United States Patent 5,195,601
Voigt, et. al. Mar. 23, 1993

Independent rear wheel toe-in control in a vehicle four wheel steering system

Inventors: Voigt; Ronald W. (Essexville, MI); Zuraski; Jeffrey A. (Saginaw, MI); McDonald; Brian P. (Saginaw, MI); Babineau; James W. (Saginaw, MI); Morrison; Scott D. (Rochester, MI).
Assignee: General Motors Corporation (Detroit, MI).
Appl. No.: 694,296
Filed: May 2, 1991
Intl. Cl. : B62D 5/04
U.S. Cl.: 180/79.1; 180/140
Current U.S. Class: 180/412
Field of Search: 180/79.1, 140; 280/91, 661

References Cited


U.S. Patent Documents

4,768,603 Sept., 1988 Sugiyama et al. 180/140
4,976,328 Dec., 1990 Ohmura 180/140
5,067,577 Nov., 1991 Morishita 180/79.1

Primary Examiner: Stormer; Russell D.
Assistant Examiner: Zeender; Florian
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Navarre; Mark A.


Abstract


The rear wheels of a motor vehicle are independently steered in an inward (toe-in) direction to improve yaw stability and on-center response. In moderate-to severe turning maneuvers, the rear wheel on the outside of the turn is controlled. In low-to-moderate turning maneuvers, the rear wheel on the inside of the turn is controlled.

3 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures


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