Electric preload for variable effort steering system
US7264080B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 29, 2005 |
| Grant date | Sep 4, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 25, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D5/0835
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides a method for controlling valve stiffness in a power steering system. The method includes the step of engaging a pinion and a spool shaft with respect to one another for turning at least two wheels of a vehicle in response to rotation of a steering wheel from an on-center orientation. The method also includes the step of variably assisting movement of the pinion with a hydraulic power steering device having a valve movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The method also includes the step of moving the valve from the open configuration to the closed configuration in response to rotation of the spool shaft relative to the pinion from an on-center orientation to assist the pinion in rotation for turning the at least two wheels. The method also includes the step of first disposing a torsion rod having a first stiffness between the pinion and spool shaft to resist rotation of the spool shaft relative to the pinion from the on-center orientation and resist movement of the valve from the open configuration to the closed configuration. The method also includes the step of second disposing a magnetic coupling having a variable second stiffness…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.