A method is proposed for operating a steering system of a motor vehicle, in particular an electromechanically supported steering system. First, at least one first virtual magnet and one second virtual magnet are provided in the steering system of the motor vehicle. A virtual magnetic force exerted on each other by the multiple virtual magnets is determined. A setpoint force that is to be applied to a lower part of the steering system is estimated and an auxiliary force with which a servo motor of the steering system acts on the lower part of the steering system is determined from the specified virtual magnetic force and the estimated setpoint force.

A power conversion device includes a first inverter, a second inverter, first and second controller to control the first and second inverters, and a driving circuit to apply a control signal to turn on the low side switch elements of the first inverter when a fault occurs on the first inverter side, and apply a control signal to turn on the low side switch elements of the second inverter when a fault occurs on the second inverter side. The first power voltage generated on the first inverter side is supplied to the driving circuit when a fault occurs on the second inverter side, and the second power voltage generated on the second inverter side is supplied to the driving circuit when a fault occurs on the first inverter side.

An apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a rotatable output shaft. A first rotational input assembly is provided for transmitting a steering command from a steering control member to the output shaft. A power transmitting mechanism is configured to transmit the rotational force from the input assembly to the output shaft. The power transmitting mechanism includes a plurality of sector gears. A ball screw has longitudinally separated first and second ball screw ends. A ball nut has a plurality of rack gears. Rotational force from the input assembly turns the ball screw, and the ball nut reciprocates within the housing responsive to rotation of the ball screw to move each of the plurality of rack gears in a longitudinal direction. Longitudinal motion of the rack gear teeth responsively drives the sector gear teeth to transmit the steering command to the output shaft.

A modular power steering apparatus includes a rotatable shaft, which is selectively rotatable to effect turning movement of at least one vehicle wheel. A housing supports the rotatable shaft for rotation relative thereto, about a shaft axis. A first rotational input assembly is provided for transmitting a steering command from a steering member to the rotatable shaft. A second rotational input assembly is operatively connected with the rotatable shaft. The second rotational input assembly is configured to apply a rotational force to the rotatable shaft. The apparatus includes a plurality of drive stations. Each drive station is configured to selectively accept both of the first and second rotational input assemblies for operating connection to the rotatable shaft at different times.

A multi-mode switchable car includes a car body, a bogie, a wheel assembly, a steering driving module, a steering locking structure and a locking sensing structure. The car body is provided with a control module, and multiple wheel driving programs are preset. The bogie is rotatably connected to the car body. The wheel assembly includes a hub motor connected to the bogie or the car body and a wheel-type component detachably connected to the hub motor, wheel forms are switchable by connecting different wheel-type components to the hub motor. The steering driving module drives the bogie. The steering locking structure locks the bogie when located in a locking position. The locking sensing structure acquires a position of the steering locking structure and is electrically connected with the control module, and the control module switches the wheel driving programs according to position information acquired by the locking sensing structure.

A method for manufacturing a worm wheel including an inner wheel element including a side plate portion and a tubular eave portion, and an outer wheel element including a wheel tooth portion on an outer circumferential surface thereof, and coupled and fixed to the inner wheel element in a manner of covering a radially outer portion of the side plate portion and the eave portion, the method includes: molding the outer wheel element by disposing a mold around a radially outer portion of the inner wheel element, and feeding the molten synthetic resin from an annular or arc-shaped injection gate toward a pocket portion that is continuous over an entire circumference of a cavity present between an inner surface of the mold and a surface of the inner wheel element and that is present on a radially inner side of the eave portion.

A motor drive device includes a first drive system in which a first power supply circuit and a first central processing unit are arranged in order in a first direction, and a second drive system in which a second power supply circuit and a second central processing unit are arranged in order in a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other. Calling a straight line passing between the first power supply circuit and the first central processing unit, perpendicular to the first direction, a first virtual line and calling a straight line passing between the second power supply circuit and the second central processing unit, perpendicular to the second direction, a second virtual line, the first central processing unit and the second central processing unit are disposed within an area sandwiched by the first virtual line and the second virtual line.

A mobile elevating work platform includes a chassis and fixed wheels, caster wheels, and a driving and steering wheel secured to the chassis. A control implement coupled with the driving and steering wheel is configured to adjust a steering position of the driving and steering wheel. A drive motor is operable to drive the driving and steering wheel. A platform may be raisable and lowerable with a mast assembly. The control implement may be adjustable to accommodate operator physical characteristics.

A recirculating ball power steering system includes an electric motor. The system also includes a ball screw rotatably driven by the electric motor. The system further includes a ball nut translatable along the ball screw in a linear direction during rotation of the ball screw. The system yet further includes a sliding joint in sliding contact with an outer surface of the ball nut, the sliding joint moveable in a non-parallel direction relative to the linear direction of the ball nut.

A system and/or a method for integrated auto-steering apparatus, auto-braking apparatus and auto-acceleration apparatus to facilitate actuating brake and turning steering wheel without a driver. The technology may be made as a part of Drive-By-Wire system to make the system retrofit using a spur gear train connected through a motor to make steering automatic, and using an electric actuator to make braking automatic, and integrating all the apparatus though a programmable logic controller to achieve navigation of autonomous vehicle. The complete system design fits at the steering column and the brake pedal to imitate exact behavior of human with sensor feedback system.