Ford has patented a system that uses the brakes to help steer a vehicle.
Some automakers have turned to all-wheel steering steering to make vehicles more maneuverable, but Ford is looking to patent an alternative solution.filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office describes a way to reduce turning radius on future vehicles by varying torque to individual wheels.In the proposed system, an onboard controller would monitor factors like steering angle and wheel speed to determine if turning-radius reduction will be helpful.
When activated, this mode reduces torque to the inside rear wheel, generating added yaw, or sideways movement. It then applies more torque to both front wheels to help balance out that yaw and pull the vehicle out of the turn. That sounds a bit like the already used in some production cars to improve handling, but specifically aimed at decreasing turning radius.The torque reduction for the inside rear wheel could be achieved via braking, so this system could be used in front-wheel drive vehicles without driven rear axles, Ford noted in the application. In all-wheel-drive applications, the rear axle could also be disconnected from the front axle in turn-assist mode, the application suggests.
As with all patent applications, it's unclear if Ford will put torque-based turn assist into production. But this isn't the first application for a patent of this category from the automaker; earlier this year it filed for a
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ford Had to Delay Some Cars Because It Ran Out of Ford BadgesFord had to delay some cars because it ran out of Ford badges.
Read more »
Ford begins construction on $5.6 billion Tennessee electric truck factoryFord has broken ground on the $5.6 billion Blue Oval City complex in Tennessee that will build electric trucks and batteries starting in 2025.
Read more »
Camping Review: 2022 Ford Expedition MaxCamping Review: 2022 Ford Expedition Max. The F-150-based SUV grows a foot longer. — via drivingdotca autonews FordF150 autoindustry carreview camping SUV roadtests
Read more »
Mercedes-Benz AMG E 53 spy shots, VW Gen.Travel concept, Ford Megazilla: Today's Car NewsThe next AMG E 53, VW's vision of future travel, and rumors of a new Ford crate V-8 all made headlines today.
Read more »
Ford parks thousands of unfinished trucks at idle Kentucky Speedway | AutoblogFord is stuffing the parking lots of the idled Kentucky Speedway with trucks awaiting parts due to ongoing supply shortages.
Read more »