Abstract: A steering system for a motor vehicle, having a steering column, an electromechanical steering assistance apparatus, a sensor which is assigned to the steering column and is configured to sense a torque and a rotational angle of the steering column, and a regulator, wherein the electromechanical steering assistance apparatus comprises a motor having an angular position encoder which is configured to sense the motor rotational angle of the motor, wherein the regulator is configured to determine a torque of the electromechanical steering assistance apparatus, and wherein the regulator is also configured to determine a disturbance variable, which gives rise to an undesired steering sensation, in the steering system by means of a Kalman filter.

Abstract: A steering control device for a steering system includes an electronic control unit configured to: calculate target torque that is a target value of the motor torque; control operation of the motor; calculate a vehicle speed basic axial force based on a detected vehicle speed; calculate another state quantity basic axial force based on a state quantity other than the detected vehicle speed; calculate a distributed axial force by adding the vehicle speed basic axial force and the other state quantity basic axial force at individually set distribution ratios; calculate the target torque based on the distributed axial force; and reduce the distribution ratio of the vehicle speed basic axial force when the detected vehicle speed is abnormal as compared to when the detected vehicle speed is normal.

Abstract: A steering control device includes control circuitry configured to perform synchronization control.

Abstract: A vehicle steering intervention system and method prevents a loss of vehicle control condition or a vehicle rollover condition. The system includes a driver input torque sensor for sensing torque applied by a driver to a steering wheel, a steering angle sensor for sensing a steering angle, and a speed determination device for determining a vehicle speed. An electronic power steering unit includes an electronic processor and a memory. The electronic power steering unit determines a vehicle steering intervention threshold based on the torque sensed, the steering angle, and the vehicle speed. The electronic power steering unit predicts whether the vehicle steering intervention threshold will be exceeded within a predetermined time based on a torque gradient and/or a steering angle gradient. When the vehicle steering intervention threshold is predicted to be exceeded, the electronic power steering unit reduces a power steering assist and/or provides a counter steer force.

Abstract: A control method is provided for controlling a lateral position of a motor vehicle. The control method includes calculating a sighting distance of a detector means embedded in the vehicle, calculating a first component of a steering angle setpoint of a steered wheels of the vehicle, and calculating a second component of the steering angle setpoint. The first component is an open loop component of a control system, while the second component is a closed loop component of the control system. The first component is weighted by a gain that is a decreasing function of the sighting distance.

Abstract: An electronic control device includes a control command generation unit that generates and outputs a control command for controlling a first control object; a communication unit that performs communication with another electronic control device that controls a second control object; a communication abnormality determination unit that determines whether communication with the another electronic control device by the communication unit is abnormal; and a reset determination unit that determines whether the another electronic control device is reset based on a change in a sensor signal related to a state of the second control object when the communication abnormality determination unit determines that the communication with the another electronic control device is abnormal.

Abstract: A low profile electric pump arrangement having a motor housing connected to a pump element of a transmission for a vehicle. An inverter housing connected to the motor housing and has a where an electronics control unit (ECU) connects through the inverter housing to selectively supply power to the motor within the motor housing. The recess and the ECU are covered and sealed off from the elements by a plastic cover. In order to obtain a low profile of the electric pump arrangement so it can fit within a desired packaging line on a transmission casing a metal bracket is over molded into the plastic cover. The metal bracket has at least one exposed surface that engages the inverter housing to hold the plastic cover onto the inverter housing in a position so that the plastic cover covers and seals the ECU and recess at the second side of the inverter housing.

Abstract: A technology of mechanically classifying a switching operation between a traveling mode and a special moving mode is provided to prevent a mode switching misoperation. A traveling mode switching mechanism of a four-wheel independent steering type vehicle includes a shift gate which is disposed by forming a moving path of a shift lever, and grouping a traveling mode and a special moving mode. Additionally, a mode switching differentiation devices differentiates a mode switching operation of a driver by configuring so that an operation of the shift lever switched between the traveling mode and the special moving mode is physically different from an operation of the shift lever switched between the traveling modes or between the special moving modes.

