Edward J Nixon

US Patent:

6857500, Feb 22, 2005

Filed:

May 6, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/431026

Inventors:

Kirk J. Halstead - Pleasant Ridge MI, US
Edward J. Nixon - Saginaw MI, US
Bryan N. Dennis - Saginaw MI, US

Assignee:

Delphi Technologies, Inc. - Troy MI

International Classification:

B62D005/00

US Classification:

180446, 73862236

Abstract:

A torque sensor apparatus and method for use with an automotive steering system is disclosed. The torque sensor apparatus includes a shaft having a primary shaft coaxially connected to a secondary shaft and a first substrate operably connected to the primary shaft oriented substantially perpendicular to an axis defining the shaft. A second substrate is operably connected to the secondary shaft oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis. First and second substrates each have an aperture therethrough configured to receive an alignment pin therethrough. First and second substrates are substantially parallel to each other defining an electrical interface therebetween that is configured to generate a signal indicative of an amount of torque applied to the shaft. A housing is configured to enclose the first and second substrates having the electrical interface therebetween, wherein one side of the housing includes an alignment aperture therethrough positioned to align with the apertures of the first and second substrates having the alignment pin therethrough and extending from an exterior of the housing. The alignment aperture is configured to limit contact with the alignment pin disposed between edges defining the alignment aperture in the housing while allowing the alignment pin to align the apertures of the first and second substrates with the alignment aperture.