Electronic power assisted steering system and method
AssigneeVisteon Global Technologies, Inc.
InventorMark W. Gluch
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An electronic power assisted steering system and method wherein vehicle operating parameters, such as steering rack rate and position, are employed to predict future current requirements of the power assisted steering system, and adjust vehicle operating parameters, such as engine and alternator systems, to assure the appropriate power supply to the power assisted steering system without voltage peaks or sags.
Claims20
A method for controlling a vehicle electric power supply that provides power to an electronic power assisted steering system, the method comprising the steps of:
- determining a position of a steering member;
- determining a rate of movement and a direction of movement for the steering member;
- determining if the steering member is moving toward an electrical power peak;
- determining the vehicle speed;
- calculating the derivative of the rate of movement for the steering member;
- calculating a first future point in time at which a particular electrical power increase is needed for the electronic power assisted steering system, if the steering member is moving toward the electrical power peak;
- calculating the amplitude of the particular power increase at the first future point in time, if the steering member is moving toward the electrical power peak;
- and
- adjusting the electric power supply to produce a power output that includes the particular power increase, at the first future point in time, if the steering member is moving toward the electrical power peak.
A method for controlling a vehicle electric power supply that provides power to an electronic power assisted steering system, the method comprising the steps of:
- determining a position of a steering member;
- determining a rate of movement and a direction of movement for the steering member;
- determining if the steering member is moving toward an electrical power peak;
- determining the vehicle speed;
- calculating the derivative of the rate of movement for the steering member;
- calculating a first future point in time at which a particular electrical power increase is needed for the electronic power assisted steering system, if the steering member is moving toward the electrical power peak;
- calculating the amplitude of the particular power increase at the first future point in time, if the steering member is moving toward the electrical power peak;
- adjusting the electric power supply to produce a power output that includes the particular power increase, at the first future point in time, if the steering member is moving toward the electrical power peak;
- determining if the steering member is moving away from the electrical power peak;
- calculating a second future point in time at which a particular electrical power decrease is needed for the electronic power assisted steering system, if the steering member is moving away from the electrical power peak;
- calculating the amplitude of the particular power decrease at the second future point in time, if the steering member is moving away from an electrical power peak;
- and
- adjusting the electrical power supply to produce a power output that includes the particular power decrease, at the second future point in time, if the steering member is moving away from the electrical power peak.
An apparatus for a vehicle having an engine and an alternator, the apparatus comprising:
- a steering system including a steering wheel, a steering assembly operatively engaging the steering wheel and adapted to engage a vehicle wheel assembly, an electric motor operatively engaging the steering assembly, and a steering motor controller operatively engaging the electric motor;
- a steering sensor capable of determining at least one of a position of the steering assembly and a rate of movement of the steering assembly;
- a first determinor for determining if the steering assembly is moving toward an increase in a power requirement;
- a second determinor for determining an amplitude of the increase in the power requirement;
- a third determiner for determining a timing of the increase;
- and
- a current regulator adapted for adjusting the power output of the alternator in response to the amplitude and timing of the increase.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.