Abstract: According to one or more embodiments, a method includes computing, by a steering system, a model rack force value based on a vehicle speed, steering angle, and a road-friction coefficient value. The method further includes determining, by the steering system, a difference between the model rack force value and a load rack force value. The method further includes updating, by the steering system, the road-friction coefficient value using the difference that is determined.

Abstract: A position measurement system for a steering system includes a steering shaft. The position measurement system also includes a worm gear coupled to the steering shaft. The position measurement system further includes a worm in meshed engagement with the worm gear, the worm driven by a motor. The position measurement system yet further includes a first sensor operatively coupled to the worm to detect an angular position of the worm and the motor that drives the worm. The position measurement system also includes a driving gear coupled to the steering shaft. The position measurement system further includes a spur gear in meshed engagement with the driving gear. The position measurement system yet further includes a second sensor operatively coupled to the spur gear to detect an angular position of the spur gear.

Abstract: A power steering assembly includes an electric motor having an output shaft extending therefrom. The assembly also includes a housing containing a worm gear operatively coupled to a steering shaft, the worm gear rotatable about a worm gear axis. The assembly further includes an electric motor and a worm arranged to engage the worm gear, the worm extending from the output shaft of the electric motor as a single, integrally formed shaft, the single, integrally formed shaft extending axially from a first end to a second end and being cantilevered to allow the second end to deflect. The assembly yet further includes a bushing surrounding a portion of the shaft proximate the second end of the shaft, the bushing and the portion of the shaft defining a clearance therebetween.

Abstract: A vehicle gear shift assembly includes a gear shift lever. The vehicle gear shift assembly also includes a shift boot assembly that at least partially defines an interior section and receives a portion of the gear shift lever therethrough. The shift boot assembly includes a frame. The shift boot assembly also includes a flexible section formed of a material having a first durometer. The shift boot assembly further includes a protective shield operatively coupled to the frame and the flexible section, the protective shield formed of a material having a second durometer that is harder than the first durometer of the flexible section.

Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a flexible coupling and a first adapter. The flexible coupling defines an opening that extends along a central longitudinal axis between a first coupling end and a second coupling end. The first adapter is arranged to be at least partially received within the opening proximate the first coupling end. The first adapter extends between a first adapter first face and a first adapter second face. The first adapter defines a first adapter post and a first adapter hole. The first adapter post that extends from the first adapter first face. The first adapter hole that extends from the first adapter first face towards the first adapter second face.

Abstract: According to one or more embodiments, a method includes computing, by a steering system, a model rack force value based on a vehicle speed, steering angle, and a road-friction coefficient value. The method further includes determining, by the steering system, a difference between the model rack force value and a load rack force value. The method further includes updating, by the steering system, the road-friction coefficient value using the difference that is determined.

Abstract: A method for steering torque sensor stray magnetic field cancellation includes receiving, from at least one magnetic sensor disposed within a torque sensing region, a detected magnetic field corresponding to an angular displacement between an upper steering shaft and a lower steering shaft of an electronic power steering system. The method also includes generating a first torque signal based on the detected magnetic field and receiving, from at least one stray region sensor disposed outside of the torque sensing region, a detected stray magnetic field. The method also includes determining a torque signal error based on the detected stray magnetic field and generating a second torque signal based on the first torque signal and the torque signal error. The method also includes selectively controlling at least a portion of the electronic power steering system using the second torque signal.

Abstract: A steering column assembly comprises an outer jacket extending along an axis and defining a central opening for placing a steering shaft and a bearing assembly. A bearing retainer is located in the outer jacket for axially retaining the bearing assembly in the outer jacket. The bearing retainer comprises a first surface spaced from a second surface by an outer edge and an inner edge. The inner edge defines an opening for placement of the steering shaft. The bearing retainer includes a first spring finger extending from the first surface away from the second surface at an angle and a second spring finger extending from the second surface away from the first surface at an angle.

Abstract: Technical solutions described herein include a method of controlling, in an electric power steering system, a steering angle according to a target steering angle by computing an initial value of an integral control term in a proportional integral derivative (PID) control loop used to calculate a control output signal, such as a motor torque command. The initial value of the integral control term is computed as a negative of the initial value of the feedforward term minus the initial value of the feedback term. The initial value of the integral control term corresponds to an initial value of a control output. Accordingly, the technical solutions described herein facilitate handling non-zero initial condition in Electric Power Steering angle control.

Abstract: A method for controller a multiphase electric machine includes, in response to a determination that a phase of the multiphase electric machine is in an open circuit condition, determining a desired torque to be generated by the multiphase electric machine and retrieving, based on the determination that the phase is in the open circuit condition and the desired torque, a set of current values to be applied to each of the other phases of the multiphase electric machine to achieve the desired torque. The method may also include applying respective current values of the set of current values to corresponding ones of the other phases of the multiphase electric machine, the set of current values being determined based on a model of the multiphase electric machine that includes the phase is in the open circuit condition.

