End-of-travel impact management system
US6408235B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 18, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 18, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D5/0469
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for controlling the collisions between elements of an automotive rack and pinion steering apparatus and an end-of-travel stop is presented. The system comprises a sensor for sensing a set of dynamic variables of the rack and pinion steering apparatus and operative thereby to generate as output therefrom a first set of signals indicative of the set of dynamic variables; a controller responsive to the first set of signals and operative thereby to provide as output therefrom a modified torque assist command; and a motor drive assembly drive assembly responsive to the modified torque assist command and operative thereby to provide modified torque assistance to the rack and pinion steering apparatus. In another embodiment, the dynamic data is used to calculate a torque limit to be imposed upon the torque assist command whenever the steering system is close to end-of-stop. The two embodiments may also be superimposed. The invention reduces torque at end-of-travel impacts, and helps preserve the mechanical integrity of the power steering system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.