
{"publication_number": "US-2013317699-A1", "abstract": "in a method for detecting contact between a driver &# 39 ; s hands and the steering wheel of a vehicle , an actuator for selectively applying a steering force and sensors for measuring the instantaneous steering force and / or the steering angle being associated with the steering wheel , the actuator impresses a test force pulse pattern on the steering wheel . the steering force sensor and / or the steering angle sensor measure the reaction of the steering wheel movement to the test pulse pattern , and the reaction of the steering wheel movement is used to decide whether or not at least one of the driver &# 39 ; s hands is in contact with the steering wheel .", "application_number": "US-201313892688-A", "description": "referring to fig1 , a typical steering system of a motor vehicle with electromechanical steering force assistance has a steering wheel 12 , which , in a known manner , converts the rotational movement of the steering wheel 12 into a translatory movement of a steering rod 18 via a steering shaft 24 and a steering pinion 16 . other types of steering linkage besides steering wheel 12 , shaft 24 and pinion 16 can alternatively be used . as a result of the rotation of the steering linkage , a steering force f l is exerted on steering rod 18 which is deflected by the distance x z at a speed { dot over ( x )