Abstract: An independent steering and/or braking control to improve motor vehicle stability and stopping utilizes a steer-by-wire system that includes a steering input system, a controller in electronic communication with the steering input system, and a plurality of roadwheel systems. Each of the roadwheel systems is in electronic communication with the controller, and each roadwheel system includes a steering actuator and a steerable wheel rotatably and operably connected to the steering actuator. The steerable wheel is configured to be angled independent of other steerable wheels and relative to a direction of travel of the motor vehicle. A method of stopping the motor vehicle as it travels includes angling a pair of the steerable wheels thereof in opposing directions.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method of controlling a vehicle steer-by-wire system having two independent road wheels. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a steering wheel control sub-system to generate road wheel reference angles and to produce steering feel for a vehicle driver. The method further includes providing a road wheel control sub-system including a road wheel controlled plant and a road wheel controller for controlling actual road wheel angles to track to road wheel reference angles. Moreover, the method includes applying road wheel angles and angular rates as feedback signals to implement the left and right road wheel angles tracking for left and right road wheel reference angles in the road wheel control system with servo control system structure.

Abstract: In a normal state, a reaction force actuator (20) applies an operation reaction force to an steering member (2) through a planetary gear mechanism (6). When failure occurs in a steering actuator (12), the reaction force actuator (20) is turned off, and a plunger (13) locks the rotation of one element (18) which is connected to the reaction force actuator (20), in the planetary gear mechanism (6). In turn, a manual steering mode is set up in which a rotation of the steering member (2) is transmitted to a pinion gear (14) at a transmission ratio of the carrier (16) holding planetary gears (17) and a sun gear (15).

Abstract: A vehicle steering system has a steering grip, in particular a steering wheel, which is operated by the driver, an actuating unit which operates steered vehicle wheels, and a manual force regulator which is coupled via a flexible coupling element with the steering grip and simulates parameter-dependent steering forces on the steering grip. A damping device is provided for reducing the formation of vibrations between the steering grip and the manual force regulator. The damping device interacts with the steering grip either directly or indirectly to damp relative motions between the steering grip and the manual force regulator.

Abstract: A steering system for a motor vehicle, which allows steer-by-wire operation, a hand-torque actuator being connected in the steer-by-wire mode to a steering handle, e.g. a steering wheel, to simulate a steering resistance or a restoring torque. In order to be able to ensure adequate operating safety for the vehicle if the hand-torque actuator fails, even if the steering system is operated on a steer-by-wire basis, damping means are provided, which damp adjusting movements of the steering handle by the driver in the steer-by-wire mode if the hand-torque actuator fails.

Abstract: A drive-by wire steering system comprising a steering shaft and a steering wheel return mechanism is provided. The steering shaft comprises a first geared portion and a first end, where the first end is connectable to a vehicle's steering wheel. The steering wheel return mechanism comprises a torsion spring and a second geared portion. The first geared portion and the second geared portion are operatively engaged such that a first angular displacement of the steering shaft about a first axis imparts a second angular displacement about a second axis to the steering wheel return mechanism. The torsion spring is configured to generate a returning torque on the steering wheel return mechanism upon the second angular displacement of the steering wheel return mechanism. The returning torque has a direction opposite the first angular displacement, and is proportional to the second angular displacement.

Abstract: A steering angle ratio control system is provided which includes a steering angle ratio varying mechanism capable of varying a steering angle ratio by an electric drive unit, and a controller for controlling the steering angle ratio varying mechanism based on a steering angle ratio determined by a steering angle ratio determining section. The controller includes an electric drive unit overheat protecting section that determines, when the temperature of the electric drive unit rises beyond a predetermined temperature, a smaller steering angle ratio as compared with a steering angle ratio determined thereby when the temperature of the electric drive unit is lower than the predetermined temperature. A steering angle ratio control method is also provided.

Abstract: A drive-by wire steering system is provided. The system comprises a steering shaft and a center feel mechanism. The steering shaft is configured for a first angular displacement about a first axis. The steering shaft has a first geared portion and a first end connectable to a vehicle's steering wheel. The center feel mechanism comprises a cam face, an urging member and a second geared portion. The first geared portion and the second geared portion are operatively engaged such that the first angular displacement of the steering shaft imparts a second angular displacement about a second axis to the center feel mechanism. The cam face and the urging member are configured to generate a retuning torque to the center feel mechanism. The retuning torque has a direction opposite the second angular displacement.

