Semi-decoupled steering system
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorAnthony Mario D'Amato
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A steering system for a vehicle is disclosed. The steering system may have a steering linkage and a controller. When operation of the steering system is within a predefined relative rotational range, the controller may be programmed to translate steering motion to a steering gear box through a motor. Operation of the steering system outside the predefined rotational limit actuates the steering linkage. Once the steering linkage is actuated, steering motion is translated to the steering gear box directly through the steering linkage.
Claims20
A vehicular steering linkage comprising:
- a first steering shaft having a first interaction surface configured to interact with a second steering shaft having a second interaction surface such that the shafts rotate independently from each other within a predetermined relative rotational range and the interaction surfaces contact each other at a predetermined relative rotational limit resulting in joint rotation between the two shafts.
A steer-by-wire system comprising:
- a controller programmable to monitor motion of a steering wheel and to translate the motion of the steering wheel to a steering gearbox via a motor;
- and
- a steering linkage disposed between two steering shafts providing decoupled rotation of the two shafts within a relative rotational range and coupled rotation of the two shafts at a relative rotational limit translating motion of the steering wheel to the steering gearbox.
A semi-decoupled steering system comprising:
- a controller programmable to monitor and align movement of a steering mechanism and a steering gearbox to provide a steer-by-wire effect;
- and
- a passive mechanical linkage disposed between the steering mechanism and the steering gearbox to provide a direct mechanical link between the two when a misalignment limit of the two is met.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.