System and method for testing a hands-off clutch for a steering hardware-in-loop (HIL) system
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsWilliam F. Dickson, Theodore P. Konieczny, Aaron Ronald
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A calibration system for an electric power steering system includes a hardware-in-loop (HIL) test fixture, and an electric power steering system mounted to the HIL test fixture. The electric power steering system includes a power steering rack, and an intermediate shaft (I-shaft) mechanically connected to the power steering rack. An electric motor is operatively connected to the HIL test fixture. A clutch assembly is operatively connected between the electric motor and the I-shaft. The clutch assembly is operable to selectively connect the electric motor with the I-shaft.
Claims14
A calibration system for an electric power steering system comprising:
- a hardware-in-loop (HIL) test fixture;
- an electric power steering system mounted to the HIL test fixture, the electric power steering system including a power steering rack, and an intermediate shaft (I-shaft) mechanically connected to the power steering rack;
- an electric motor operatively connected to the HIL test fixture;
- a clutch support operatively connected to the electric motor, the clutch support including a clutch mounting zone;
- and
- a clutch assembly operatively connected to the clutch mounting zone between the electric motor and the I-shaft, the clutch assembly being operable to selectively connect the electric motor with the I-shaft.
A method of tuning a calibration for an electric power steering system comprising:
- energizing a clutch assembly to operatively connect a steering column to an electric motor;
- activating the electric motor to rotate the steering column to simulate a steering maneuver;
- de-energizing the clutch assembly to simulate a hands-free steering maneuver;
- and
- sensing a steering response in the electric power steering system during each of the steering maneuver and the hands-free steering maneuver.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.