Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Ford Motor Company Limited

Michael Puleri

Kerry Zhang

Timothy Gerard Offerle

William James Bouse

Miguel A Bahena

Jinfeng Chen

Andrew Brow

Rachel Dockstader

Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed a vehicle comprising a steering assist system, a steering wheel, a user interface, and a steering controller to detect, via the user interface, a request to move the steering wheel of a vehicle to a first rotational position, the steering wheel having a second rotational position, determine, based the first rotational position and a first parameter, a third rotational position having a first offset from the second rotational position, actuate, via the steering assist system, the steering wheel to the third rotational position, disengage the steering assist system, the disengagement causing the steering wheel to rotate to a fourth rotational position, and compare the first rotational position to the fourth rotational position to determine if the request has been satisfied.

Methods and apparatus to correct for steering wheel rotation

A steering mechanism having a piezoelectric element to adjust component clearance and preload based on steering inputs, road inputs, and time in service. The piezoelectric element positioned in the steering mechanism for electric adjustment so that the clearance and preload can be adjusted electrically in response to steering inputs, road inputs, and time in service. This arrangement allows for low preload and low friction when the vehicle is being driven over smooth road conditions. When a rough road condition is detected both clearance and preload can be electrically increased to minimize noise. The disclosed inventive concept may find application in a variety of steering mechanisms to minimize or eliminate NVH when the vehicle is driven over rough surfaces. Without limitation, the piezoelectric element may be provided in rack and pinion electric power assisted steering systems or in worm and wheel (steering column) electric power assisted steering systems.

Clearance and preload adjustment for steering mechanism using piezoelectric elements

In one or more embodiments, a shielding device is provided to shield a bore of a shaft against surface treatment, the shielding device including a sleeve to be at least partially received within the bore, the sleeve defining on its side wall a through-aperture and being of a first cross-sectional dimension when the through-aperture is at a rest position, and a pin to be at least partially received within the sleeve, the sleeve being of a second cross-sectional dimension greater than the first cross-sectional dimension when the through-aperture is at an expanded position with the pin being at least partially received within the sleeve.

Method and device of surface-treating a metallic part

A steering system comprises a first engagement member; a second engagement member to be engaged with the first engagement member; a supporting portion to support the second engagement member; and an elastic member at least partially enclosed in the supporting portion to apply a preload to the second engagement member and absorb an impact load. The elastic member has a first deformation under a first load and at least a second deformation under a second load greater than the first load, and a ratio of the first load to the first deformation is less than a ratio of the second load to the second deformation.

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Berkley, MI, United States of America

Michael Puleri