Steering Patents (Class 73/117.02)
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Patent number: 11958555Abstract: An embodiment can provide a torque sensor comprising: a housing; a rotor that is arranged inside the housing; a stator that is arranged on an outer side of the rotor; a circuit board that is arranged in the housing; a Hall-effect sensor that is arranged on the circuit board; and a collector that is arranged adjacent to the Hall-effect sensor, wherein the collector includes a body portion and an extension portion extending from the body portion, the body portion is arranged to be spaced apart from the housing, and the extension portion is directly in contact with the housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2018Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventors: Su Hyoung Lee, Myung Chul Woo
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Patent number: 11529992Abstract: The invention relates to a method for ascertaining a rotational angle (E) of a shaft (2). In order to increase the accuracy of the ascertainment within a greater predefined angle range in relation to the prior art, the following steps are provided: detecting respective rotational angles (W1, W2, W3) of three toothed gears (Z1, Z2, Z3) of a toothed gear arrangement, wherein the three toothed gears (Z1, Z2, Z3), with different numbers of teeth (z1, z2, z3), are meshed directly with a gear ring (10) of the shaft (2), and ascertaining the rotational angle (E) of the shaft (2) on the basis of the respective rotational angles (W1, W2, W3) of the three toothed gears (Z1, Z2, Z3) in accordance with a predetermined extraction rule, wherein the rotational angle (E) of the shaft (2) is distinctly defined within a predefined angle range by the entirety of the respective rotational angles (W1, W2, W3).Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2018Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: Valeo Schalter und Sensoren GmbHInventor: Landry Tandjeu-Tchuissi
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Patent number: 11186313Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating steering wheel reaction torque. Steering wheel reaction torque is generated in an SBW system so as to be able to maintain constant hysteresis regardless of a steering angle or rack force. The apparatus for generating steering wheel reaction toque in an SBW system for a vehicle includes: an offset determiner determining an offset on the basis of input factors; a target reaction torque determiner determining target reaction torque on the basis of at least one of the input factors and the offset; and a reaction torque generator generating steering wheel reaction torque on the basis of the determined target reaction torque.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2019Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventor: Seunggyu Hong
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Patent number: 10414406Abstract: A method, executed by a computer, includes receiving movement data and distracting conditions data corresponding to one or more driving sessions for a user and identifying a potentially distracting condition for the user encountered during the one or more driving sessions. The method also includes determining one or more distraction-free intervals and one or more distraction-present intervals corresponding to driving during the one or more driving sessions. The method also includes comparing movement data corresponding to the one or more distraction-free intervals with movement data corresponding to the one or more distraction-present intervals to produce distraction effect information. A computer system and computer program product corresponding to the method are also disclosed herein.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2016Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Robert G. Farrell, Jonathan Lenchner
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Patent number: 10384712Abstract: If abnormalities of the sensor part are detected, the power-source control section temporarily stops the electric power supply from the sensor power source to the sensor part so that the sensor power source voltage Vs which is the voltage between the sensor power source and the sensor part falls. In addition, after electric power supply to the sensor part resumes, and the sensor part is recovered from the abnormalities, then, the power source control section continues the electric power supply from the sensor power source to the sensor part. When the sensor part is not recovered from the abnormalities, the power source control section stops the electric power supply from the sensor power source to the sensor part.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2016Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Katsuhiko Hayashi, Takaharu Kozawa, Shuji Kuramitsu, Kouichi Nakamura, Masaya Taki, Toshimitsu Sakai
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Patent number: 10168150Abstract: An apparatus and a method for auto-leveling a steering wheel include an angle sensor configured to sense an inclination of the steering wheel; and a communication unit configured to wirelessly transmit an angle measured by the angle sensor to a controller controlling a driving of a motor driven power steering (MDPS).Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2016Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Dong Myong Kim
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Patent number: 9651451Abstract: This backlash measurement device measures the backlash existing between a first part and a second part that is provided with: a left pressing piece (37L) and a right pressing piece (37R) that rotate together with the second part, that pass through the center of rotation (41), and that extend the same distance from the center of rotation; a left pressing mechanism (38L) that presses the left pressing piece and a right pressing mechanism (38R) that presses the right pressing piece; a displacement amount detection mechanism (39) that comes into contact with the right pressing piece and that measures the displacement amount of the left pressing piece and the displacement amount of the right pressing piece; and a calculation unit (49) that determines backlash on the basis of the left displacement amount and the right displacement amount detected by the displacement amount detection mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2013Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazunari Inamori, Hideo Suzuki, Susumu Tanaka, Seiichiro Naka, Yuji Sezaki
