Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Kirt Eschtruth

Hafiz Shafeek Khafagy

Ahmed Awadi

Hussam Makkiya

William James Bouse

Jonathan Edward Gunger

Erick Michael Lavoie

Darrel Alan Recker

Timothy Gerard Offerle

Bradley George Hochrein

Jens Dornhege

Rakan C Chabaan

Torsten Wey

Brad G Hochrein

Methods and apparatus for controlling the ramp in of current to an electronic power assisted steering motor associated with an auto stop-start engine are described. A controller is to determine a moving average voltage of a vehicle battery. The controller is also to determine a voltage rate of change based on the moving average voltage. The controller is also to determine a moving average engine speed of an auto stop-start engine of the vehicle. The controller is also to ramp in current to an electronic power assisted steering motor of the vehicle based on the moving average voltage, the voltage rate of change, and the moving average engine speed.

Methods and apparatus for controlling the ramp in of current to an electronic power assisted steering motor associated with an auto stop-start engine

A hybrid electric vehicle includes a combustion engine, and an electric machine and storage battery coupled to one or more controller(s) configured to respond to various signals from a driver and vehicle components. In response, such controller(s) enable an automatic or auto ICE start stop capability that is managed for optimal HEV lifecycle operation, and fuel economy and efficiency. The controller(s) automatically start and stop the ICE in response to one or more of a torque demand signal, a vehicle speed signal, a steering torque power signal, and a brake signal. The controller(s) inhibit automatic stop of ICE responsive to the steering torque power exceeding a stop threshold, and in contrast initiate or enable automatic start responsive to the steering torque power exceeding a start threshold. The start threshold is calibrated and adjusted to exceed the stop threshold by a stability factor that is predetermined and/or adjusted by the controller(s).

Hybrid vehicle with auto stop start controllers

Self-sealing bellows for use with vehicles are disclosed. An example bellows includes a tubular body being expandable and contractible along an axis of the body. The bellows also includes a lining disposed along a surface of the body and a liquid or gelatinous material disposed between the body and the lining. The liquid or gelatinous material hardens when exposed to a fluid.

Self-sealing bellows for use with vehicles

An autonomous steering system for a vehicle includes a park assist steering module configured to generate a first steering angle command across a communication network of the vehicle. A backup assist steering module is also configured to generate a second steering angle command across the communication network of the vehicle. A steering angle controller is configured to receive the first and second steering angle commands and generate a third steering angle command for controlling a steered wheel of the vehicle based on acceptable steering column torque conditions for the respective steering module.

Steering angle control for multiple features

An electric power assist steering motor sensor redundancy system is disclosed comprising a brushless motor selectively providing a first predetermined level of steering assistance for a vehicle. A first sensor and second sensor provide position information of the brushless motor to a motor controller. An alternative sensing system for the brushless motor may be selectively utilized to provide position information of the brushless motor to the controller when at least one of the first sensor or the second sensor fails.

Electric power assist steering motor sensor redundancy

The invention relates to a method for compensating for drive influences of a drive train of a motor vehicle on its steering system, said motor vehicle having an electric power steering system. A drive train simulation model which is integrated into the motor vehicle and permanently activated is used to determine disturbance variables from a driven behavior so that a compensation torque which counteracts the disturbance variables is generated for the power steering system.

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Livonia, MI, United States of America

Kirt Eschtruth