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Vehicle steering system for kickback reduction

  • US 6,942,058 B2
  • Filed: 10/27/2003
  • Issued: 09/13/2005
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/27/2003
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A steering system for a motor vehicle, comprising:

  • a steering shaft adapted to receive an input from an operator;

    at least one wheel that pivots to define a steering angle, the steering angle being determined, at least in part, by the input to the steering shaft by the operator, the steering shaft and the steering angle having a given original alignment therebetween;

    at least one sensor for sensing the exertion of a force on a component of the steering system that exceeds a maximum set value;

    a motor operatively connected to the wheel, the steering angle being defined, at least in part, by an input from the motor; and

    an actuator operatively connected to the motor and in operable communication with the sensor, wherein the actuator reduces the amount of the force exerted on the component as transmitted to the steering shaft by allowing a misalignment of the steering shaft and the steering angle.

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