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Patent number: 9417049Abstract: A rotational angle detecting device includes a resistor of which one end is connected to the power source and the other end is grounded, a rotary potentiometer having two wipers which come into sliding contact with the surface of the resistor, a control unit which detects voltage applied to each of the wipers depending on the positions thereof upon the surface of the resistor, two resistors connected at one end to each of the two wipers, and switching means which switch the connection state between the other end of the two resistors and the power source under control of the control unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Ryuji Ataka, Yuzuru Ito, Sadayuki Amako
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Patent number: 9362555Abstract: A rechargeable lithium cell comprising: (a) an anode comprising an anode active material; (b) a cathode comprising a hybrid cathode active material composed of an electrically conductive substrate and a phthalocyanine compound chemically bonded to or immobilized by the conductive substrate, wherein the phthalocyanine compound is in an amount of from 1% to 99% by weight based on the total weight of the conductive substrate and the phthalocyanine compound combined; and (c) electrolyte or a combination of electrolyte and a porous separator, wherein the separator is disposed between the anode and the cathode and the electrolyte is in ionic contact with the anode and the cathode. This secondary cell exhibits a long cycle life, the best cathode specific capacity, and best cell-level specific energy of all rechargeable lithium-ion cells ever reported.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2012Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Nanotek Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Guorong Chen, Zhenning Yu, Aruna Zhamu, Bor Z. Jang
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Patent number: 9234815Abstract: A torque measuring system is provided in a vehicle transmission including a clutch assembly having a two part, rotatable torque transmitting member, the two pans of the member being angularly movable relative to one another against the compression of at least one damper spring pack, and an actuator with a non rotatable cylinder for controlling the clutch. A device for radiating and receiving wave energy is arranged to irradiate the damper spring pack in order to receive a reflected modulation signal proportional to the current resonance frequency of the damper spring pack, and where the modulation signal is arranged to be converted to a torque value by a signal processing device, which torque value corresponds to the actual torque over the clutch.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2011Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventors: Lars BrĂ¥the, Stefan Jansson
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Patent number: 9182224Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus used during testing of the steering characteristics of a wheeled motor vehicle and can be used for measuring and adjusting the chassis geometry parameters including toe-in/toe-out, camber, caster, steering angles and plays, and the like. The apparatus designed to be mounted within the interwheel space on the wheel disk and comprising a removable support designed to be mounted on the inner side of the wheel disk.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2012Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Inventor: Mykhaylo Lokshyn
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Patent number: 9020700Abstract: A lane tracking apparatus and method using camera direction control is provided. The lane tracking apparatus using camera direction control includes a lane recognition unit for obtaining lane information from an image captured and acquired by a camera. A road curvature calculation unit calculates a curvature of a road using the lane information. A camera direction angle control unit controls a direction angle of the camera in consideration of the road curvature.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Myung-Chan Roh, Jae-Min Byun, Ki-In Na, Sung-Hoon Kim
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Patent number: 9007190Abstract: A sensor for installation on a steering wheel includes a pressure sensitive material mounted on a base material of the steering wheel. The pressure sensitive material is configured to provide an electrical signal to a controller when pressure is applied. The controller provides a command to a vehicle system based on the electrical signal. The pressure sensitive material has at least one of a variable resistance and a variable capacitance based on the amount or type of pressure that is applied to the material. The electrical signal is based on the at least one of a variable resistance and a variable capacitance.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.Inventors: Jerome Bosch, David Andrews, Jason Lisseman
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Patent number: 8943879Abstract: Disclosed herein are a steering torque and steering angle measurement apparatus, the present invention including a stator fixed to an output shaft, a magnet disposed at the inner part of the stator and being fixed to an input shaft, a torque sensor measuring a steering torque by sensing a magnetic field produced between the stator and the magnet, and a steering angle signal generation part measuring the steering angle by outputting an ON signal ordinary times and outputting an OFF signal at each preset rotation duration of the output shaft when the output shaft rotates, thereby reducing a component number, simplifying a manufacturing process and saving a cost price.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2010Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.Inventor: Minchul Kang
