Motor vehicles – Steering gear – With fluid power assist
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-17
2001-02-20
Hurley, Kevin (Department: 3619)
Motor vehicles
Steering gear
With fluid power assist
C180S432000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06189648
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
This invention pertains to the art of methods and apparatuses for steering vehicles, and more specifically to methods and apparatuses for using a vacuum actuator to power assist the steering mechanism of a vehicle.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is well known to provide steering mechanisms for steering a vehicle. Typically, a steering mechanism uses a steering implement (such as a steering wheel) that adjusts a series of mechanical linkages so that the wheels of the vehicle can be turned. Such a steering mechanism can be difficult for the operator to operate due to the forces required to move the various mechanical linkages. To overcome this problem, it is known in the art to provide power steering systems which diminish the effort required by the operator in steering the vehicle. However, such power steering systems typically include hydraulic systems or other similarly complex systems. Therefore, power steering systems known in the art, though effective, are difficult to construct, add considerable weight to the vehicle and are expensive.
The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for a power assist steering system that utilizes a vacuum actuator and can be used to assist the steering mechanism of a vehicle. The difficulties inherit in the art are therefore overcome in a way that is simple and efficient while providing better and more advantageous results.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power assist steering system for use on a vehicle. The power assist steering system includes a first vacuum actuator, vacuum means for providing a vacuum to the first vacuum actuator, activating means for selectively activating the first vacuum actuator and power assist means for assisting a steering mechanism on the vehicle.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the power assist steering system also includes a second vacuum actuator. The first vacuum actuator is used with the power assist means to turn the wheels of the vehicle in a first direction while the second vacuum actuator is used with the power assist means in turning the wheels of the vehicle in a second direction.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the activating means includes first and second discs that can be moved relative to one another and that provide for variable activation of the vacuum actuators. Biasing means is provided to bias the discs into a neutral or fully closed condition.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for steering a vehicle. The method includes the steps of adjusting a steering implement, switching a switching means, initiating a first vacuum actuator and turning the wheels.
According to another aspect of the present invention, another method for steering a vehicle is provided. The method includes the steps of adjusting a steering implement, rotating a first disc with respect to a second disc, initiating a first vacuum actuator and turning the first wheel.
One advantage of the present invention is that it is easy to manufacture and can be made economically.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it is formed of components that are light in weight.
Another advantage of the present invention is that an intake manifold, typically used in internal combustion engines, can be used as a vacuum source.
Another advantage of the invention is that a vehicle can be assisted in its steering without the need for a hydraulic system or other such complex steering system.
Another advantage of the invention is that the degree of turn or force that the operator inputs to the steering implement directly varies or controls the amount of power assist that the steering system receives from the power assist steering system.
Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.
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Bennett Timothy D.
Emerson Roger D.
Emerson & Associates
Hurley Kevin
MTD Products Inc
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