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:
Nov. 08, 2011
Filed:
May. 04, 2009
Steven J. Collier-hallman, Frankenmuth, MI (US);
Daniel W. Shafer, Saint Charles, MI (US);
Steven J. Collier-Hallman, Frankenmuth, MI (US);
Daniel W. Shafer, Saint Charles, MI (US);
Abstract
An electric power steering system for a vehicle includes a motor for providing assistance in turning the wheels of the vehicle. The motor is electrically connected to a controller. The controller includes a power device, such as a power transistor, electrically connected to the motor to variably provide electric power to the motor as needed. The controller also includes a gate drive device electrically connected to the power device for regulating operation the power device. A shutdown mechanism is electrically connected between the gate drive device and a power input. In the event of a fault, the shutdown mechanism isolates electrical power from the gate drive device. This prevents the power device from providing electric power to the power steering motor.