Patent ID: 6926114
Filing Date: 2005-08-09
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. An active steering system with variable assist comprising: a motor operatively coupled to a differential actuator; said differential actuator configured to translate motion of a hand wheel input into motion of an output shaft, wherein said motion of said output shaft is further responsive to said motor and wherein said output shaft is coupled to a road wheel of said steering system; an assist mechanism operatively coupled to said differential actuator and said road wheel of said steering system to provide an assist torque responsive to said motion of said output shaft; a controller in operable communication with said assist mechanism, said motor, and vehicle speed sensor, said controller generating an assist command responsive to an input signal, said input signal including at least one of a variable ratio command signal, a stability command signal, a hand wheel position signal, a vehicle speed signal indicative of a speed of said vehicle, a signal indicative of an operator selected function, and a signal indicative a vehicle operating mode.