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:
Dec. 12, 2017
Filed:
Jun. 12, 2014
Ford Global Technologies, Llc, Dearborn, MI (US);
Sergio Trimboli, Cologne, DE;
Ronny Hause, Cologne, DE;
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure describes methods and systems for detecting steering wheel contact by a user. A test signal may be transmitted to a power assisted steering system of a vehicle, where the test signal may apply torque to the steering wheel of the vehicle. A torque sensor may then receive measurements signals indicative of steering wheel torque. The torque indicated by the measurement signals may be compared to an expected torque. Based on the comparison, it may be determined whether the user is in contact with the steering wheel.