Trw Limited

Kurt Achenbach

Mark A Cartwright

Stephen J Green

Terry D Carson

Phil McCune

Kevin E Boyle

A steering system () for a vehicle () comprises a housing () having first and second end portions () and an intermediate portion (). A steering member () is supported for axial movement in the housing (). A piston () fixed for movement with the steering member () has opposite end faces (). First and second springs () engage the end faces () of the piston () and bias the piston and thereby the steering member () in first and second axial directions toward a straight ahead position. Steering linkage () connected with the piston member () transmits movement of the piston member () to steerable wheels () of the vehicle.

Self-centering steering system

A vehicle steering system ( ) includes a pinion ( ) and a steering member ( ) movable axially to turn steerable wheels. The steering member ( ) has a rack portion ( ) in engagement with the pinion ( ) and a screw portion ( ). An electric motor ( ) includes a rotor ( ) and a stator ( ). The screw thread portion ( ) extends axially through the motor ( ). A ball nut ( ) rotatable with the rotor ( ) is associated with the screw thread portion ( ) for effecting axial movement of the steering member ( ) in response to rotation of the rotor. An electronic control unit ( ) for the motor ( ) includes a circuit board ( ) and a plurality of electronic components mounted on the circuit board. The circuit board ( ) has a non-planar configuration and at least partially encircles a portion of the steering member ( ) at a location spaced axially from the electric motor ( ).

Growing community of inventors

White Lake, MI, United States of America

Kurt Achenbach