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Publication number: 20140338436Abstract: An automated vehicle steering centering assembly for a centering process for marking a center of a steering column includes a housing connected to a robotic arm for movement therewith. A drive mechanism is mounted to the housing. A chuck is rotatably connected to the drive mechanism. The chuck includes a moveable gripper jaw having a splined inner surface for mating with a splined portion of the steering column. A pneumatic mechanism is mounted to the housing and operably connected to the chuck. Air pressure supplied from the pneumatic mechanism to the chuck moves the gripper jaw between an open position and a closed position so as to grip the steering column.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2013Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Greg Camp, Alan Rainwater, Mark Grimes
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Publication number: 20140230533Abstract: A method for determining a rack force for a steering apparatus of a vehicle, in which the rack force is determined as a function of a steering angle variable which characterizes an actual wheel steering angle or a set point of the wheel steering angle. In order to specify a method for determining a rack force, with which a target steering torque can be generated such that a comfortable steering feel is imparted to the driver and the steering apparatus nevertheless gives the driver feedback that is as realistic as possible regarding the motion state of the vehicle, the method comprises: determining a variable which characterizes a lateral force on a shaft of the steering apparatus, and determining the rack force as a function of the lateral force, wherein the determination of the rack force comprises a filtering by means of a signal processing element having a proportional-differential transfer function.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2012Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: ZF LENKSYSTEME GmbHInventors: Roland Greul, Thomas Werner, Joerg STRECKER
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Patent number: 8779764Abstract: To provide a method which can define the direction and orientation of magnetization of a pinned layer while reducing the number of steps of forming a GMR film. The magnetization direction of the pinned layer is defined in a plurality of directions by forming a plurality of patterns having directivities. Further, when the magneto-resistive effect film is formed, a magnetic field is applied in a direction at an angle set between the angles of the plurality of patterns.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2010Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.Inventors: Kenichi Meguro, Hiroyuki Hoshiya, Keizou Katou, Yasunori Abe
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Patent number: 8779761Abstract: A rotation angle detecting unit includes an IC package having a magnetism detecting element, a sealing body, and leads; and a covering member having a fixing part and a supporting part, which are integrally formed from resin. The element outputs a signal according to change of a magnetic field generated upon rotation of a magnetism generating device attached to a detection object. The sealing body covers the element. The leads are connected to the element, and project from the sealing body. The fixing part is fixed to a supporting body so that the covering member is attached to the supporting body. The supporting part supports the package such that the element can output the signal. The package is press-fitted into the supporting part after its formation, so that the package is supported by the supporting part with a predetermined pressure applied to part of an outer wall of the sealing body.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Satoru Hiramoto, Yoshiyuki Kono, Akitoshi Mizutani, Koichiro Matsumoto
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Patent number: 8717010Abstract: Magnetic position sensors, systems and methods are disclosed. In an embodiment, a position sensing system includes a magnetic field source with a dipole moment in a direction along a z-axis; and a sensor module spaced apart from a center of the dipole moment a distance y0 along a y-axis and spaced apart a distance z0 from a center of the dipole moment along a z-axis, at least one of the magnetic field source or the sensor module configured to move relative to the other along a path in the y=y0 plane, the sensor module configured to determine a relative position of the magnetic field source to the sensor module with respect to the path from a ratio of a gradient dBz/dx to a gradient dBz/dy, where Bz is a magnetic field component associated with the permanent magnet, and where an x-axis, the y-axis and the z-axis are at right angles.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Udo Ausserlechner, Armin Satz, Ferdinand Gastinger
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Patent number: 8664943Abstract: The present invention provides a single component implementing highly precise pulse detection for rotational or liner position detecting apparatuses for jog dials and mechanical products. Focusing on the fact that the phase difference between the magnetic fields in circumferential and radial directions generated by a magnetized ring is precisely 90 degrees, a position detecting apparatus of the present invention includes two Hall elements placed at a distance; a protective film provided on magnetic sensitive portions of the two Hall elements to cover the magnetic sensitive portions; a thin-film magnetic plate placed on the protective film to cover the magnetic sensitive portions of the two Hall elements; and further a processing circuit calculating the sum and difference of the signals from the two Hall elements to generate signals having an accurate phase difference of 90 degrees. The position detecting apparatus can therefore detect the rotation direction and precise rotation angle.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Asahi Kasei Microdevices CorporationInventor: Ichiro Okada
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Patent number: 8661875Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting a leak in a gas precharged hydraulic accumulator having an initial gas charge entail activating a hydraulic pump to charge the gas precharged hydraulic accumulator and the hydraulic circuit associated with the gas precharged hydraulic accumulator when the hydraulic circuit and the hydraulic accumulator have a temperature that is substantially equivalent to an ambient temperature, e.g., on a cold start. The hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic circuit is monitored, and when a step in the hydraulic pressure is detected, various quantities are measured and used to determine a volumetric efficiency of the pump for use in later calculations of remaining gas amount.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Heng Zhou
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Publication number: 20140047914Abstract: Provided is a power steering sensor assembly which is capable of maintaining a stable coupling between a sensing device and a housing without using a separate auxiliary member, and is mounted in an electric power steering system. The power steering sensor assembly includes a sensing device including a plurality of coupling projections formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof, and a first housing having the sensing device housed therein and including a plurality of coupling grooves formed on an inner circumferential surface thereof, the coupling grooves each having an upper end which is opened. When the sensing device is housed in the first housing, the coupling projections of the sensing device are inserted into the coupling grooves of the first housing, respectively, such that the sensing device is coupled to the first housing without being moved in a radial direction and an axial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2013Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventor: Chang Hwan LEE
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Publication number: 20130319100Abstract: A torque sensor to which a sensor device is applied includes: a first sensor IC that detects a torque that acts on a steering shaft of a vehicle and outputs detection signals based on the detection results; and a second sensor IC that detects a torque that acts on the steering shaft of the vehicle and outputs detection signals based on the detection results.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2013Publication date: December 5, 2013Inventor: Hiroshi KICHISE
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Patent number: 8590370Abstract: Provided is a power steering sensor assembly which is capable of maintaining a stable coupling between a sensing device and a housing without using a separate auxiliary member, and is mounted in an electric power steering system. The power steering sensor assembly includes a sensing device including a plurality of coupling projections formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof; and a first housing having the sensing device housed therein and including a plurality of coupling grooves formed on an inner circumferential surface thereof, the coupling grooves each having an upper end which is opened. When the sensing device is housed in the first housing, the coupling projections of the sensing device are inserted into the coupling grooves of the first housing, respectively, such that the sensing device is coupled to the first housing without being moved in a radial direction and an axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2009Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chang Hwan Lee
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Patent number: 8584516Abstract: A method is provided for centering a steering rack in an automotive vehicle, particularly a vehicle that includes an electric power steering (EPS) system. The centering method includes locating a center by using an electric motor of the EPS system. The method includes temporarily locking the steering rack in place and subsequently installing a steering wheel to a steering column. An on-board processor or ECU of the automotive vehicle determines or locates the center of the rack by detecting the first and second ends of the rack when at least one of a velocity of the electric motor reaches zero, a current of the electric motor reaches a preselected level, and steering angle of the electric motor stabilizes. The method monitors potential pinch point zones and reverses turning of the tires upon reaching the pinch threshold level and the automatic centering process is terminated.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nathaniel Ellis, Andrew M. Sweigart, Nathan Adam Powell, Lonnie Eugene Driscoll
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Patent number: 8418543Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for determining and adjusting the chassis geometry of a vehicle. In order to provide a device for determining and adjusting vehicle chassis geometry, which can be manufactured as inexpensively as possible, the invention proposes that two tracks be provided on which the vehicle can be moved from a position A to a position B, each track having two means to permit lateral relaxation of the vehicle wheels as well as rotary discs located in the area of the vehicle's front axle at position B, that a measuring sensor operating according to the principle of stereophotogrammetry is located on the outside of each of the tracks, and that means for measuring the travel of the measuring sensors and a steering-wheel balance for detecting the position of the steering wheel are provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2009Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Duerr Assembly Products GmbHInventors: Thomas Tentrup, André Deutsch, Thomas Kolb
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Patent number: 8408057Abstract: A measuring arrangement for measuring the movement of a piston within a housing of a fluid cylinder includes a voltage generating arrangement for generating a reference voltage which is coupled to two locations of the cylinder which are spaced from each other in the direction of movement of the piston within the housing, these two locations being separately coupled to a piston movement evaluation arrangement which is also separately coupled to one or more further locations of the cylinder to which the two locations are electrically coupled so as to receive varying measurement voltage(s) as the two locations move relative to the further location(s). The evaluation arrangement uses the measurement voltage(s) to determine the piston movement.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2008Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Nicolai Tarasinski
