Vehicle steering centering device
View Patent ↗A steering centering device for vehicles to import straight line stability without excess induced resistance during use. The device includes a pair of spring urged roller bearing assemblies connected to the vehicle steering assembly for select movement along respective contoured cam travel surfaces. Resistance is imparted to the centering assembly as the roller bearings move from a rest (centered notch position) by steering input. A trim adjustment is provided to adjustably reposition the roller bearings rest position and a pressure damper is alternately positioned between the roller bearings to increase turning resistance.
1. A vehicle steering centering apparatus for imparting a resistance force resisting steering forces tending to move steerable member to either side of a selected position comprising,
a bifurcated bracket, opposing identical cam surfaces on said bracket, said cam surfaces having a centering notch respectively positioned therein,
a head block pivotally secured to a steering linkage,
leaf springs extending from said head block,
cam follower roller bearings positioned on respective leaf springs,
means for selectively adjusting one of said roller bearings on said cam surface for positioning said steerable member to said selected steered position.
2. The vehicle steering centering apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for selectively adjusting one of said roller bearings on said cam surface comprises,
a tapered pivoted ramp, a trim pin registerable against said ramp and cable means extending from said trim pin to a remote adjustable activation site.
3. The vehicle steering centering apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein said centering notches define cam follower bearing alternate pivot points.