The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 09, 2004
Filed:
Mar. 14, 2002
John Laidlaw, Dearborn, MI (US);
Visteon Global Technologies, Inc., Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
A torque sensing device adapted for use in an electric power assisted steering system is provided. In one embodiment, the device comprises first and second shafts interconnected by a torsion bar, a bushing disposed about the torsion bar and frictionally engaged with one of the shafts, and a stator/sensing device assembly. One of the shafts defines a projection while the other shaft defines a recess. The recess receives the projection and allows a limited degree or rotational movement of the projection within the recess. A plurality of magnets is disposed circumferentially about bushing. As a result of the frictional engagement with one of the shafts, the bushing rotates independently of the stator assembly. A sensing device, such as a Hall effect sensor, is positioned within a clearance between first and second poles within the stator and detects relative rotation of the bushing, which is indicative of rotation of the frictionally engaged shaft, within the stator. The sensing device is adapted to transmit a signal based on this measurement that can be utilized by a control module of an EPAS system to effect steering changes.