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Patent number: 8375779Abstract: A method for determining an absolute rotational position of a vehicle steering column is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the method determines a relative position of a steering assist motor utilizing a relative position sensor. Thereafter, the method determines the absolute rotational position of the vehicle steering column based upon the relative position of the steering assist motor.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2011Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Kathryn L. Pattok, Geoff P. Krieger, Tony Dodak, William H. Wittig, Steve R. Bannister
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Publication number: 20120312088Abstract: Disclosed herein are a steering torque and steering angle measurement apparatus, the present invention including a stator fixed to an output shaft, a magnet disposed at the inner part of the stator and being fixed to an input shaft, a torque sensor measuring a steering torque by sensing a magnetic field produced between the stator and the magnet, and a steering angle signal generation part measuring the steering angle by outputting an ON signal ordinary times and outputting an OFF signal at each preset rotation duration of the output shaft when the output shaft rotates, thereby reducing a component number, simplifying a manufacturing process and saving a cost price.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2010Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.Inventor: Minchul Kang
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Patent number: 8327699Abstract: A method is provided for centering a steering rack in an automotive vehicle, particularly a vehicle that includes an electric power steering (EPS) system. The centering method includes locating a center by using an electric motor of the EPS system. The method includes temporarily locking the steering rack in place and subsequently installing a steering wheel to a steering column after the locating step. The method further includes operatively communicating with an on-board processor or ECU of the automotive vehicle and running a program to determine or locate the center of the rack. The method may also include detecting the first and second ends of the rack when at least one of a velocity of the electric motor reaches zero, a current of the electric motor reaches a preselected level, and steering angle of the electric motor stabilizes.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nathaniel Ellis, Andrew M. Sweigart, Nathan Adam Powell
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Patent number: 8312987Abstract: A belt monitoring system employs a belt having at least one reinforcement member made from a conductive reinforcement material. A belt monitor is disposed in conjunction with the belt. The belt monitor comprises a field inductor excited by an applied signal. An electrical characteristic of at least a portion of the field inductor as influenced by changes in the electrical properties of the conductive reinforcement member is monitored in order to determine a physical condition of the conductive reinforcement member and thereby monitor a physical characteristic of the belt. This monitoring may be carried out by a sense inductor disposed adjacent or in conjunction with the field inductor.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2008Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: The Gates CorporationInventors: David Lynn, Graeme Knox, Carl Wacker, Ralph Moffett, William Stewart, Idir Boudaoud, Alan Kenneth McCall, Dave Hanes
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Patent number: 8297116Abstract: In a quick removable position sensor installed onto a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, a transmission mechanism is sheathed onto a steering wheel axle, such that the transmission mechanism and the steering wheel axle can perform a turning movement, and an end of an angular sensor is connected to the steering wheel axle, and another end of the angular sensor is connected to the transmission mechanism, for receiving a turning signal generated and outputted by a turning of the transmission mechanism, and a casing is provided for covering the steering wheel axle, the transmission mechanism and the angular sensor, such that the components in the casing can perform the turning movement and receive the turning signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Whetron Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ming-Shian Sun
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Patent number: 8131425Abstract: An optical steering angle sensor for determining the absolute value of the steering angle even when a steering wheel has been revolved several times is provided, having a stator, a rotor with a barcode and evaluation electronics. In one form, the invention provides for the rotor to have a track groove which is arranged in the form of a worm in order to determine the number of revolutions, which track groove has an associated driver finger on the stator, which engages in the track groove and is arranged in a bearing such that it can pivot, and has a holder for a magnet which can pivot with the driver finger and which driver finger has an associated stationary Hall sensor, which is provided in an evaluation circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Takata-Petri AGInventors: Horst MĂ¼ller, Holger Franz, Thomas Sauerwein, Markus Stollberg
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Publication number: 20120046836Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining a toothed rack force on a steering device in a vehicle, wherein the toothed rack force (forZS) is determined as a function of a plurality of models, and wherein a component (forESM) of the toothed rack force (forZS) which relates to a driving process is generated by means of a first model, and a component of the toothed rack force (forZS) which relates to a parking process is generated by means of a second model.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Inventors: Joerg Strecker, Thomas Werner
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Patent number: 8090502Abstract: A device and a method for reducing unwanted or undesireable excitations at a steering wheel include a sensor system with which unwanted excitation at a steering wheel and/or steering gear can be sensed. A closed-loop control unit is configured to generate an additional steering torque on the basis of the sensed unwanted excitation. A servomotor applies the additional steering torque to the steering gear.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2006Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Volkswagen AGInventors: Stefan Brosig, Konstantin Sedlan, Andreas Marx