Abstract: To restrain a retracting stabilizer from interfering with an assist motor located rearward thereof and ensure energy absorption by a subframe, a vehicle front structure includes an engine; a steering rack disposed frontward of the engine; an assist motor for power steering disposed frontward of the steering rack; a suspension stabilizer disposed frontward of the assist motor; and a subframe mounted with the stabilizer. The stabilizer frontward of the assist motor is disposed offset from the assist motor in an up-down direction so as not to overlap the assist motor in vehicle front view.

Abstract: A steering device includes: a rack shaft; a rack housing; a pinion shaft that meshes with the rack shaft; a speed reducer having a worm wheel that is coupled to the pinion shaft and a worm shaft that meshes with the worm wheel; a speed reducer housing; a motor that drives the worm shaft; a plate-shaped cover that seals an opening of the speed reducer housing; and a breather valve that is mounted on the cover in a state of penetrating through the cover. An inner surface of the cover that faces the worm wheel has an entry restricting part that restricts entry of a lubricant into the breather valve.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes an actuator and an actuator controller. The actuator is configured to generate an output for turning a steerable wheel of a vehicle. The actuator controller is configured to control the actuator in accordance with a steering input. The actuator controller includes a filtering processor configured to perform filtering processing for reducing or cutting a component in a predetermined frequency band from the steering input, and the actuator controller is configured to control the actuator in accordance with the steering input after the filtering processing.

Abstract: A turning system includes a steering wheel, a turning actuator that has an electric motor incorporated thereinto and turns turning wheels, and a control device. The control device is configured to perform: a steering operation amount calculating process of calculating a steering operation amount; an angle command value calculating process of calculating an angle command value; an angle operation amount calculating process of calculating an angle operation amount; an operation process of operating a drive circuit of the electric motor; and a correction process of correcting a parameter upstream from the angle operation amount calculating process such that a drag force resisting an operation of the steering wheel for increasing magnitude of the turning angle is applied when the magnitude of the turning angle is equal to or greater than a turning angle threshold value.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to a method and apparatus for controlling an autonomous vehicle. In particular, the method and apparatus are operative for detecting, by a sensor, an object within a first vehicle path, generating, by a processor, a second vehicle path in response to either the detection of the object such that the second vehicle path avoids the object, or a user initiated trajectory shift, generating, by the processor, an initial steering torque in response to the second vehicle path, performing, by the processor, an adaptation on the initial steering torque to generate an adapted steering torque in response to the initial steering torque exceeding a torque rate limit, and controlling, by a vehicle controller a host vehicle steering system to follow the second vehicle signal path in response to the adapted steering torque.

Abstract: A steering control method controls the steering of a vehicle having a steer-by-wire steering mechanism. A steering reaction force is set that includes a restoration component for restoring a steering angle of the steering wheel to a reference angle, a viscous component corresponding to a steering angular velocity of the steering wheel, and a friction component corresponding to the steering angular velocity. An actuator is controlled to apply a rotational torque to the steering wheel for generating the steering reaction force. A turning angle of the steered wheel is controlled in accordance with the steering angle. A target travel path is set upon determining the driver is not operating the steering wheel. The actuator is controlled such that the steering angle becomes a target steering angle for causing the vehicle to travel along the target travel path to suppress the friction component of the steering reaction force.

Abstract: A dynamic velocity planning method for an autonomous vehicle is performed to plan a best velocity curve of the autonomous vehicle. An information storing step is performed to store an obstacle information, a road information and a vehicle information. An acceleration limit calculating step is performed to calculate the vehicle information according to a calculating procedure to generate an acceleration limit value range. An acceleration combination generating step is performed to generate a plurality of acceleration combinations according to the obstacle information, the road information, and the acceleration limit value range. An acceleration filtering step is performed to filter the acceleration combinations according to a jerk threshold and a jerk switching frequency threshold to obtain a selected acceleration combination. An acceleration smoothing step is performed to execute a driving behavior procedure to adjust the selected acceleration combination to generate the best velocity curve.

Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes a steering mechanism, an electric motor, a torque signal generator, a column angular position signal generator and a signal processing unit. The steering mechanism operatively connects a steering wheel to the road wheels of the vehicle. The electric motor may be operatively connected to the steering mechanism. The torque signal generator may produce a torque signal indicative of the torque carried by a portion of the steering mechanism. The column angular position signal generator may produce a column angle signal indicative of the angular position of the steering wheel or steering column. The signal processing unit may receive the column torque signal and the column angle signal and may produce therefrom a torque demand signal representative of a torque to be applied to the steering mechanism by the motor.

Abstract: One form of a motor control device includes: a waveform generation unit and an amplifier that generate a drive voltage of a voice coil motor (VCM); a DC offset detection unit that detects a DC offset of the drive voltage; a stop control unit that stops application of the drive voltage to a motor coil when the detected DC offset exceeds an operation stop threshold; a temperature correction value setting unit that sets a temperature correction value corresponding to the DC offset when the detected DC offset is lower than the operation stop threshold; a thermistor that detects an ambient temperature; and a vibration level control unit that varies the drive voltage and controls an amplitude level based on the detected ambient temperature and the set temperature correction value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing vehicle steering support by differential wheel braking, the vehicle comprising: at least two axles with at least two wheels per axle; a braking system allowing individual braking of the wheels; and means for determining and/or estimating an operator input torque applied on a steering wheel, wherein the vehicle is configured with a positive scrub radius; the method comprising the steps of: identifying a need for steering support; determining a braking value required for achieving the needed steering support based on an integration of a function of at least one input value (Tinput) related to a determined or estimated operator input torque; and controlling the braking system based on the determined braking value.

Abstract: A vehicle system including one or more sensors, a steering wheel including a rim and an adjusting mechanism for adjusting a coefficient of friction between a surface of the rim and a driver's hand, and a controller configured to determine whether a deviation factor between a target path and an actual path based on the one or more sensors exceeds a threshold deviation, send a first signal to the adjusting mechanism for operating to a first state in response to determining that the deviation factor exceeds the threshold deviation, the coefficient of friction being decreased when the adjusting mechanism is in the first state, and send a second signal to the adjusting mechanism for operating to a second state in response to determining that the deviation factor does not exceed the threshold deviation, the coefficient of friction being increased when the adjusting mechanism is in the second state.

Abstract: To provide a motor controller and an electric power steering apparatus which can suppress torque fluctuation resulting from low detection resolution of angle, with simple calculation, even in condition where the rotational speed of motor is low. A motor controller estimates an angle error correlation value correlated with the angle detection error based on the current command value when a change frequency of the angle detection value is lower than a cutoff frequency of feedback control system which controls a rotation state; corrects the current command value or the angle detection value based on the estimation value of angle error correlation value; and changes the estimation value of angle error correlation value so that the absolute value of angle detection error increases with respect to increase in the current command value, and the absolute value of angle detection error decreases with respect to decrease in the current command value.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus that comprises a first control unit and a second control unit each configured to perform travel control of a vehicle, a first communication line configured to connect the first control unit and the second control unit, a second communication line configured to connect the first control unit and an operation unit configured to operate based on a control signal transmitted from one of the first control unit and the second control unit, and a third communication line configured to connect the operation unit and the second control unit. The vehicle control apparatus further comprises a fourth communication line configured to connect the first control unit and the operation unit.