Abstract: A gear includes an inner hub formed of metal material, the inner hub having an outer surface defining a plurality of outer teeth. The gear also includes an outer ring formed of non-metal material, the outer ring having an inner diameter that is smooth. The outer ring is disposed in an interference fit with the outer teeth of the inner hub.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a jacket assembly. The steering column assembly also includes a transmission shift assembly operatively connected to the jacket assembly. The steering column assembly further includes a brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) device comprising an inhibitor pin translatable between an extended position and a retracted position, the inhibitor pin preventing shifting of the transmission shift assembly out of a PARK position when the inhibitor pin is in the extended position. The steering column assembly yet further includes an inhibitor pin monitoring system. The inhibitor pin monitoring system includes a sensor operatively coupled to a stationary portion of the BTSI device, relative to the inhibitor pin. The inhibitor pin monitoring system also includes a magnetic ring operatively fixed coupled to the inhibitor pin, the sensor detecting when the inhibitor pin is in the extended position.

Abstract: A gear assembly includes a first gear and a second gear. The first gear rotates about a first axis, and includes a first plurality of teeth and a first surface extending circumferentially and carried by the first plurality of teeth. The first surface is electrically conductive. The second gear rotates about a second axis and is operably connected to the first gear. The second gear includes an electrically conductive element, a second plurality of teeth, and a second surface extending circumferentially and carried by the second plurality of teeth. The second surface is electrically nonconductive. The electrically conductive element includes a plurality of feelers with each feeler projecting radially outward and into a respective tooth of the second plurality of teeth.

Abstract: A seed depth device for an agricultural planter includes an electric motor. The seed depth device also includes an actuator driven by the electric motor and arranged to move to a home position. The seed depth device further includes a first stop proximate to the actuator when in the home position. The seed depth device yet further includes at least one controller including a computing processor and a computer readable storage medium configured to control the electric motor. The seed depth device also includes a seed depth auto-learn system at least in-part stored and executed by the at least one controller, the seed depth auto-learn system configured to learn the home position based at least in-part on the actuator stalling upon the first stop, wherein the seed depth auto-learn system is configured to move the actuator a prescribed distance away from the first stop to establish the home position.

Abstract: A number of illustrative variations may include a method of providing a reliable driving surface friction coefficient estimate.

Abstract: A position identification assembly for a steering column is provided. The assembly may include a mount bracket, a steering column, a sensor, and a controller. The mount bracket may define an opening to the cavity. The steering column may be mounted to the mount bracket for translation at least partially in to and out of the cavity and the steering column may define one or more physical features therealong. The sensor may be secured to the mount bracket to detect the physical features. Each of the one or more physical features may be arranged upon the steering column such that the sensor detects the one or more physical features when the steering column translates between positions and may send a signal to the controller reflecting the same. The controller is programmed to identify a steering column position based on the received signal.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a steering column housing. The steering column assembly also includes a lower shaft disposed within the steering column housing and axially adjustable. The steering column assembly further includes a torque adjustment assembly operatively connected to the lower shaft to increase or decrease a steering shaft turning torque.

Abstract: A steering column assembly includes a lower jacket. The assembly also includes an upper jacket in telescoping engagement with the lower jacket. The assembly further includes a telescope actuator assembly comprising a nut translatable along a lead screw. The assembly yet further includes a telescope drive bracket having a base portion and a pair of arms extending from the base portion, the pair of arms each defining a slot with a respective slot surface, wherein the nut is disposed within the slots in an assembled condition to move the upper jacket in a telescope direction relative to the lower jacket. The assembly also includes a first pair of anti-rotation features disposed on the slot surface of a first arm of the pair of arms.

Abstract: A method for a steer by wire steering system. The method includes determining a difference between a commanded steering ratio and an achieved steering ratio and determining whether the difference between the commanded steering ratio and the achieved steering ratio is greater than a threshold. The method also includes, in response to a determination that the difference between the commanded steering ratio and the achieved steering ratio is greater than the threshold, adjusting the commanded steering ratio to be equal to the achieved steering ratio. The method also includes, in response to a determination that the difference between the commanded steering ratio and the achieved steering ratio is greater than the threshold, selectively adjusting a bandwidth of a filter based on at least one vehicle characteristic of an associated vehicle and adjusting, using the filter, the commanded steering ratio to be equal to a desired steering ratio.

Abstract: The present disclosure is for an electrical connector assembly for a vehicle, among other apparatuses known in the art utilizing electrical connectors. The electrical connector assembly is comprised of a connector body and a terminal coupled to the connector body. The electrical connector assembly also comprises a wire harness having a lead. A connector is coupled to the lead and to the terminal, and the connector establishes an electrical connection between the lead and the terminal. The connector and the terminal each have a portion that forms one end of a poka-yoke connection. The connector and the terminal are welded to secure and maintain the respective electrical connection.