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:
Jan. 24, 2006
Filed:
Nov. 13, 2003
Dirk Croughs, Hoeselt, BE;
Andreas Holthoff, Monheim-am-Rhein, DE;
Peter Kocybik, Cologne, DE;
Dale Killins, Detroit, MI (US);
Steve Hung, Grosse Pointe Park, MI (US);
Dirk Croughs, Hoeselt, BE;
Andreas Holthoff, Monheim-am-Rhein, DE;
Peter Kocybik, Cologne, DE;
Dale Killins, Detroit, MI (US);
Steve Hung, Grosse Pointe Park, MI (US);
VisteonGlobal Technologies, Inc., Van Buren Township, MI (US);
Abstract
A system and method of controlling flow outlet from a hydraulic pump. The system provides the level of flow required to execute the driver's steering commands. This method of control reduces the average torque requirement of the hydraulic pump thereby improving fuel economy by unloading the vehicle's accessory drive, while also providing the variable assist power steering feature. The Fuel Efficient Power Steering (FEPS) control algorithm is an optimal method of regulating flow by actuating the electronic flow control device in the pump assembly. This electronic flow control device allows an increase in hydraulic fluid flow to the steering gear in order to increase the provided assist and to reduce hydraulic fluid flow to the steering gear to improve fuel economy, if no additional assist is needed. The calculation of the desired flow control device current is primarily based on vehicle speed and steering wheel rate. Some additional input signals such as steering angle or engine rpm could also be used for enhanced functionality.