Abstract: A keyless entry system may include one or more Near Field Communication (NFC) devices. Also described herein is a keyless entry system including a NFC device and a keypad. In a particular embodiment there is provided a vehicular keyless entry system that is integrated with a vehicle trim component. Some implementations include an antenna carried by or embedded in the trim component.

Abstract: A keyless entry system may include one or more Near Field Communication (NFC) devices. Also described herein is a keyless entry system including a NFC device and a keypad. In a particular embodiment there is provided a vehicular keyless entry system that is integrated with a vehicle trim component. Some implementations include an antenna carried by or embedded in the trim component.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle steering system has an actuator (12) for steering a wheel (10). A shaft (28) passes axially through the interior of a housing (14) of the actuator and through a rotor tube (56) journaled for rotation within the housing. On the exterior of the housing one end of the shaft is coupled to the wheel. An electric motor (52) within the interior of the housing rotates the rotor tube when the wheel is steered by a steering wheel. An internal screw thread (68) on the rotor tube and an external screw thread (70) on the shaft are operatively coupled by a set (74) of transmission rollers (76) to provide for bi-directional transmission of motion between the rotor tube and the shaft such that rotation of the rotor tube causes the shaft to move axially of the housing to steer the vehicle wheel and axial motion of the shaft due to wheel recovery from a turn rotates the rotor tube.

Abstract: A variable assist power steering system (10) uses vehicle speed and steering wheel rate to vary the steering assist provided. A control module (30) receives vehicle speed and steering wheel rate data from sensors (24, 25) and produces a control signal for a flow control valve actuator (32) that bypasses fluid flow from the pump (22) to a reservoir (36), rather than to the steering valve (20) thereby affecting steering valve pressure which controls the rack piston (16) which changes the angle of the front vehicle wheels used for steering. The control module (30) employs first and second calibration tables (38, 40) to determine base and evasive desired actuator current values and then selects a final desired actuator current value using these values in combination with the steering wheel rate data.

Abstract: A variable assist power steering system (10) uses vehicle speed, steering wheel rate and steering valve inlet pressure to vary the steering assist provided. A control module (30) receives vehicle speed, steering wheel rate and pressure data from sensors (24, 25, 26) and produces a control signal for a flow control valve actuator (32) that bypasses fluid flow from the pump (22) to a reservoir (36), rather than to the steering valve (20) thereby affecting steering valve pressure which controls the rack piston (16) which changes the angle of the front vehicle wheels used for steering. The control module (30) employs first and second calibration tables (38, 40) to determine the control signal that ensures adequate flow while consuming the least amount of energy.

Abstract: An electronically assisted power steering system (10) for providing assist in response to a steering control signal includes a steering torque sensor (30) operatively connected to a vehicle hand wheel (12) for providing a torque signal indicative of applied steering torque. An electric motor control module (50) is connected to the torque sensor (30) and to an electric motor (32). The electric motor control module (50) includes an outer loop controller for generating a desired torque signal responsive to the applied steering torque. The outer loop controller includes a phase lag network in series with a second order network for compensating the desired torque signal. The electric motor control module (50) also includes an inner loop controller for generating a motor drive signal responsive to the desired torque signal output from the outer loop controller. The inner loop applies a motor drive signal to the electric motor to generate the required assistive torque.

Abstract: A four wheel steering strategy determines when the rear tire longitudinal slip becomes greater than the front tire longitudinal slip, either due to braking or acceleration, such that the rear tire slip angles must be increased to maintain vehicle balance with respect to the level of understeer/oversteer. The out-of-phase rear steering angle is reduced or the in-phase rear steering angle is increased to increase the rear tire slip angles and thereby correct vehicle balance. Three embodiments are disclosed which use estimated tire longitudinal slips, wheel speeds, and engine throttle information, respectively. The required inputs for the various embodiments can be obtained from independent sensors or preferably are available from other vehicle systems such as an anti-lock braking system, a traction control system or an engine management system. Advantageously, the present invention operates without requiring expensive sensors such as yaw sensors which are currently not feasible for mass market use.