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Apple Patents Steer-by-Wire Suspension Design
Apple Inc. has received a U.S. patent for a suspension architecture that could be used in autonomous vehicles equipped with steer-by-wire systems.
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Apple Inc. has received a U.S. patent for a suspension architecture that could be used in autonomous vehicles equipped with steer-by-wire systems.
The tech giant, which filed the patent two years ago, claims the design will enable the use of lighter and smaller components. This would improve operating efficiency and allow for greater packaging flexibility, according to Apple.
The layout features a suspension component that connects the frame and steering wheel, and a steering knuckle to define the steering axis. Apple says the design would create a caster inclination angle of zero, thus eliminating the tendency of a steering wheel to return to center. Driverless cars don’t require any self-centering feel and would make any necessary steering corrections on their own.
The setup also could help reduce rolling resistance and improve tire wear, according to the patent.
Apple has said very little about its Project Titan autonomous vehicle program. It is unclear if the team is developing an entire vehicle or just the sensors and/or control software and processors.
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