Method, system, and apparatus for providing enhanced steering pull compensation

US7725227B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• Kathryn L. Pattok · Frankenmuth, US
• Terrence D. Smith · Bay City, US
• Ashok Chandy · Fenton, US
• Julie A. Kleinau · Bay City, US
• Jeff Zuraski · Saginaw, US
• Mark P. Colosky · Sunnyvale, US
• Troy P. Strieter · Sebewaing, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 15, 2006
• Grant date: May 25, 2010
• Expiry date: Jan 21, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B62D6/04
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method, system, and apparatus for providing enhanced steering pull compensation are provided. The method compensates for steering pull in a vehicle steering system that includes a handwheel. The method includes monitoring the vehicle to determine whether the vehicle is heading forward along a substantially linear straight-ahead path and, if so, measuring handwheel torque, as a sensed torque signal, to determine an amount of steering pull existing at the handwheel. The method also includes generating a torque assist signal in response to the sensed torque signal and calculating an offset signal for reducing the amount of steering pull to substantially zero. The method further includes producing a modified torque assist signal by adding the offset signal to the torque assist signal, and applying the modified torque assist signal to the vehicle steering system.