Abstract: A method of simulating movement of a suspension system that moves with six degrees of freedom, with a test simulator that moves with two degrees of freedom, includes converting an effective two degree of freedom road wheel angle at a wheel end of the test simulator into a simulated six degree of freedom road wheel angle. A six degree of freedom kingpin moment is defined. A two degree of freedom tie rod input force is calculated from the six degree of freedom kingpin moment and an effective steer arm length. The two degree of freedom tie rod input force is applied to the test simulator to generate torque feedback in the test simulator.

Abstract: A calibration system for an electric power steering system includes a hardware-in-loop (HIL) test fixture, and an electric power steering system mounted to the HIL test fixture. The electric power steering system includes a power steering rack, and an intermediate shaft (I-shaft) mechanically connected to the power steering rack. An electric motor is operatively connected to the HIL test fixture. A clutch assembly is operatively connected between the electric motor and the I-shaft. The clutch assembly is operable to selectively connect the electric motor with the I-shaft.

Abstract: A calibration system for an electric power steering system includes a hardware-in-loop (HIL) test fixture, and an electric power steering system mounted to the HIL test fixture. The electric power steering system includes a power steering rack, and an intermediate shaft (I-shaft) mechanically connected to the power steering rack. An electric motor is operatively connected to the HIL test fixture. A clutch assembly is operatively connected between the electric motor and the I-shaft. The clutch assembly is operable to selectively connect the electric motor with the I-shaft.

Abstract: A method of tuning a calibration table for an electric power steering system includes connecting the electric power steering system to an actuator machine, and communicating a control input from a vehicle simulator to the actuator machine. Input forces and steering angles are applied to the electric power steering system with the actuator machine, based on the control input. The electric power steering system is controlled with a steering controller, to apply a steering setting, i.e., and assistive torque. The steering controller uses the calibration table to define the steering setting, based on the applied input forces and steering angles. A steering torque in the electric power steering system generated in response to the applied steering setting is sensed, and communicated to the vehicle controller, thereby establishing a closed loop, feedback system. The calibration table may then be re-defined based on the sensed steering response for the applied input forces.

Abstract: A method of tuning a calibration table for an electric power steering system includes connecting the electric power steering system to an actuator machine, and communicating a control input from a vehicle simulator to the actuator machine. Input forces and steering angles are applied to the electric power steering system with the actuator machine, based on the control input. The electric power steering system is controlled with a steering controller, to apply a steering setting, i.e., and assistive torque. The steering controller uses the calibration table to define the steering setting, based on the applied input forces and steering angles. A steering torque in the electric power steering system generated in response to the applied steering setting is sensed, and communicated to the vehicle controller, thereby establishing a closed loop, feedback system. The calibration table may then be re-defined based on the sensed steering response for the applied input forces.

Abstract: A locking dispenser to dispense material from a replaceable refill container maintains a lock assembly having a plurality of spring-biased plungers configured in accordance with a predetermined lock parameter. The refill container carries a collar that includes a plurality of markers configured in accordance with a predetermined key parameter. Thus, when a refill container having a key parameter that is compatible with the lock parameter of the key block is installed at the dispenser, the plungers transition from a locked state to an unlocked state to enable the movement of an actuator, which when depressed by a user, results in the dispensement of material from the refill container.

Abstract: A locking dispenser to dispense material from a replaceable refill container maintains a lock assembly having a plurality of spring-biased plungers configured in accordance with a predetermined lock parameter. The refill container carries a collar that includes a plurality of markers configured in accordance with a predetermined key parameter. Thus, when a refill container having a key parameter that is compatible with the lock parameter of the key block is installed at the dispenser, the plungers transition from a locked state to an unlocked state to enable the movement of an actuator, which when depressed by a user, results in the dispensement of material from the refill container.