Independent steering and actuator

US6568697B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLC · US

Inventors

• Lawrence Brill · Westerville, US
• Malcolm Green · Granville, US
• Steven Hunter · Wichita, US
• Duy Lam · Baltimore, US
• Ragnar Ledesma · Sterling Heights, US
• Mike Schuster · Rochester Hills, US
• Tomaz Dopico Varela · Gahanna, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 13, 2001
• Grant date: May 27, 2003
• Expiry date: Dec 13, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60G2202/442
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A steering system for a vehicle is provided that includes a steering knuckle which is rotatable about an axis. The steering knuckle includes an upper attachment point and a lower attachment point. The attachment points define the steer axis. A rotational drive unit is connected to the steering knuckle for rotating the steering knuckle about the steer axis. A control module receives a steering input corresponding to the desired Ackerman angle and commands the rotational drive unit to rotate the steering knuckle about the axis to the desired Ackerman angle. Rotational drive units for each side of the vehicle ensure that the wheels are turned to the appropriate Ackerman angle for each wheel. The rotational drive unit may include an electric motor, or a pneumatic or hydraulic pump. In one preferred embodiment, the rotational drive unit includes a fluid housing and the shaft connected to the steering knuckle. The shaft includes a vane extending therefrom and into the housing. The fluid pump pumps fluid into the housing to rotate the vane with the shaft and steering knuckle about the axis in response to a command from the control module.