Abstract: A fastener for attaching a first part and a second part includes a body comprising a first body portion, a second body portion, a flange arranged between the first body portion and the second body portion and extending radially outwardly from the body. A bore extends in an axial direction through the body and including an inner surface with threads. A plurality of splines extend radially outwardly from the second body portion and is configured to prevent rotation when the second body portion is inserted into an opening in the first part. An opening to the bore at the second body portion defines a concentric edge and an inclined plane extending from the concentric edge.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire assembly includes a steering wheel, a steering column coupled to the steering wheel, and a fluid-flow control mechanism coupled to the steering column, wherein the fluid-flow control mechanism is configured to adjust a torque on the steering column. The fluid-flow control mechanism includes a housing defining a cavity, and a flow control valve in fluid communication with the cavity of the housing. The flow control valve is configured to control a flow of a fluid in the cavity of the housing to adjust the torque on the steering wheel. The fluid-flow control mechanism includes a shaft and a piston coupled to the shaft such that translation of the piston causes the shaft to rotate.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire assembly includes a steering wheel, a steering column coupled to the steering wheel, and a fluid-flow control mechanism coupled to the steering column, wherein the fluid-flow control mechanism is configured to adjust a torque on the steering column. The fluid-flow control mechanism includes a housing defining a cavity, and a flow control valve in fluid communication with the cavity of the housing. The flow control valve is configured to control a flow of a fluid in the cavity of the housing to adjust the torque on the steering wheel. The fluid-flow control mechanism includes a shaft and a piston coupled to the shaft such that translation of the piston causes the shaft to rotate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling a steering assist unit of a vehicle. The method includes receiving first accelerometer data, second accelerometer data, and third accelerometer data then comparing and calculating differences between the first accelerometer data, second accelerometer data and the third accelerometer data to determine a relative movement values for the second and third locations. The relative movement value represents the contraction or expansion of separate systems as they independently move at or near the second and third locations. The method further includes outputting a control signal to control the travel of the steering assist unit based on the relative movement values.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling a steering assist unit of a vehicle. The method includes receiving first accelerometer data, second accelerometer data, and third accelerometer data then comparing and calculating differences between the first accelerometer data, second accelerometer data and the third accelerometer data to determine a relative movement values for the second and third locations. The relative movement value represents the contraction or expansion of separate systems as they independently move at or near the second and third locations. The method further includes outputting a control signal to control the travel of the steering assist unit based on the relative movement values.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a steering system of a vehicle. A method includes: determining that an automated steering event is occurring; and minimizing motion of a hand wheel of the steering system by controlling, by a control module, a motor of an active steering system.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system as described herein leverages a real-time onboard vehicle mass estimate to determine whether tire pressure is appropriate for the current loading conditions. The system is suitable for use with vehicles having two or more placard tire pressures (with two or more corresponding tire loading capacities). The system can notify the driver to adjust the tire pressure to the proper placard tire pressure for the given load conditions, and/or initiate automatic inflation or deflation by an onboard tire inflation system.

Abstract: An energy saving system and method reduces power consumption of an electro-hydraulic power steering system of a hybrid vehicle. The electro-hydraulic power steering system includes a first controller that communicates with an electric motor that is coupled to a hydraulic pump. The first controller selects Standby, On or Off operating modes for the electro-hydraulic power steering system. The first controller applies power to the electric motor and the first controller based on the selected operating mode to reduce power consumption. The first controller turns the first controller off and the motor off when in the Off operating mode. The first controller turns the electric motor off and the controller on when in the Standby operating mode. The first controller turns the electric motor on and the controller on when in the On operating mode.

Abstract: An energy saving system and method reduces power consumption of an electro-hydraulic power steering system of a hybrid vehicle. The electro-hydraulic power steering system includes a first controller that communicates with an electric motor that is coupled to a hydraulic pump. The first controller selects Standby, On or Off operating modes for the electro-hydraulic power steering system. The first controller applies power to the electric motor and the first controller based on the selected operating mode to reduce power consumption. The first controller turns the first controller off and the motor off when in the Off operating mode. The first controller turns the electric motor off and the controller on when in the Standby operating mode. The first controller turns the electric motor on and the controller on when in the On operating mode.