Abstract: In a vehicle steering system, a steering mechanism includes an input section, and a steering section mechanically separated from the input section, and arranged to steer a vehicle. An actuating section includes a plurality of drive units for producing an actual torque to the steering mechanism. A controlling section includes a plurality of control units to control the drive units, respectively, in accordance with a common torque share calculated by one of the control units.

Abstract: The steering device for vehicle changes the steering angle by transmitting the movements of the steering electrical actuator to the vehicle wheels. When the vehicle is steered in the stationary state, the hydraulic fluid can be supplied to the steering assistance force generating hydraulic actuator from the pump within the hydraulic pressure imparting unit. When the vehicle is not steered in the stationary state, the hydraulic fluid can be supplied to the brake device from the pump via the hydraulic pressure distribution unit.

Abstract: The vehicle steering system includes a steering operating device operable by the driver, in particular a hand steering wheel, each one electromechanical actuator for controlling of each steerable wheel of a wheel pair on a steerable vehicle axle at the right and left side of a vehicle body, means which, in the event of failure or a malfunction of one of the two actuators associated with a steerable vehicle axle, ensure the control of the two vehicle wheels of this vehicle axle by the respectively other, still functioning actuator, at least one set-value transducer for a steering angle being adjusted that is operable by the steering operating device, at least one actual-value transducer recording the steering angle of the vehicle wheels, a central control unit which controls the electromechanical actuators in dependence on a comparison of a signal of the actual-value transducer (actual value) with a signal of the set-value transducer (set value), and a data transmission unit which establishes a data communicat

Abstract: The present invention involves a method of controlling a vehicle steer-by-wire system having two independent road wheels. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a steering wheel control sub-system to generate road wheel reference angles and to produce steering feel for a vehicle driver. The method further includes providing a road wheel control sub-system including a multivariable road wheel controlled plant and a multivariable-road wheel controller for controlling actual road wheel angles to track to road wheel reference angles within a servo control system structure having road wheel angular position feedback and road wheel angular rate feedback loops. Moreover, the method includes implementing the multivariable road wheel controller to control tracking of the actual left and right wheel angles with the left and right road wheel reference angles, respectively.

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: Disclosed herein is steer-by-wire control systems comprising: a road wheel unit responsive to a road wheel command signal including a road wheel position sensor and a road wheel force sensor. The steer-by-wire control system also includes a steering wheel unit responsive to a steering wheel torque command signal, including a steering wheel position sensor and a torque sensor. The steer-by-wire control system further includes a vehicle speed sensor, and a master control unit operatively connected to the vehicle speed sensor, the steering wheel unit, and the road wheel unit. The steering wheel unit is also responsive to the steering wheel position signal.

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 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.

Abstract: A hand wheel actuator for a steer-by-wire steering system having a steering feel that meets drivers' expectations is provided with a first housing having an aperture, a steering shaft extending through the aperture and rotatably supported by the housing, an electric motor, a position sensor and torque sensor, and a mechanical steering feel enhancement device. The position and torque sensors, are positioned within said first housing and configured to detect the angular displacement of the steering shaft and torque applied against the steering shaft respectively. The mechanical steering feel enhancement device is attached to the first housing and provides at least one of a positive stop function, a return-to-center function, or a friction/weight function by mechanical means. The mechanical steering feel enhancement device is in mechanical communication with said steering shaft and is disposed in a second housing and existing as a separate unitary subassembly prior to being installed on said first housing.

Abstract: A system for initializing a steering wheel in a steer-by-wire vehicle includes a steering wheel, a torque feedback actuator, a steering wheel angle sensor, and a controller. The controller is adapted to calculate a corrected steering wheel angle based upon the relative angular positions of the road wheels and the steering wheel as measured by the respective sensors. The controller then controls the torque feedback generator to rotate the steering wheel into a corrected position such that the torque feedback generator rotates the steering wheel a minimum angle. The controller issues a warning signal in response to any resistance to the correction, including interference from the vehicle driver.

Abstract: A controller comprises: a home position memory which memorizes the home position of a steering wheel for force feedback control; a frequency calculating section which calculates a frequency of input of a steering signal; and a home position rewriting section which memorizes an operating angle of the steering wheel where the steering signal is most frequently inputted, as a new home position of the steering wheel in the home position memory. According to a rewriting signal outputted from the home position rewriting section, the home position memorized in the home position rewriting section is repeatedly rewritten.

