STEERING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

摘要

A steering system for an autonomous vehicle includes a steering mechanism having a pinion gear and a rack, the steering mechanism being configured to translate rotation of the pinion gear into movement of the rack which is configured to affect the position of a steer tire of the autonomous vehicle, thereby affecting the lateral position of the autonomous vehicle; a steering wheel which provides a mechanical input to the pinion gear from an operator of the autonomous vehicle; a steering actuator which rotates to apply torque to the steering mechanism, thereby inducing movement of the rack which affects the position of the steer tire of the autonomous vehicle; and a variable coupling member operatively between the steering actuator and the steering mechanism which is configured to vary the torque that can be transmitted from the steering actuator to the steering mechanism.

主权项

1. A steering system for an autonomous vehicle, said steering system comprising:
a steering mechanism having a steering mechanism input member and a steering mechanism output member, said steering mechanism being configured to translate rotation of said steering mechanism input member into movement of said steering mechanism output member which is configured to affect the position of a steer tire of said autonomous vehicle, thereby affecting the lateral position of said autonomous vehicle; a steering wheel which provides a mechanical input to said steering mechanism input member from an operator of said autonomous vehicle; a steering actuator which rotates to apply torque to said steering mechanism, thereby inducing movement of said steering mechanism output member which affects the position of said steer tire of said autonomous vehicle; and a variable coupling member operatively between said steering actuator and said steering mechanism which is configured to vary the torque that can be transmitted from said steering actuator to said steering mechanism.