Electricity: motive power systems – Positional servo systems – Vehicular guidance systems with single axis control
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-02
2001-07-17
Ro, Bentsu (Department: 2837)
Electricity: motive power systems
Positional servo systems
Vehicular guidance systems with single axis control
C318S432000, C180S444000, C180S445000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06262551
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a steering system testing apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to an adaptable testing system for testing rear and forward steer vehicles.
Testing apparatus are used to analyze durability and performance of steering systems. The test apparatus is designed to simulate actual loads applied during operation of a steering system on the road to collect data for analysis, e.g. durability in service. Steering systems are supported on a platform for testing. Actuators are used to apply loads to the steering system. Load cells are mounted in the load path to a steering system to measure load for analysis. Steering systems include a steering unit, (such as a rack and pinion) and steering linkage for transmitting steer to wheels. Steering linkage includes a steering arm which is coupled to the steering unit and wheels to rotate the wheels about a pivot point. Steering arm linkage is part of the wheel spindle which is what the wheel mounts to and pivots about.
Different vehicles have different steering linkage constructions depending upon the position of the steering unit relative to the front of the vehicle. In particular, in some vehicles, the steer arm is coupled to the wheels forward of the pivot point (e.g. forward steer), and in other vehicles, the steer arm is coupled to the wheels rear of the pivot point (e.g. rear steer). It is desirable to independently test performance of both forward and rear steering systems. This invention addresses this and other problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a universal test apparatus which is easily adaptable for testing both forward and rear steering units. The vehicle test apparatus includes a rotationally supported steer member and a steer arm assembly including a steer arm operable coupled to the steer member and movable therewith. The steer arm is coupled to the steer member in a first position to form a forward steer arm connectable to a forward steer unit and orientable in a second position to form a rear steer arm connectable to a rear steer unit for front and rear steer testing. A steer actuator is coupled to the steer member and operable between forward and rear actuation modes for forward and rear steer testing.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4418780 (1983-12-01), Ito et al.
patent: 4629025 (1986-12-01), Brasier et al.
patent: 5033568 (1991-07-01), Oda et al.
patent: 5184298 (1993-02-01), Imaseki et al.
patent: 5700951 (1997-12-01), Sagiyama et al.
International Preliminary Examination Report of PCT Application No. PCT/US99/28474, filed Dec. 02, 1999, dated Jan. 31, 2001.
MTS Systems Corporation
Ro Bentsu
Westman Champlin & Kelly P.A.
LandOfFree
Multi-steer testing apparatus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Multi-steer testing apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Multi-steer testing apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2566045