Patent ID: 8224530
Filing Date: 2012-07-17
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A steering system for a car having two front direction wheels and a plurality of electronic dynamic-performance control devices including an ESP device for controlling stability of the car; the steering system comprising: a steering wheel for controlling a turn angle of the front direction wheels; and a power-assist device, which generates a power-assist torque which is added to the torque exerted on the steering wheel to vary the turn angle of the front direction wheels; wherein the power-assist device comprises a control unit, which determines operation of the electronic dynamic-performance control devices, and modifies the power-assist torque as a function of operation of the electronic dynamic-performance control devices; wherein the control unit comprises a first control mode for non-professional drivers whose main concern is safety as opposed to pushing the car to its extreme limit, in which, when the ESP device indicates the car is close to its road-holding limit, the control unit increases the power-assist torque to alert the driver accordingly in advance by increasing natural “slackening” of the steering wheel in advance; and wherein the control unit comprises a second a control mode for professional drivers whose main concern is pushing the car to its extreme limit, as opposed to safety, in which, when the ESP device indicates the car is close to its road-holding limit, the control unit reduces the power-assist torque to counteract natural “slackening” of the steering wheel.