Synchronized/variable force feedback power steering
US6564897B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 12, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB66F9/07568
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steering tiller and a steered wheel(s) of a steer-by-wire steering system of a materials handling vehicle are synchronized with one another and a virtual coupling force is exerted on the steering tiller to maintain synchronization. A motor or brake is associated with the steering tiller and the positions of the tiller and the steered wheel(s) are monitored and used to control the motor or brake to apply the virtual coupling force to the tiller. Thus, an operator of the vehicle receives feedback corresponding approximately to that experienced in a mechanically coupled steering system so that synchronism is maintained between the tiller and the steered wheel(s). In this way, if the operator attempts to oversteer or outrun the steered wheel(s) by rapid rotation of the tiller, a force proportional to the operator's action is applied to oppose that action. Synchronization can be set up with the tiller set to a desired position selected by the operator, for example to selected a desired tiller spinner straight ahead position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.