Patent ID: 6767119
Filing Date: 2004-07-27
Classification: B60Q

Abstract:
A direction adjustable device adapted to be installed in an automobile having an automobile body, a set of automobile wheels mounted on the automobile body, a steering wheel, and a steering linkage interconnecting the steering wheel and the automobile wheels, said direction adjustable device comprising:a turnable unit; a motor drive unit adapted to be mounted to the to automobile body and coupled to said turnable unit for driving said turnable unit to turn; and a sensor assembly including a housing adapted to be mounted to the automobile body adjacent to the steering linkage, a force transmitting member mounted pivotally to said housing, a first cable having a first end connected to said force transmitting member, and a second end adapted to be connected to the steering linkage such that movement of the steering linkage in a first lateral direction results in pivoting movement of said force transmitting member from an initial position in a first rotational direction, a rotary control switch mounted to said housing and coupled to said force transmitting member such that pivoting movement of said force transmitting member is transmitted to said rotary control switch to enable said rotary control switch to generate a corresponding electrical output, a signal processing unit connected electrically to said motor drive unit and said rotary control switch, said signal processing unit receiving the electrical output of said rotary control switch, determining direction and extent of pivoting movement of said force transmitting member from the electrical output, and controlling said motor drive unit to drive said turnable unit to turn by an angle corresponding to the direction and extent of pivoting movement of said force transmitting member, and a reversing member coupled to said force transmitting member and adapted to be connected to the steering linkage such that movement of the steering linkage in a second lateral direction, which is opposite to said first lateral direction, results in pivoting movement of said force transmitting member from the initial position in a second rotational direction, which is opposite to said first rotational direction.