Abstract: A moveable climbing system includes at least one step, a first set of legs, a second set of legs, a first set of wheels operatively connected to the first set of legs, a second set of wheels operatively connected to the second set of legs, and a motor operatively connected to the first set of wheels, configured to rotate the first set of wheels. The climbing system may further include a battery for providing electric supply for the motor. The at least one step may include a rung of a ladder. The at least one step may include a board of a scaffold. The climbing system may further include a motor box housing the electric motor, wherein the motor box may be configured to operatively connect to and disconnect from the at least one step.

Abstract: An electric power steering assembly for a steering column includes a lower assist shaft defining a first bore. The assembly also includes a needle bearing at least partially disposed within the first bore. The assembly further includes an upper assist shaft assembly defining a second bore and having a journal surface at an end thereof. The assembly yet further includes a torsion bar having a first end disposed in the first bore and a second end disposed in the second bore, the torsion bar having a torsion bar run-out that forces the journal surface to remain in contact with an inner surface of the needle bearing.

Abstract: A steering system includes a steered shaft, a ball screw nut, balls, a housing, a rolling bearing, and a snap ring configured to prevent the rolling bearing from detaching from the ball screw nut. The rolling bearing includes double-row rolling element arrays, an outer ring, a first inner ring, and a second inner ring. The ball screw nut has a receiving portion. The snap ring contacts a side face of the second inner ring to push the second inner ring toward the receiving portion via the first inner ring. A resistance force received from the second outer peripheral fitting surface when the second inner ring moves in the axial direction in a state in which detachment of the rolling bearing is not prevented by the snap ring is smaller than a pushing force with which the snap ring pushes the second inner ring.

Abstract: A rotary wing driving apparatus includes a motor, a rotary wing, and an electromagnetic brake. The rotary wing is attached to a shaft of the motor. The electromagnetic brake is attached to the shaft of the motor.

Abstract: A steering torque feedback assembly for a vehicle steering column includes a housing, a first gear rotatably mounted within the housing about a first rotatable axis and being configured to rotate with, or being connected to, a vehicle steering column, first and second electric motors mounted within the housing, each having a rotatable output shaft, second and third gears rotatably mounted within the housing and engaged with the first gear, and first and second reduction gearing connecting the output of the first and second motors and a respective one of the second and third gears.

Abstract: A motor can be controlled in a user-friendly manner so that a phase current based on an input command torque command value is caused to flow to at least one among U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase windings of the motor, so that a predetermined in-phase current is superimposed on the phase current and caused to flow to at least one among the windings. The motor is controlled such that energization to one winding corresponding to a predetermined energization stop phase is stopped, for example, so that energization to the U-phase winding is stopped, and so that a V-phase current, a W-phase current and an in-phase current are caused to flow to each winding corresponding to a phase other than the energization stop phase, for example, so that the V-phase current, the W-phase current and the in-phase current are caused to flow to the V-phase winding and the W-phase winding.

Abstract: An electric power assisted steering apparatus comprises a steering mechanism which operatively connects a steering wheel to the road wheels of a vehicle, an electric motor operatively connected to the steering mechanism, a torque signal generator adapted to produce a torque signal, a column angular position signal generator for producing a column angle signal and a signal processing unit adapted to receive the column torque signal and the column angle signal and to produce therefrom a torque demand signal representative of a torque to be applied to the steering mechanism. A torque demand signal generating circuit adapted to produce the torque demand signal is a function of both the friction compensating torque and the assistance torque signal, at least partially assists the driver in overcoming the effects of static and/or kinetic friction.

Abstract: Described herein are steer-by-wire systems and methods of operating these systems in vehicles. A steer-by-wire system comprises a steering wheel assembly, comprising a steering wheel, sensors, and a torque generator. The system comprises a rack assembly, comprising a steering rack, sensors, and a rack actuator. The steering wheel assembly and the rack assembly are communicatively coupled by a steer-by-wire system controller, without having any direct mechanical links between the assemblies. In some examples, the controller instructs the rack assembly to control the steering rack position based on the steering input, such as changes in the steering wheel position. A steering map is used to determine the desired steering rack position based on the current steering wheel position. In some examples, a steering map is selected from a steering map set based on, e.g., the vehicle speed, vehicle direction, driver preference, and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling a motor driven steering system may selectively perform a motor current control of the motor driven steering system for reducing motor noise according to a present motor-applied current applied to a steering motor of the motor driven steering system when it is determined from vehicle speed information or wheel speed information detected by a first sensor that a vehicle is currently in a stopped state and it is determined from steering angle information detected by a second sensor that a steering wheel is currently in a steering wheel holding state.

