Automatic steering system
US7349779B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 25, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 27, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D5/04
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Structure for converting a conventional manual steering system of an off-road vehicle to an automatic steering system utilizing remote signals. A stepper motor is connected through a belt or chain drive to a drive mounted on the upper end of a steering shaft. The stepper motor is connected to a microprocessor and moves with the steering shaft in both a manual steering mode and an automatic steering mode. An encoder provides a signal to a microprocessor that changes operation to the manual mode if the number of steps reported by the encoder is different than what is expected. An assembly including alternate steering wheel, shaft pulley, adapter insert and stepper motor is easily connected to the steering column. A drive motor may also be directly connected to the steering shaft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.