Patents by Inventor Mark Anthony Wilkes
Mark Anthony Wilkes has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11945496Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes a housing, a shaft, a first gear, first and second motors. The shaft is rotatably mounted with respect to the housing and is configured for attachment of a steering wheel at one end. The first gear is connected to and configured to rotate with the shaft. Each of the first and second motors have an output driving a respective output gear. The output gears are engaged with the first gear, and there being control means configured to operate the motors in a first mode in which the motors apply torque to the first gear in opposite directions and a second mode in which the motors apply torque to the first gear in the same direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2019Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Inventor: Mark Anthony Wilkes
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Publication number: 20240097585Abstract: A dual motor drive assembly comprising a housing, a shaft rotatably mounted with respect to the housing, a first gear connected to and configured to rotate with the shaft, first and second motor circuits, each motor circuit including a motor having an output driving a respective output gear, the output gears being engaged with the first gear, a control circuit adapted to allocate independent torque demands to each of the first and second motors to cause a net torque to be applied to the shaft comprising the sum of the torques applied by the two motors, and a processing circuit adapted to estimate the level of load independent mechanical friction of the system by applying torque demands to the two motors.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Russell Wilson-Jones, Mark Anthony Wilkes, Aleksejs Semjonovs
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Publication number: 20240083492Abstract: A dual-motor drive assembly, comprising a housing, a shaft rotatably mounted to the housing, a first gear connected to the shaft, first and second motors, each driving a respective output gear which are engaged with the first gear, a motor controller allocating torque demands to the first and second motors to apply a torque to the first gear, a determination unit for an angular position signal of the first and second motors, and a processing unit receiving the angular position signals when the motor controller allocates a torque demand that produces a differential torque at the shaft having a first sense; the differential torque taking up any free-play between the two output gears and the first gear, receiving the angular position signals—when the motor controller allocates a torque demand that produces a differential torque at the shaft having a second sense, the differential torque taking up any free-play between the two output gears and the first gear, and the processing arrangement estimates the level ofType: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2023Publication date: March 14, 2024Inventors: Russell Wilson-Jones, Mark Anthony Wilkes
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Publication number: 20240051600Abstract: A dual motor drive assembly, for a handwheel actuator assembly of a vehicle, comprises a housing, a shaft rotatably mounted to the housing, a first gear connected to and configured to rotate with the shaft, first and second motors, each having an output driving a respective output gear, the output gears being engaged with the first gear, a torque allocation arrangement for allocating torque demands to each of the first and second motors according to a first and second mode, wherein in the first mode the torque demand allocated to the first motor follows a first profile and the torque demand allocated to the second motor follows a second profile, wherein the first and second profiles represent defined relationships between a total torque demand and the torque demand allocated to one of the first and second motors, wherein in the second mode the torque demand allocated to the first motor follows the second profile and the torque demand allocated to the second motor follows the first profile, further comprisingType: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2023Publication date: February 15, 2024Inventors: Russell Wilson-Jones, Mark Anthony Wilkes
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Publication number: 20240051599Abstract: A dual motor drive assembly can include a housing, a shaft rotatably mounted with respect to the housing, a first gear connected to and configured to rotate with the shaft, first and second motors, each having an output driving a respective output gear, the output gears being engaged with the first gear. The dual motor drive assembly can also include a control circuit which is adapted to allocate independent torque demands to each of the first and second motors to cause a net torque to be applied to the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2023Publication date: February 15, 2024Inventors: Russell Wilson-Jones, Mark Anthony Wilkes, Aleksejs Semjonovs
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Publication number: 20240051603Abstract: A dual motor drive assembly comprising a housing, a shaft rotatably mounted with respect to the housing, a first gear connected to and configured to rotate with the shaft, first and second motors, each having an output driving a respective output gear, the output gears being engaged with the first gear, an allocation arrangement for allocating torque demands to each of the first and second motors, a target friction detection arrangement for determining a target friction, a calculation arrangement for calculating a mechanical friction, wherein the target friction and mechanical friction are compared, and wherein the mechanical friction is modified to meet the target friction by varying the difference between the two motor torque demands when the two motor torques are in opposing directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2023Publication date: February 15, 2024Inventors: Russell Wilson-Jones, Mark Anthony Wilkes, Aleksejs Semjonovs
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Publication number: 20230406400Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle comprises: a steering column rotatably mounted about a longitudinal axis and configured for attachment of a steering wheel at one end; a first gear configured to rotate with the steering column; first and second, each having an output driving a respective output gear, the output gears being engaged with the first gear; and an ECU configured to operate the motors to apply torque to the first gear. The output gears are worm gears and the output gears are offset with respect to one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the steering column to produce a partial overlap of the contact areas of the first and second output gears with the teeth of the first gear, which reduces wear of the first gear and prolongs its useful life.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventors: Russell Wilson-Jones, Mark Anthony Wilkes
