Steering wheel linkage for robotic system for automated durability road (ADR) facility
First Claim
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1. A device for turning a steering wheel of a vehicle comprising:
- an electric motor;
an adapter having means for connecting to a steering wheel; and
a telescoping turning shaft having a first section connected to said electric motor and a second section connected to said adapter, wherein said first section is movable relative to said second section such that said telescoping turning shaft can be lengthened and shortened so as to allow for variations in distance between said electric motor and said adapter.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A robotic device for turning a steering wheel of a vehicle includes an electric motor and a telescoping turning shaft connected to the motor. An adapter couples the steering wheel to the turning shaft.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A device for turning a steering wheel of a vehicle comprising:
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an electric motor; an adapter having means for connecting to a steering wheel; and a telescoping turning shaft having a first section connected to said electric motor and a second section connected to said adapter, wherein said first section is movable relative to said second section such that said telescoping turning shaft can be lengthened and shortened so as to allow for variations in distance between said electric motor and said adapter.
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2. A device for turning a steering wheel of a vehicle, device comprising:
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an electric motor; a turning shaft connected to said electric motor, said turning shaft defining a turning shaft axis; an adapter connected to said turning shaft and having means for connecting to a steering wheel; a base positionable on a driver'"'"'s seat of the vehicle; a bracket extending upwardly away from said base; and a motor mount for holding said electric motor thereon, said motor mount being pivotably engaged with said bracket for establishing the turning shaft axis to be substantially parallel to a steering column axis of a vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A vehicle comprising:
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a steering wheel; an electric motor; an adapter connected to said steering wheel; and a telescoping turning shaft having a first section connected to said electric motor and a second section connected to said adapter, wherein said first section is movable relative to said second section such that said telescoping turning shaft can be lengthened and shortened so as to allow for variations in distance between said electric motor and said adapter. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for turning a steering wheel of a vehicle, comprising the steps of:
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disposing an electric motor in the vehicle; connecting a first section of a telescoping turning shaft to said electric motor; connecting a second section of said telescoping turning shaft to an adapter; whereby said first section is moved relative to said second section such that said telescoping turning shaft can be lengthened and shortened to allow for variations in distance between said electric motor and said adapter; connecting said adapter to the steering wheel; and activating said electric motor to turn the steering wheel. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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Specification