Electric power steering system for marine vessel

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-11230360-B2
Application number	US-202016855813-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Apr 22, 2020
Priority date	Apr 22, 2020
Publication date	Jan 25, 2022
Grant date	Jan 25, 2022

Abstract

A steering system for a marine vessel includes a cable translatable in response to a steering input command. The steering system also includes a rudder pivotable to steer the marine vessel. The steering system further includes a link member operatively coupled to the rudder. The steering system yet further includes a sensor positioned to detect a load associated with the cable in response to the steering input command. The steering system also includes an electric power steering system in operative communication with the sensor to receive a signal from the sensor and provide a powered assist to the link member.

First claim

Having thus described the invention, it is claimed:

1. A steering system for a marine vessel comprising:
a cable translatable in response to a steering input command;
a rudder pivotable to steer the marine vessel;
a link member operatively coupled to the rudder;
a sensor positioned to detect a load associated with the cable in response to the steering input command, wherein the sensor is a linear force sensor located on the cable; and
an electric power steering system in operative communication with the sensor to receive a signal from the sensor and provide a powered assist to the link member.

2. The steering system of claim 1 , wherein the electric power steering system comprises:
a rack operatively coupled to the link member;
a pinion engaged with the rack to impart translation of the rack during rotation of the pinion;
an electric motor operatively coupled to the pinion; and
a controller in operative communication with the sensor and with the electric motor.

3. The steering system of claim 2 , wherein the electric motor and the pinion are connected with a gear arrangement.

4. The steering system of claim 1 , wherein the link member is part of a linkage mechanism, wherein the electric power steering system is coupled to the linkage mechanism.

Assignees

• Steering Solutions Ip Holding

Inventors

• Weber John E
• Sanderson Rod M
• Maschke Andrew E
• Maust Brian G
• Douglas Christopher R
• Rousseau Philogene F
• Colbry Brant R

Classifications

• B63H25/20 Primary

  by mechanical means · CPC title

• B63H25/24

  by electrical means · CPC title

• B63H2025/022

  Steering wheels; Posts for steering wheels · CPC title