Abstract: The present invention comprises a steering system selectively operable in one of three modes: steer-by-wire, electronic power assist steering (EPAS), and manual steering. The steer-by-wire system includes a driver interface system (DIS), a road wheel actuator system (RWAS), and a controller for monitoring and implementing the preferred control strategy. The steering system of the present invention operates normally in a steer-by-wire mode. In each of the EPAS mode and manual mode, the controller causes a clutch mechanism to engage, thus creating a mechanical linkage between portions of the DIS and the RWAS. In the EPAS mode, one of the road wheel actuator or the reaction torque generator is available to assist in the steering operation. Alternatively, in the manual mode, both the DIS and the RWAS are deactivated and the vehicle is steerable through entirely mechanical means.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a steering system selectively operable in one of six modes: steer-by-wire with rear steering, steer-by-wire without rear steering, electronic power assist steering (EPAS) with rear steering, electronic power steering (EPAS) without rear steering, mechanical backup manual steering with rear steering, and mechanical backup manual steering without rear steering. The steer-by-wire system includes a driver interface system (DIS), a front road wheel actuator system (FRWAS), a rear road wheel actuator system (RRWAS), and a controller for monitoring and implementing the preferred control strategy. The steering system of the present invention operates normally in a steer-by-wire mode. In each of the EPAS mode and manual mode, the controller causes a clutch mechanism to engage, thus creating a mechanical linkage between the steerable member and the rack and pinion system while maintaining rear wheel assisted steering.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for generating an end of travel feedback to the driver of a vehicle where the vehicle includes a steer by wire system. The system includes a steering wheel, a steering shaft, a motor, and a brake. The steering wheel is configured to control the steer by wire system. The steering shaft is coupled to the steering wheel and rotates in conjunction with the steering wheel. To provide road feel resistance to the driver, the motor is coupled to the steering shaft. Further, the brake is coupled to a shaft of the motor and is adapted to provide mechanical resistance when the road wheel is at an end of travel position.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a steering system selectively operable in one of three modes: steer-by-wire, electronic power assist steering (EPAS), and manual steering. The steer-by-wire system includes a driver interface system (DIS), a road wheel actuator system (RWAS), and a controller for monitoring and implementing the preferred control strategy. The steering system of the present invention operates normally in a steer-by-wire mode. In each of the EPAS mode and manual mode, the controller causes a clutch mechanism to engage, thus creating a mechanical linkage between the steerable member and the rack and pinion system. In the EPAS mode, one of the road wheel actuator or the reaction torque generator is available to assist in the steering operation. Alternatively, in the manual mode, both the DIS and the RWAS are deactivated and the vehicle is steerable through entirely mechanical means.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a steering system selectively operable in one of three modes: steer-by-wire, electronic power assist steering (EPAS), and manual steering. The steer-by-wire system includes a driver interface system (DIS), a road wheel actuator system (RWAS), and a controller for monitoring and implementing the preferred control strategy. The steering system of the present invention operates normally in a steer-by-wire mode. In each of the EPAS mode and manual mode, the controller causes a clutch mechanism to engage, thus creating a mechanical linkage between portions of the DIS and the RWAS. In the EPAS mode, one of the road wheel actuator or the reaction torque generator is available to assist in the steering operation. Alternatively, in the manual mode, both the DIS and the RWAS are deactivated and the vehicle is steerable through entirely mechanical means.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a steering system selectively operable in one of three modes: steer-by-wire, electronic power assist steering (EPAS), and manual steering. The steer-by-wire system includes a driver interface system (DIS), a road wheel actuator system (RWAS), and a controller for monitoring and implementing the preferred control strategy. The steering system of the present invention operates normally in a steer-by-wire mode. In each of the EPAS mode and manual mode, the controller causes a clutch mechanism to engage, thus creating a mechanical linkage between the steerable member and the rack and pinion system. In the EPAS mode, one of the road wheel actuator or the reaction torque generator is available to assist in the steering operation. Alternatively, in the manual mode, both the DIS and the RWAS are deactivated and the vehicle is steerable through entirely mechanical means.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a steering system selectively operable in one of three modes: steer-by-wire, electronic power assist steering (EPAS), and manual steering. The steer-by-wire system includes a driver interface system (DIS), a road wheel actuator system (RWAS), and a controller for monitoring and implementing the preferred control strategy. The steering system of the present invention operates normally in a steer-by-wire mode. In each of the EPAS mode and manual mode, the controller causes a clutch mechanism to engage, thus creating a mechanical linkage between the steerable member and the rack and pinion system. In the EPAS mode, one of the road wheel actuator or the reaction torque generator is available to assist in the steering operation. Alternatively, in the manual mode, both the DIS and the RWAS are deactivated and the vehicle is steerable through entirely mechanical means.