Abstract: A method for controlling a steer-by-wire steering system for motor vehicles includes a steering actuator that acts on the steered wheels and is electronically controlled in accordance with a steering request. A feedback actuator transmits reactions of the road to a steering wheel. A control unit controls the feedback actuator. The method includes determining a basic motor torque; providing at least one steering function which is part of a first subgroup of steering functions; limiting the output value of the at least one steering function to reach a predefined safety level in a first limiter; adapting the basic motor torque by means of the limited output value of the at least one steering function in a summing element; and actuating the feedback actuator with the resulting motor torque which is output by the summing element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an electric power steering system. The system includes an electric motor configured to provide a torque to a steering mechanism of a vehicle, a torsion bar torque sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, and a steering angle sensor. The system also includes an electronic controller configured to determine a failure of the torsion bar torque sensor, receive a vehicle speed from the vehicle speed sensor and a steering angle from the steering angle sensor, calculate a steering assistance torque based on the vehicle speed and the steering angle, calculate a hysteresis torque based on the steering angle, sum the steering assistance torque and the hysteresis torque to determine a turning torque, calculate a return torque and sum the turning torque and return torque to obtain an output torque, and generate a command for the electric motor to provide the output torque to the steering mechanism.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for determining the fatigue of a driver of a motor vehicle, wherein the fatigue is determined while taking into account the steering behavior of the driver, characterized in that the method includes the following steps: determination of a hysteresis of the steering system or the fatigue detection system, and taking into account the detected hysteresis in the determination of the fatigue of the driver. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a device that is set up to execute the method.

Abstract: A method of mowing an area with an autonomous mowing robot comprises storing, in non-transient memory of the robot, a set of geospatially referenced perimeter data corresponding to positions of the mowing robot as the mowing robot is guided about a perimeter of an area to be mowed, removing from the set of perimeter data one or more data points thereby creating a redacted data set and controlling the mowing robot to autonomously mow an area bounded by a boundary corresponding to the redacted data set, including altering direction of the mowing robot at or near a position corresponding to data in the redacted data set so as to redirect the robot back into the bounded area.

Abstract: A vehicle environment detection system (40) in an ego vehicle (1), including a sensor arrangement (4) and a main control unit (8) is arranged to detect and track at least one oncoming vehicle (9), and to determine whether the ego vehicle (1) has entered a curve (17). When this is the case. The main control unit (8) is arranged to, determine an ego direction (21) along which the ego vehicle (1) travels with a corresponding ego direction angle (?ego) with respect to a predetermined axis (xglob), determine a measured oncoming direction (18) of the tracked oncoming vehicle (9) with a corresponding oncoming angle (?track, glob) with respect to the predetermined axis (xglob) during a plurality of radar cycles, determine a difference angle (?) between the measured oncoming direction (18) and the ego direction (21), and compare the difference angle (?) with a threshold angle (?max), and to determine that the oncoming vehicle (9) is crossing if the difference angle (?) exceeds the threshold angle (?max).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus for monitoring one or more target objects in an environment external to a host vehicle by means of at least one sensor, the apparatus being arranged to trigger at least one action responsive to the detection of prescribed relative movement between the host vehicle and the one or more target objects, wherein the apparatus is arranged to monitor one or more control inputs of the vehicle and to over-ride triggering of the at least one action such that triggering of the at least one action is not performed in the event that a prescribed movement of one or more of the control inputs is detected.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric machine having a number of pole pairs, N, a position sensor having a number of pole pairs, M, that generates output indicative of a rotational position of the electric machine, and one or more controllers. The one or more controllers generate a remapped rotational position according to a product of the rotational position and L/N, generate a scaled position according to a product of the remapped rotational position and N/M, and command the electric machine to produce a specified torque or speed based on the scaled position. M is not equal to and not a factor of N, and L is a minimum common multiplier of N and M.

