Drive-by-wire steering systems having a center feel mechanism and methods of providing

A method of providing a center feel in a drive-by wire steering system, comprising:

• engaging a center feel mechanism to a steering shaft such that an angular displacement of said steering shaft about a first axis imparts a second angular displacement about a second axis to said center feel mechanism, said center feel mechanism comprising a cam face defining a center position;
• and
• urging a cam follower into said cam face such that said second angular displacement generates a retuning torque on said center feel mechanism, said retuning torque acting on said center feel mechanism to return and maintain said cam follower at said center position.

A method of improving the driveability of a drive-by wire steering system, comprising:

• engaging a center feel mechanism to a steering shaft such that an angular displacement of said steering shaft about a first axis imparts a second angular displacement about a second axis to said center feel mechanism, said center feel mechanism comprising a cam face;
• and
• biasing a cam follower into said cam face such that said angular displacement of said steering shaft generates a retuning torque on said center feel mechanism, said retuning torque having a direction opposite said angular displacement, and said retuning torque being proportional to said angular displacement.