Steer-by-wire steering apparatus with actuatable mechanism

A steering apparatus for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle in response to rotation of a vehicle steering wheel, the apparatus comprising:

• a first assembly operatively coupled to the steering wheel, the first assembly including components for monitoring applied torque and angular rotation of the steering wheel and for transmitting a first signal indicative of the applied torque and angular rotation of the steering wheel;
• a second assembly including a steering gear for, when actuated, turning the steerable wheels of the vehicle and components for receiving the first signal and actuating the steering gear in response to the first signal;
• and
• a mechanism having first and second modes of operation, the mechanism, when in the first mode of operation, providing a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the steering gear for enabling manual actuation of the steering gear, when the mechanism is in the second mode of operation, the steering wheel and the steering gear lacking a mechanical connection for enabling manual actuation of the steering gear,
• the mechanism including a clutch have a first member and a second member, the second member being in meshing engagement with the first member when the mechanism is in the first mode of operation, the second member being disengaged from the first member when the mechanism is in the second mode of operation,
• the meshing engagement between the first and second members of the clutch enabling a predefined amount of relative rotation between the first and second members so as to provide a physical indication of improper operation of portions of the apparatus.