Abstract: An electric drive device includes a motor housing including a housing end face part opposite to an output part of a rotating shaft of an electric motor. The housing end face part includes a power conversion circuit part heat dissipation section and a power supply circuit part heat dissipation section formed to allow at least generated heat of the power conversion circuit part and the power supply circuit part to be transferred to the motor housing. A sensor magnet is fixed to an end part of the rotating shaft opposite to the output part of the rotating shaft and structured to constitute a rotation-sensing target part for sensing rotation of the rotating shaft. The power conversion circuit part heat dissipation section of the housing end face part is positioned closer to the electric motor than the sensor magnet.

Abstract: A disclosed method can control an electric motor for an electromechanical power steering mechanism for assisting steering for a motor vehicle. The electromechanical power steering mechanism may include a steering column with an upper steering shaft linked to a lower steering shaft by a torsion bar. A torsion angle between the upper steering shaft and the lower steering shaft is configured to be measured or estimated, and an electric motor is configured to apply an assistance torque. The method may involve calculating a desired rotor position with an assist algorithm based on the torsion angle and calculating a PWM pattern by a PWM control unit such that the calculated PWM pattern adjusts a rotor of an electric motor angle such that the torsion angle is decreased.

Abstract: A Brushless Direct-Current (BLDC) motor is provided for a power tool, including a stator comprising a coil, a rotor configured to rotate with respect to the stator, terminals secured to the stator, and a sensor circuit mount attached to the stator. The sensor circuit mount defines a plane having a first side and a second side, the sensor circuit mount including Hall sensors mounted on the first side of the plane of the sensor circuit mount facing the stator. Power-supply lines are secured to the terminals to supply electric current to the coil, the power-supply lines being routed from the terminals without traversing the second side of the plane of the sensor circuit mount. The sensor circuit mount is attached to the stator by at least one fastener that extends through an opening of the sensor circuit mount and a receptacle of the stator.

Abstract: A drive part, in particular, a steering system for a transportation vehicle, having an electric motor and at least one control device, wherein the electric motor has at least one winding, wherein the winding has connection points for a power electronics system of the at least one control device, wherein the drive component has at least one sensor system for detecting fluid, wherein the sensor system has an evaluation and control unit connected to the connection points of the at least one winding, wherein the evaluation and control unit generates a test signal and detects a change in impedance.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an MDPS system may include: a column torque sensor configured to sense column torque applied to a steering column of a vehicle; a vehicle velocity sensor configured to sense vehicle velocity of the vehicle; an MDPS basic logic unit configured to decide a first assist command current for driving an MDPS motor in a manual driving mode of a driver; an autonomous driving control unit configured to decide a second assist command current for driving the MDPS motor in an autonomous driving mode of the vehicle; and a mode switching control unit configured to decide a weight into which the driver's steering intention is reflected, and apply the decided weight to the first and second assist command currents to decide a final assist command current for driving the MDPS motor when the vehicle is switched from the autonomous driving mode to the manual driving mode.