Abstract: In a method and device for controlling driving dynamics, at least one steering action at a vehicle axle being controlled, a driving-dynamics setpoint, which is described by at least a yaw-dynamics setpoint, being ascertained, a steering-angle precontrol value being determined on the basis of the driving-dynamics setpoint, using a model of the controlled system, the driving state, which is described by at least the yaw rate, being ascertained, at least one steering-angle correction value being ascertained, based on the deviation of the actual yaw rate from a setpoint yaw rate, and the steering action being defined by the steering-angle precontrol value and the at least one steering-angle correction value.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is steer-by-wire control systems comprising: a road wheel unit responsive to a road wheel command signal including a road wheel position sensor and a road wheel force sensor. The steer-by-wire control system also includes a steering wheel unit responsive to a steering wheel torque command signal, including a steering wheel position sensor and a torque sensor. The steer-by-wire control system further includes a vehicle speed sensor, and a master control unit operatively connected to the vehicle speed sensor, the steering wheel unit, and the road wheel unit. The road wheel unit is also responsive to the road wheel force signal.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a vehicle is provided, which has a controller, a first device for detection of an amount of manipulation rendered to the controller, a second device for detection of an amount of steering of steerable wheels, a control unit for controlling an amount of steering based on at least the amount of manipulation and a third device for applying a reaction force to the controller. The apparatus has a feature that it includes the sensor for detection of a speed of the vehicle and the control unit determines the reaction force by multiplying a deviation between the amount of manipulation and the amount of steering by a coefficient for vehicle speed, which is adapted to be larger as the speed of the vehicle detected by the sensor increases.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle includes a steering handle having a center position, a steer-by-wire system, and a steer feel control system. The steer-by-wire system senses the position of the steering handle and controls the steering angle of a steerable vehicle wheel as a function of the position of the steering handle. The steer feel control system includes a motor that is operatively associated with the steering handle, and has first and second modes of operation. In the first mode, the steer feel control system applies a force to the steering handle as a function of vehicle's operating condition, and in the second mode, the motor may be shorted. The steer feel control system may also include a spring that biases the steering handle towards to the center position. A method is used to provide steering feel to a steering handle of a vehicle having a steer-by-wire system and a steer feel control system, when the steer feel control system fails.

Abstract: A stability control system (24) for an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of sensors sensing the dynamic conditions of the vehicle. The controller (26) is coupled to the sensors. The controller (26) determines a road surface coefficient of friction, calculates a maximum slip angle based on the road surface coefficient of friction, determines a calculated side slip angle in response to measured dynamic vehicle conditions, and reduces a steering wheel actuator angle when the calculated side slip angle is greater than the maximum slip angle.

Abstract: A steering system comprises a hand wheel positioned for manipulation by a driver, a steering shaft extending from the hand wheel, and a magnetic column lock. The steering shaft is supported by a steering column housing so that it can rotate on its own axis. The magnetic column lock includes a rotor attached to steering shaft, a stator attached to column housing, and magnetorheological fluid filling a space between the rotor and stator. In another aspect of the steering system, the steering shaft extends from the hand wheel through a hand wheel actuator having a position sensor and a motor for providing driver feedback. A steering column extends from a lower portion of said steering shaft to a rack, and includes a pinion at its lower end for engagement with the rack, so that the rack translates left and right when the pinion is rotated in corresponding directions. The rack is connected to the front road wheels and causes the front road wheels to steer when it is translated.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for steering a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a back-drivable steer-by-wire system including a road wheel actuator assembly coupled to a wheel of the vehicle. The road wheel actuator assembly defines a steering axis and the steering axis is off-set from a longitudinal axis of the wheel by a positive scrub radius. In an embodiment for a method in accordance with the present invention, a method to steer a vehicle after failure of a road wheel actuator assembly in a back-drivable steer-by-wire steering system is disclosed. The method includes the acts of applying a braking force to the wheel and generating a torque on the road wheel actuator assembly by the applied braking force acting through a positive scrub radius.

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 steering input device for a steer-by-wire system is provided. The input device comprises a first shaft and a hand wheel. The first shaft is rotatably installed in a first housing. The hand wheel is connected to the first shaft such that the hand wheel and the first shaft drive one another. The hand wheel has a range of motion of at least about ±45 degrees, but less than about ±90 degrees. The hand wheel also has an outer dimension of about 12 inches. The range of motion and the outer dimension allow the steering input device to be installed in a vehicle in a non-conventional position.

