Patent ID: 6283483
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
A steering system for use in a vehicle having a first steerable wheel member mounted to the vehicle for pivotal motion about a first axis and a second steerable wheel member mounted to the vehicle for pivotal motion about a second axis, said steering system comprising:a tie rod assembly adapted to be mounted between the first and second steerable wheel members to link the first and second steerable wheel members for joint pivotal motion, said tie rod assembly having a length, the length determining the angular relationship of the second steerable wheel member about the second axis dependent upon the angular relationship of the first steerable wheel member about the first axis, said tie rod assembly including structure for adjusting the length of said tie rod assembly;a first angle sensor for sensing an angle of the first steerable wheel member about the first axis relative to a reference angle;a second angle sensor for sensing an angle of the second steerable wheel member about the second axis relative to a reference angle; anda controller for determining a desired angle for the second steerable wheel member based on the sensed angle of the first steerable wheel member, wherein the desired angle allows for correct Ackerman steering, and wherein the controller is adapted to adjust the length of the tie rod assembly until the angle of the second steerable wheel member is measured to be the desired angle.