Dither assisted steering
OwnerJohn Z. DeLoreaninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In order to reduce steering effort in an automobile at low speeds, without excessive power consumption, a low amplitude dither is introduced into the steering linkage to break away the friction between the tires and road surface.
Claims12
A method of reducing steering effort at low speeds in a mechanical steering system in an automobile, including a steering linkage coupling a steering wheel to wheels having tires thereon, comprising introducing into the steering linkage a low amplitude dither so as to break away the friction normally existing between tire and roadway.
In combination with a steering system linkage coupling a steering wheel to wheels having tires thereon, apparatus for reducing steering effort at low speeds by introducing a low amplitude dither into the steering linkage, comprising:
- (a) means including an oscillating system attached to the steering linkage;
- and
- (b) means to input energy to said oscillating system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.