Abstract: An embodiment relates to a bus bar comprising a main body; an upper terminal which is disposed on an upper surface of the main body; and a lower terminal which is disposed on a lower surface of the main body, wherein the upper terminal includes a first upper terminal and a second upper terminal, the lower terminal includes a first lower terminal, the main body includes a first hole and a second hole which penetrate the main body, and the first lower terminal has one end which is connected to the first upper terminal through the first hole and the other end which is connected to the second upper terminal through the second hole and to a motor comprising the same. According to this, space utilization inside the motor can be improved.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a steering control method and a steering control system for self-driving of a vehicle. The method comprises the steps of: obtaining information about an expected steering angle of a vehicle based on an automatic planning control operation; detecting whether an effective torque is applied to a steering wheel by a driver; and when it is detected that the driver has applied the effective torque to the steering wheel, computing a difference between a turning angle of the steering wheel controlled by the driver and the expected steering angle of a vehicle, and determining a self-driving intent prompt torque according to the difference between the two, wherein the self-driving intent prompt torque is to be applied to a steering system.

Abstract: A motor comprises: a shaft; a rotor coupled to the shaft and including a magnet; a stator disposed outside the rotor and including a coil and a stator core; a cover disposed on an upper side of the rotor; and a magnetic sensor disposed between the cover and the rotor, wherein the magnetic sensor is disposed on an upper side of the magnet, a surface of the magnetic sensor facing the rotor is disposed below the uppermost end of the coil, and the length of the rotor in the shaft direction is longer than the length of the stator core in the shaft direction.

Abstract: Provided is an electric assisted power steering apparatus having a structure able to disconnect a worm shaft from any malfunctioning motor of motors connected to opposite end portions of the worm shaft, thereby preventing the worm shaft from rotating heavily or failing to rotate. Even in the case in which the worm shaft is disconnected from the malfunctioning motor, a target rotation speed of the properly-operating motor is increased to prevent sudden changes in auxiliary torque occurring on a steering shaft, thereby promoting the safety of a driver. Torque required for the worm shaft is distributed to the two motors, thereby increasing the rotation speeds of the motors and reducing the size and fabrication costs of the motors.

Abstract: A vehicle steering assembly comprises a steering member with a rack portion having rack teeth, a pinion gear having pinion teeth configured to be engaged with the rack teeth, a yoke support assembly supporting the steering member in a housing, and a ball nut operatively connected to the steering member. The pinion gear divides the steering member into a first side having the yoke support assembly outboard of an area of engagement of the rack and pinion teeth and a second side having the ball nut. The yoke support assembly includes complementary convex and concave bearing surfaces configured to provide relative rotation between the convex and concave bearing surfaces. The yoke assembly also includes a spring member configured to produce a variable rate spring force to maintain an engagement between the rack and pinion teeth.

Abstract: An electromagnetic damping system for a steering system includes a pinion gear having a pinion shaft and engaged with a steering rack. The electromagnetic damping system also includes a friction disk operatively coupled to the pinion shaft. The electromagnetic damping system further includes an electromagnetic clutch located adjacent the friction disk, the electromagnetic clutch disposed in a spaced position relative to the friction disk in a first condition of the electromagnetic clutch, the electromagnetic clutch disposed in a contact position relative to the friction disk in a second condition of the electromagnetic clutch to damp the rate of movement of the steering rack.

Abstract: A steering system for a vehicle includes a drive motor having a motor shaft. The steering system also includes a first gear reduction stage for receiving a first rotational input from the motor shaft and providing a first rotational output. The steering system further includes a second gear reduction stage for receiving the first rotational output from the first gear reduction stage and providing a second rotational output. The second gear reduction stage may include at least one of a strain wave gearing, a worm drive, and a planetary gearing. The steering system includes an output shaft for receiving the second rotational output from the second gear reduction stage.

Abstract: An electric steering column device includes a column housing, and a first shaft, a connection shaft and a second shaft provided in the column housing. The connection shaft is movable in an axial direction of the first shaft and the second shaft and is connected to the first shaft and the second shaft so as to rotate together with the first shaft and the second shaft. The first and second shaft are connected to the connection shaft so that the first shaft always rotates at the same rotation speed and that a rotation speed of the second shaft is varied depending on whether or not the connection shaft moves in the axial direction. The device is capable of securing an optimized steering performance by adjusting steering responsibility of a steering wheel depending on a driving state of the vehicle.