Abstract: A steerable drive axle for a motor vehicle including a rigid tubular housing, a pair of steering knuckles at opposite ends of the rigid tubular housing, an expanded chamber in the middle of the rigid tubular housing open on one side for access to a differential gear set in the expanded chamber, a differential cover for closing the open side of the expanded chamber, and an electrically-powered steering apparatus on the cover linked to the steering knuckles. The electrically-powered steering apparatus includes a rack bar passage in the differential cover, a rack bar supported in the rack bar passage for linear translation and linked to the steering knuckles, a pinion head rotatably supported on the differential cover having a pinion gear meshing with a rack gear on the rack bar, an electric motor mounted on the differential cover, and a speed reducer on the differential cover between the pinion head and an output shaft of the electric motor.

Abstract: A steering system capable of mechanically coupling together a first steering motor and a second steering motor to form a mechanically coupled steering motor unit so that one steering motor is operable to move both a first rack and a second rack together with minimal lost motion between the mechanically coupled steering motor unit, the first rack and the second rack.

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 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 object of the present invention is to provide a driving apparatus for a vehicle, which is capable of improving the operability and safety of a vehicle driving by enabling a fine correction to the steering amount with a simple apparatus. The apparatus employs the first and second operation devices, for which the steering gains are differentiated for the improvement.

Abstract: A steering system comprises a hand wheel positioned for manipulation by a driver, a steering shaft extending from the hand wheel, and a magnetic column lock. The steering shaft is supported by a steering column housing so that it can rotate on its own axis. The magnetic column lock includes a rotor attached to steering shaft, a stator attached to column housing, and magnetorheological fluid filling a space between the rotor and stator. In another aspect of the steering system, the steering shaft extends from the hand wheel through a hand wheel actuator having a position sensor and a motor for providing driver feedback. A steering column extends from a lower portion of said steering shaft to a rack, and includes a pinion at its lower end for engagement with the rack, so that the rack translates left and right when the pinion is rotated in corresponding directions. The rack is connected to the front road wheels and causes the front road wheels to steer when it is translated.

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 hybrid steer-by-wire and mechanical steering system for a vehicle includes two subsystems. The first subsystem connects a steering wheel with a mechanical link adapted to turn a first wheel of the vehicle. The second subsystem has an electro-mechanical actuator adapted to turn a second wheel of the vehicle. An electronic controller adapted to receive information indicative of the positions of the steering wheel and the first wheel controls the electro-mechanical actuator to thereby control the position of the second wheel.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire control system comprising a master control unit, a road wheel unit electrically connected to the master control unit and a steering wheel unit electrically connected to the master control unit. The steering wheel unit includes a feed forward control path and a feed back control path.

Abstract: A target relative rotation angle of automatic steering is calculated; a target current for assist steering during automatic steering is calculated based on the sum of a torque that inhibits a reaction force of the automatic steering from acting on a steering wheel, a torque that cancels out torque that acts resulting from self-aligning torque of the steered wheels, and a torque according to a steering angle; a target current for assist steering to reduce a steering load on a driver is calculated; a weight of the target current is calculated to increase as the target relative rotation angle increases; and an electric power steering unit is controlled, with a weight sum of the target currents as a final target current.

Abstract: A vehicle with a steering handle, which can be actuated by a driver of the vehicle, with at least one steerable vehicle wheel, which is actuated as a function of actuations of the steering handle, with a control system, which allows operation of the steering system on a steer-by-wire level and on a fall-back level and, at least in an emergency, switches from the steer-by-wire level to the fall-back level, with an electric and/or electronic coupling device, which couples the steering handle to the steerable vehicle wheel on the steer-by-wire level, and with a hydraulic and/or mechanical coupling device, which couples the steering handle to the steerable vehicle wheel on the fall-back level.

Abstract: A steering system functions in accordance with the “steer by wire” concept and has a normal operating system without positive coupling between the steering handle and the steered vehicle wheels, as well as an emergency operating system, which functions with positive coupling between the steered vehicle wheels and the steering handle. An auxiliary operating system is additionally provided, which, in response to malfunctions of the normal operating system, assumes its tasks and, in a transitional phase, adapts the performance characteristics of the steering system to those of the emergency system, which is switched on upon conclusion of the transitional phase. Thus, at the transition from the normal operating system to the emergency operating system, the driver is given time to become accustomed to the other steering performance.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire system uses a semi-active actuator in which a wheel steering motor operates vehicle wheels when a steering wheel is rotated. The steering system includes: a steering operator unit having a steering column with one end vertically connected to the center of the steering wheel, a torsion spring connected between the other end of the steering column and a vehicle body via jigs mounted to both ends thereof, a magneto-rheological brake for providing steering reaction force according to the amount of current, and rotation angle sensor coupled with one end of the steering column for detecting rotation of the steering wheel, and a torque sensor coupled with one end of the steering column for detecting torque of the steering wheel; a current regulator for controlling resistance force against rotation of the magneto-rheological brake.