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Publication number: 20110303001Abstract: A rotary angle and rotary torque device includes a rotary torque sensor for sensing rotary torque of a steering shaft, a first magnet, a first magnetism sensing element, a sensing gear engaged with a rotary gear, a second magnet mounted to the sensing gear, a second magnetism sensing element, and a controller. The rotary torque sensor includes a first rotator and a second rotator either one of which has the rotary gear. The first rotator rigidly adheres to the second rotator via a coupler. The first magnet is mounted to either one of the first rotator or the second rotator. The first magnetism sensing element faces the first magnet, and the second magnetism sensing element faces the second magnet. The controller senses a rotary angle based on signals supplied from the first and the second magnetism sensing elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: SHINJI HIROSE, KIYOTAKA SASANOUCHI
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Publication number: 20110271749Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for determining and adjusting the chassis geometry of a vehicle. In order to provide a device for determining and adjusting vehicle chassis geometry, which can be manufactured as inexpensively as possible, the invention proposes that two tracks be provided on which the vehicle can be moved from a position A to a position B, each track having two means to permit lateral relaxation of the vehicle wheels as well as rotary discs located in the area of the vehicle's front axle at position B, that a measuring sensor operating according to the principle of stereophotogrammetry is located on the outside of each of the tracks, and that means for measuring the travel of the measuring sensors and a steering-wheel balance for detecting the position of the steering wheel are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2009Publication date: November 10, 2011Inventors: Thomas Tentrup, André Deutsch, Thomas Kolb
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Patent number: 8047066Abstract: A steering angle sensing apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus and method sense the steering angle of a steering shaft by using a rotated bit value difference corresponding to the rotated angles of magnets, which are respectively coupled on an axis of one of a plurality of sub gears, when the sub gears with respectively different gear ratios rotate with a shaft gear that rotates together with the steering shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2010Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyong Ho Kang, Choon Wook Park, Sung Kyu Bae, Chang Hwan Lee
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Publication number: 20110247408Abstract: Provided is a power steering sensor assembly which is capable of maintaining a stable coupling between a sensing device and a housing without using a separate auxiliary member, and is mounted in an electric power steering system. The power steering sensor assembly includes a sensing device including a plurality of coupling projections formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof; and a first housing having the sensing device housed therein and including a plurality of coupling grooves formed on an inner circumferential surface thereof, the coupling grooves each having an upper end which is opened. When the sensing device is housed in the first housing, the coupling projections of the sensing device are inserted into the coupling grooves of the first housing, respectively, such that the sensing device is coupled to the first housing without being moved in a radial direction and an axial direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2009Publication date: October 13, 2011Inventor: Chang Hwan Lee
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Publication number: 20110241850Abstract: A sensor for installation on a steering wheel includes a pressure sensitive material mounted on a base material of the steering wheel. The pressure sensitive material is configured to provide an electrical signal to a controller when pressure is applied. The controller provides a command to a vehicle system based on the electrical signal. The pressure sensitive material has at least one of a variable resistance and a variable capacitance based on the amount or type of pressure that is applied to the material. The electrical signal is based on the at least one of a variable resistance and a variable capacitance.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventors: Jerome BOSCH, David ANDREWS, Jason LISSEMAN
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Publication number: 20110224874Abstract: A method for determining an absolute rotational position of a vehicle steering column is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the method determines a relative position of a steering assist motor utilizing a relative position sensor. Thereafter, the method determines the absolute rotational position of the vehicle steering column based upon the relative position of the steering assist motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventors: Kathryn L. Pattok, Geoff P. Krieger, Tony Dodak, William H. Wittig, Steve R. Bannister
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Patent number: 8011234Abstract: A sensor system for a steering wheel of a motor vehicle is provided, characterized in that, in one form, in and/or on a steering wheel rim at least one sensor device for recording the effects of an acceleration is arranged. Rapid and effective reactions can thus be made to impact events, for example.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Takata-Petri AGInventor: Marcus Kandler
