Abstract: The present invention involves a system and method of controlling a steering wheel for simulated steering feel on a steering wheel of a vehicle with front road wheels in a steer-by-wire system. The method includes sensing actual torsion on the steering wheel, comparing the actual torsion to a threshold torque value, sensing actual angular velocity of the steering wheel, and comparing the actual angular velocity to a threshold angular velocity. The method further includes generating a simulated steering feel torque on the steering wheel, if the actual torsion is greater than the threshold torque value and the actual angular velocity is less than the threshold angular velocity. The method further comprises returning the steering wheel to the center position at a specified angular velocity, if the actual torsion is less than the threshold torque value and the actual angular velocity is greater than the threshold angular velocity.

Abstract: The present invention involves a system and method of simulating a steering resistance torque on a vehicle steering wheel of a steer-by-wire system. The steer-by-wire system uses a magnetorheological device and a motor to apply torque on the steering wheel for simulating the steering resistance torque. The method includes sensing an actual angular velocity of the steering wheel, comparing the actual angular velocity with a threshold angular velocity, and calculating a magnetorheological torque signal based on the comparison. The method further includes determining an error signal based on the MR signal and a torque reference signal, and calculating a motor torque signal indicative of motor torque to be applied to the steering wheel. The method further includes applying torque generated by the MR device and the motor on the steering wheel.

Abstract: A turn-limited column assembly comprises a column rotatable about an axis. The column rotates a first plate that defines a first spiral track. The first plate rotates relative to a second plate that defines a second spiral track. The plates are arranged such that the spiral tracks overlap to define an intersection, whereat a sliding element is disposed. The column is rotatable between a first stop wherein the sliding element is disposed between the inboard ends of the spiral tracks and a second stop wherein the sliding element is disposed between the outboard ends of the spiral tracks.

Abstract: The present invention involves a system and method of controlling a steering wheel for simulated steering feel on a steering wheel of a vehicle with front road wheels in a steer-by-wire system. The method includes sensing actual torsion on the steering wheel, comparing the actual torsion to a threshold torque value, sensing actual angular velocity of the steering wheel, and comparing the actual angular velocity to a threshold angular velocity. The method further includes generating a simulated steering feel torque on the steering wheel, if the actual torsion is greater than the threshold torque value and the actual angular velocity is less than the threshold angular velocity. The method further comprises returning the steering wheel to the center position at a specified angular velocity, if the actual torsion is less than the threshold torque value and the actual angular velocity is greater than the threshold angular velocity.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire system for use in a vehicle includes a driver interface system. The driver interface system includes a steering mechanism for use by an operator of the vehicle. The steer-by-wire system may allow the operator to steer the vehicle during failures within the driver interface system. When a failure is detected, the movement of the steering mechanism is controlled and torque applied by the operator to the steering mechanism is measured. The vehicle is maneuvered by the steer-by-wire system as a function of the torque applied.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a steering system which compensates a drive current for certain variables in a steer-by-wire and electrical power assist steering system. The present invention utilizes a steering wheel angle sensor, a road wheel angle sensor, and a controller for determining a precise time and amount of compensation for the drive current.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and deactivating a steer-by-wire system capable of several performance levels of a vehicle, including measuring an angle of an actuated road wheel of the vehicle, a steering angle of a steering device of the vehicle, and a velocity of the vehicle; determining and storing an acceptable angle range based on the measured steering angle of the steering device and the measured velocity; comparing the measured angle of the actuated road wheel to the acceptable angle range; and implementing a procedure based on the comparison of the measured angle to the acceptable angle range that complies with a particular set of rules.

Abstract: A torque-based method to steer a vehicle equipped with a steer by wire system begins when a driver applies torque to a steering wheel so as to change the direction in which the vehicle travels. Two sensors, a steering wheel angle sensor and a steering wheel torque sensor then generate an angle signal and a torque signal, respectively. In the unlikely event the vehicle steering system is malfunctioning, the steering wheel torque sensor will still generate a torque signal. This torque signal is used in place of the angle signal to generate the reference signal. Once the reference signal is generated, then it can be used to generate the road wheel angle signal, which is in turn used to position the road wheels accordingly.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire system for use in a vehicle includes a driver interface system. The driver interface system includes a steering mechanism for use by an operator of the vehicle. The steer-by-wire system may allow the operator to steer the vehicle during failures within the driver interface system. When a failure is detected, the movement of the steering mechanism is controlled and torque applied by the operator to the steering mechanism is measured. The vehicle is maneuvered by the steer-by-wire system as a function of the torque applied.

Abstract: A torque-based method to steer a vehicle equipped with a steer by wire system begins when a driver applies torque to a steering wheel so as to change the direction in which the vehicle travels. Two sensors, a steering wheel angle sensor and a steering wheel torque sensor then generate an angle signal and a torque signal, respectively. In the unlikely event the vehicle steering system is malfunctioning, the steering wheel torque sensor will still generate a torque signal. This torque signal is used in place of the angle signal to generate the reference signal. Once the reference signal is generated, then it can be used to generate the road wheel angle signal, which is in turn used to position the road wheels accordingly.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire system of the preferred embodiment of the invention includes a steering subsystem, a turning subsystem, and a controller subsystem. The steering subsystem further includes a steering sensor to sense steering factors of a steering input, and a steering actuator to generate a steering feedback. The turning subsystem further includes a turning actuator to adjust a turning angle of a road wheel of the vehicle, and a turning sensor to sense turning factors of the turning actuator. The controller subsystem is connected to the steering sensor and to the turning sensor and controls the turning actuator and the steering actuator.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire system of the preferred embodiment of the invention includes a steering sensor, a turning subsystem, a vehicle sensor, and a controller subsystem. The turning subsystem further includes a first turning actuator to adjust a turning angle of a first road wheel, a first turning sensor to sense first turning factors of the first turning actuator, a second turning actuator to adjust a turning angle of a second road wheel, and a second turning sensor to sense second turning factors of the second turning actuator. The controller subsystem is connected to the steering sensor, to the first turning sensor, to the second turning sensor, and to the vehicle sensor. The control subsystem independently controls the first turning actuator and the second turning actuator.