Steering column retraction initiator
US11753065B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 21, 2022 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 21, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D5/006
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A handwheel actuator for a steer by wire system of a vehicle may include a column for operably coupling a handwheel to other components of the steer by wire system and a feedback actuator operably coupled to the column to provide tactile feedback to the operator responsive to movement of the handwheel. The column may include a lower column portion and an upper column portion that are movable relative to each other to alternately retract the handwheel away from an operator seated in the vehicle or extend the handwheel toward the operator. The column may further include a frictional engagement assembly and a time-specific release initiator. The frictional engagement assembly may be engaged to fix the lower column portion relative to the upper column portion at a selected distance from the operator, and disengaged to enable movement of the upper column portion relative to the lower column portion. The time-specific release initiator may be actuated by an electrical trigger signal to cause the lower column portion and the upper column portion to be disengaged a selected time after a triggering event.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.