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Publication number: 20110209535Abstract: In a quick removable position sensor installed onto a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, a transmission mechanism is sheathed onto a steering wheel axle, such that the transmission mechanism and the steering wheel axle can perform a turning movement, and an end of an angular sensor is connected to the steering wheel axle, and another end of the angular sensor is connected to the transmission mechanism, for receiving a turning signal generated and outputted by a turning of the transmission mechanism, and a casing is provided for covering the steering wheel axle, the transmission mechanism and the angular sensor, such that the components in the casing can perform the turning movement and receive the turning signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2010Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventor: Ming-Shian SUN
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Patent number: 7950274Abstract: A method for determining an absolute rotational position of a vehicle steering column is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the method determines a relative position of a steering assist motor utilizing a relative position sensor. Thereafter, the method determines the absolute rotational position of the vehicle steering column based upon the relative position of the steering assist motor.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Inventors: Kathryn L. Pattok, Geoff P. Krieger, Tony Dodak, William H. Wittig, Steve R. Bannister
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Patent number: 7944202Abstract: A rotation angle detector is arranged to detect a rotation angle of an object. The rotation angle detector includes a rotor that rotates about a rotation axis according to a rotation of the object, a detecting unit for detecting a rotation of the rotor, a controller for detecting a rotation angle of the rotor based on a detection signal output from the detecting unit, and a case for accommodating the rotor rotatably. The case has at least three elongate holes provided therein. The elongated holes have longitudinal directions extending radially from the rotation axis of the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2008Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Tetsuya Koma, Toshio Tanaka
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Publication number: 20110030463Abstract: A steering angle sensing apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus and method sense the steering angle of a steering shaft by using a rotated bit value difference corresponding to the rotated angles of magnets, which are respectively coupled on an axis of one of a plurality of sub gears, when the sub gears with respectively different gear ratios rotate with a shaft gear that rotates together with the steering shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2010Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyong Ho Kang, Choon Wook Park, Sung Kyu Bae, Chang Hwan Lee
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Patent number: 7856293Abstract: A device including an inertial reference station for measuring an aircraft heading. An inertial reference unit which is mountable on a wheel of a nose landing gear by a fixing system, and is used for measuring the heading of said landing gear in a non-steering position. A data processing unit includes a comparison unit for carrying out a comparison between the measured heading of the nose landing gear and the measured aircraft heading in such a way that the orientation of the nose landing gear is calculated with respect to the aircraft body.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2005Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Airbus FranceInventor: Bernard Furgal
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Patent number: 7841231Abstract: A steering angle sensing apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus and method sense the steering angle of a steering shaft by using a rotated bit value difference corresponding to the rotated angles of magnets, which are respectively coupled on an axis of one of a plurality of sub gears, when the sub gears with respectively different gear ratios rotate with a shaft gear that rotates together with the steering shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2007Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyong Ho Kang, Choon Wook Park, Sung Kyu Bae, Chang Hwan Lee
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Patent number: 7800357Abstract: A steering angle sensor comprises a main rotor which can be rotated in a rotationally synchronous manner and which can be coupled to a steering column or to a steering wheel. The main rotor can be rotated about the rotational axis of the steering column. The steering angle sensor also comprises at least one additional rotor which can be driven by the main rotor, a first scanning unit which is used to scan the position of the rotational angle of the main rotor, and a second scanning unit which is used to scan the rotational angle of the additional rotor. The additional rotor can be rotated about the rotational axis of the steering column and can drive the additional rotor of at least one transmission element driven by the main rotor. A method for determining the absolute steering angle of a steering wheel is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2005Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Valeo Schalter und Sensoren GmbHInventor: Christian Ruetz
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Publication number: 20100206061Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device (10, 56) and to a measuring method for determining the position of a piston (12), which is arranged in a movable manner in a cylinder housing (14), of a cylinder (16). The measuring device (10, 56) comprises a device (22) for generating a reference voltage, an application device (24) for applying the reference voltage, a pick-off device (36) for picking off a measurement voltage, and an evaluation device (40). It is proposed according to the invention that the reference voltage can be applied to the cylinder (16) at a first and at a second position (30, 32) by means of the application device (24). The first position (30) is arranged at a distance from the second position (32) in relation to the movement direction (34) of the piston (12). The measurement voltage can be picked off at a third position (38) of the cylinder (16) by means of the pick-off device (36). The reference voltage and the measurement voltage can be supplied to the evaluation device (40).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2008Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventor: Nicolai Tarasinski