US 2004/0024564 A1 · Steering position sensor assembly utilizing angular velocity sensor

Abstract

An apparatus and method for providing a data signal representative of the current angular position of the steering wheel and steering wheels of a vehicle utilizes a rotary or angular velocity sensor sensing rotation of the steering column. The angular velocity sensor includes two outputs providing pulses having a distinct phase relationship and a third output which provides a signal at the center or straight ahead position of the steering wheel or column. The pulses and their leading edges are utilized to increment and decrement a counter which provides an indication of angular position. The accuracy of the output may be compared with data with front wheel speed sensors and the center position sensor to ensure continued operating accuracy. A memory device stores the current angular position when the ignition is turned off in order to provide such information when the ignition is turned on.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method of determining an angular position of a vehicle steering component comprising the steps of:

providing a rotary velocity sensor disposed in sensing relationship with a rotating member of a vehicle steering assembly, said sensor having velocity and center position outputs;
determining the angular position of said rotating member from said velocity output;
and
resetting said angular position to center when said sensor provides an output indicating said rotating member is in a center position.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Steering position sensor assembly utilizing angular velocity sensor

Life of this patent

Steering position sensor assembly utilizing angular velocity sensor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20