehicle yaw rates. Determining a front and rear wheel steer angle. Calculating a desired yaw rate. Comparing the measured yaw rate with the desired yaw rate to determine a yaw error term. Applying a braking force to a wheel of a vehicle imparting a yaw moment based upon the magnitude of the error term calculated. The rear wheel steer angle is taken into account in calculating a desired yaw rate.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for integrating a vehicle stability enhancement system and rear wheel steering. The method includes inputting a vehicle speed and measured vehicle yaw rates. Determining a front and rear wheel steer angle. Calculating a desired yaw rate. Comparing the measured yaw rate with the desired yaw rate to determine a yaw error term. Applying a braking force to a wheel of a vehicle imparting a yaw moment based upon the magnitude of the error term calculated. The rear wheel steer angle is taken into account in calculating a desired yaw rate.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a backing maneuver of an automotive vehicle and trailer combination in which the vehicle has operator-actuated front wheel steering and microprocessor-actuated, reversible electric motor driven rear wheel steering. For a given initial alignment of vehicle and trailer, the computer-executed method first determines whether the driver needs to pull forward before commencing the backing operation. The driver is then requested to turn the front wheels in a direction suitable for backing the vehicle without a trailer in the desired direction. The process then determines whether the driver needs to perform counter front wheel steering before backing. Then the process controls the steering of the rear wheels during the backing operation.

Abstract: An improved magnetorheological fluid damper is provided which closely approximates ideal performance requirements by providing an increased turn-up ratio and improving the linearity of damping force response. The MR damper includes a plurality of concentric annular flow gaps formed between concentrically mounted flux rings positioned on a piston core. By utilizing multiple flow gaps, the present damper increases the overall magnetorheological damping affect thereby creating a higher damping force and an increased tun-up ratio for a given piston size. Alternatively, the present multiple flow gap design permits a given damping force requirement to be achieved with a piston having a significantly reduced length thereby permitting a longer piston stroke. Also, multiple flow gaps permit greater design optimization for controlling damping force linearity.