Patent ID: 6519518
Filing Date: 2003-02-11
Classification: B60T,B62D,G01B,G05B

Abstract:
A method for detecting a loss of motor control in a system, the method comprising:determining a duty cycle of a command signal generated by a controller, said command signal for commanding a mechanism to be turned in either a first or a second direction, said second direction being opposite to said first direction; determining a velocity of said steering mechanism, said velocity characterized by a velocity magnitude and a velocity direction whenever said velocity is greater than zero, wherein said velocity direction corresponds to either said first or said second direction; comparing said duty cycle to a first selected value; comparing said velocity magnitude to a second selected value; and if said duty cycle exceeds said first selected value, said velocity magnitude exceeds said second selected value, and said velocity direction is opposite to the direction commanded by said command signal, then generating a fault signal.