ELECTRONIC STEERING SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE
First Claim
1. An electronic steering system for a vehicle, comprising:
- a rotating steering column;
a sensor for determining a rotational position of the steering column; and
a controller for turning tires on the vehicle based upon the rotational position of the steering column when the vehicle is in one of various steer modes, and for reestablishing a zero rotational position of the steering column when the vehicle is switched to another of the various steer modes.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electronic steering system for a vehicle includes a generally freely rotating steering column, a sensor for determining a rotational position of the steering column and a controller for turning tires on the vehicle based upon the rotational position of the steering column. When the vehicle is switched to one of various steer modes the controller electronically resets the rotational position of the steering column to a zero rotational position without physically turning the steering column. A steering brake limits over-rotation of the steering column to prevent the tires on the vehicle from turning beyond a safe distance. The controller electronically resets the rotational position of the steering brake when the steer mode is changed.
31 Citations
24 Claims
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1. An electronic steering system for a vehicle, comprising:
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a rotating steering column; a sensor for determining a rotational position of the steering column; and a controller for turning tires on the vehicle based upon the rotational position of the steering column when the vehicle is in one of various steer modes, and for reestablishing a zero rotational position of the steering column when the vehicle is switched to another of the various steer modes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An electronic steering system for a vehicle, comprising:
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a rotating steering column; a sensor for determining a rotational position of the steering column; an electronic encoder associated with the steering column for communicating the rotational position of the steering column to the sensor; a controller for turning tires on the vehicle based upon the rotational position of the steering column when the vehicle is in one of various steer modes, and for reestablishing a zero rotational position of the steering column when the vehicle is switched to another of the various steer modes; and force feedback means for limiting over rotation of the steering column in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for controlling an electronic steering system in a vehicle, comprising the steps of:
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providing a rotating steering column; selecting a first steer mode for the vehicle which defines a first position and alignment of tires on the vehicle; establishing a zero rotational position of the steering column; selecting a second steer mode for the vehicle which defines a second position and alignment of tires on the vehicle; and electronically resetting the rotational position of the steering column such that the steering column is restored to the zero rotational position when switched to the second steer mode. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method for controlling an electronic steering system in a vehicle, comprising the steps of:
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providing a rotating steering column; selecting a first steer mode for the vehicle which defines a first position and alignment of tires on the vehicle; establishing a zero rotational position of the steering column; limiting over rotation of the steering column in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction; selecting a second steer mode for the vehicle which defines a second position and alignment of tires on the vehicle; and electronically resetting the rotational position of the steering column and the limits on rotation of the steering column such that the steering column is restored to the zero rotational position when switched to the second steer mode. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification