Document Type

Patent

Publication Date

7-25-1995

Abstract

Describes a steering system for a wheeled vehicle, particularly one with independent suspension of the steerable wheels. This is characterized by the lack of any necessity for a direct physical linkage between steering control arms of the left and right wheels and by the use of separate, independent fluid pressure cylinder pairs connected by fluid pressure conduit for imparting motion to the respective steerable wheels. Coordination between the angular motion of the left and right steerable wheels is attained by a direct mechanical linkage between actuator members of the hydraulic cylinders remote from the wheel suspension which linkage can be arranged for non-linear relative motion that will result in desired coordinated but unequal motion of left and right steerable wheels. Such linkage between actuator members is operated directly or indirectly by the steering wheel, steering levers, or other device. Preferably the fluid pressure cylinders connected to steering control arms of the wheels extend substantially parallel to suspension arms of the wheel suspension, and fluid pressure lines to such cylinders are flexible hoses which permit wide angle motion of the independent wheel suspension. Each fluid pressure cylinder may include between its ports a by-pass conduit and a valve releases the constraint between the interconnected fluid pressure cylinders. This facilitates alignment of the vehicle wheels or other adjustments. Preferably the fluid pressure system is pressurized at over 100 psi.

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Patent Number

US5435407

Application Filed

4-20-1994

Assignee

University of Arkansas (Little Rock, AR)

Comments

David A. Renfroe, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR

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