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 steering shaft supported by bearings has an end suitable for attaching a hand wheel thereto. A position sensor detects the angular displacement of the steering shaft from a central position and produces a signal indicative of such angular displacement. An electric motor and a transmission apply torque to the steering shaft to provide force-feedback to a user. A variable stopper is configured to stop rotation of the steering shaft at an arbitrary location.

Abstract: A steering apparatus (10) for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle in response to rotation of a vehicle steering wheel (12) comprises a first assembly (16), a second assembly (26), and a mechanism (108). The first assembly (16) is operatively coupled to the steering wheel (12) and includes components (18 and 22) for monitoring applied torque and angular rotation of the steering wheel. The second assembly (26) includes a steering gear (34) and components (28 and 30) for receiving the first signal and actuating the steering gear (34) in response to the first signal. The mechanism (108) when in a first mode of operation provides a mechanical connection between the steering wheel (12) and the steering gear (34). When the mechanism (108) is in the second mode of operation, the steering wheel (12) and the steering gear (34) lack a mechanical connection.

Abstract: A drive-by wire steering system comprising a steering shaft and a steering wheel return mechanism is provided. The steering shaft comprises a first geared portion and a first end, where the first end is connectable to a vehicle's steering wheel. The steering wheel return mechanism comprises a torsion spring and a second geared portion. The first geared portion and the second geared portion are operatively engaged such that a first angular displacement of the steering shaft about a first axis imparts a second angular displacement about a second axis to the steering wheel return mechanism. The torsion spring is configured to generate a returning torque on the steering wheel return mechanism upon the second angular displacement of the steering wheel return mechanism. The returning torque has a direction opposite the first angular displacement, and is proportional to the second angular displacement.

Abstract: A drive-by wire steering system is provided. The system comprises a steering shaft and a center feel mechanism. The steering shaft is configured for a first angular displacement about a first axis. The steering shaft has a first geared portion and a first end connectable to a vehicle's steering wheel. The center feel mechanism comprises a cam face, an urging member and a second geared portion. The first geared portion and the second geared portion are operatively engaged such that the first angular displacement of the steering shaft imparts a second angular displacement about a second axis to the center feel mechanism. The cam face and the urging member are configured to generate a retuning torque to the center feel mechanism. The retuning torque has a direction opposite the second angular displacement.

Abstract: A drive-by wire steering system is provided. The steering system comprises a steering shaft and a stop mechanism. The steering shaft is configured for a first angular displacement about a first axis. The steering shaft comprises a first geared portion and a first end. The first end is connectable to a vehicle's steering wheel. The stop mechanism comprises a stop portion and a second geared portion. The stop portion defines a first position and a second position. The first geared portion and the second geared portion are operatively engaged such that angular displacement of the steering shaft imparts a second angular displacement about a second axis to the stop mechanism. The first angular displacement is limited when the second angular displacement is such that the steering shaft abuts the stop portion at either the first position or the second position.

Abstract: A drive-by wire steering system is provided. The steering system comprises a steering shaft and a stop mechanism. The steering shaft is configured for a first angular displacement about a first axis. The steering shaft comprises a first geared portion and a first end. The first end is connectable to a vehicle's steering wheel. The stop mechanism comprises a stop portion and a second geared portion. The stop portion defines a first position and a second position. The first geared portion and the second geared portion are operatively engaged such that angular displacement of the steering shaft imparts a second angular displacement about a second axis to the stop mechanism. The first angular displacement is limited when the second angular displacement is such that the steering shaft abuts the stop portion at either the first position or the second position.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering system is proposed, having a steering wheel actuator and a braking device that acts on the steering column (3). The braking device is activated when the vehicle steering wheel is to be blocked or at least sharply braked, such as when the steering stop is reached or a wheel goes over the edge of a curb. The braking device functions like a switchable freewheel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for steering a vehicle (not shown) provides an input member or steering wheel for receiving steering inputs from a user; a steering-torque sensor mechanically coupled to the input member for sensing the torque applied to the steering wheel; a control circuit electronically coupled to the steering-torque sensor for producing a signal corresponding to the measured driver steering torque; an output actuator electronically coupled to the control circuit and road wheel for receiving the electronic signal and translating it into mechanical motion; and an output member or road wheel mechanically coupled to the output actuator for steering the vehicle (not shown).