Steering system and method for autonomous vehicles
US9499202B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 15, 2015 |
| Grant date | Nov 22, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 15, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D1/0278
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A steering system for an autonomous vehicle includes a steering mechanism having a pinion gear and a rack, the steering mechanism being configured to translate rotation of the pinion gear into movement of the rack which is configured to affect the position of a steer tire of the autonomous vehicle, thereby affecting the lateral position of the autonomous vehicle; a steering wheel which provides a mechanical input to the pinion gear from an operator of the autonomous vehicle; a steering actuator which rotates to apply torque to the steering mechanism, thereby inducing movement of the rack which affects the position of the steer tire of the autonomous vehicle; and a variable coupling member operatively between the steering actuator and the steering mechanism which is configured to vary the torque that can be transmitted from the steering actuator to the steering mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.