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Patent number: 11808325Abstract: A travel limiter for a rotatable steering column of a vehicle comprises: a housing; an elongate threaded member rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis within the housing; a nut member threadedly mounted on the elongate threaded member, the exterior of the nut member comprising a toothed gear; connector for connection of a rotatable steering column of a vehicle to the elongate threaded member, whereby the steering column and the threaded member are constrained to rotate together; end stops which engage with the nut member to define the maximum axial displacement of the nut member along the elongate threaded member in both directions; a drive motor having an output shaft configured to rotate an output gear member meshed with the gear on the exterior of the nut member; and a controller configured to control the operation of the drive motor.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2022Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Inventors: Mark Anthony Wilkes, Russell Wilson-Jones
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Publication number: 20230322292Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle comprises a steering column mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis and configured for attachment of a steering wheel at one end; a first gear connected to the steering column at a location spaced from the steering wheel attachment portion and configured to rotate with the steering column; first and second motors; first and second worm screws connected to and rotatable with the output of the first and second motors respectively and engaged with the first gear; and a control arrangement configured to operate the first and second motors; wherein rotational axes of the first and second worm screws are inclined with respect to a plane extending perpendicular to the rotational axis of the steering column.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Inventors: Russell Wilson-Jones, Mark Anthony Wilkes, Lorenz Graeff
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Publication number: 20230322290Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle comprises a steering column mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis and configured for attachment to a steering wheel at one end; a first gear connected to the steering column at a location spaced from the end where the steering wheel may be attached and configured to rotate with the steering column; first and second motors; first and second worm screws connected to and rotatable with an output of the first and second motors respectively and engaged with the first gear; and a control arrangement configured to operate the first and second motors. The control arrangement comprises a circuit board located between the first and second worm screws and their respective motors. The circuit board comprises a motor output position sensor for each of the first and second motors.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2023Publication date: October 12, 2023Inventors: Russell Wilson-Jones, Mark Anthony Wilkes, Lorenz Graeff
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Patent number: 11667322Abstract: A steering column assembly is disclosed that comprises: an elongate rotatable steering column, a displacement motor, a torque feedback motor; an engagement mechanism and a control. The steering column is configured at one end for attachment of a steering member and is displaceable along its longitudinal axis between a withdrawn, stowed position in which the steering function of the steering column is inhibited and an extended, deployed position in which the steering function of the steering column can be enabled. The displacement motor displaces the steering column between the stowed and deployed positions. The torque feedback motor is connected to the steering column and by which the steering column is rotatable. The engagement mechanism is engaged when the steering column is in the stowed position and limits the angular displacement of the steering column to a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Inventors: Russell Wilson-Jones, Timothy Buttery, Mark Anthony Wilkes, Sebastian Granville-Edmunds
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Patent number: 11498615Abstract: A steering torque feedback assembly for a vehicle steering column includes a housing, a first gear rotatably mounted within the housing about a first rotatable axis and being configured to rotate with, or being connected to, a vehicle steering column, first and second electric motors mounted within the housing, each having a rotatable output shaft, second and third gears rotatably mounted within the housing and engaged with the first gear, and first and second reduction gearing connecting the output of the first and second motors and a respective one of the second and third gears.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Inventors: Russell Wilson-Jones, Mark Anthony Wilkes
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Patent number: 11447173Abstract: A steering torque feedback assembly for a vehicle steering column includes a housing, a crown wheel of a hypoid gear assembly rotatably mounted in the housing and being configured to rotate with, or being connected to, a vehicle steering column, and first and second electric motors within the housing, each having a rotatable output shaft, wherein the output shaft of each of the first and second motors comprises a hypoid pinion gear engaged with the hypoid crown wheel.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2020Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Inventor: Mark Anthony Wilkes
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Publication number: 20220243791Abstract: A travel limiter for a rotatable steering column of a vehicle comprises: a housing; an elongate threaded member rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis within the housing; a nut member threadedly mounted on the elongate threaded member, the exterior of the nut member comprising a toothed gear; connector for connection of a rotatable steering column of a vehicle to the elongate threaded member, whereby the steering column and the threaded member are constrained to rotate together; end stops which engage with the nut member to define the maximum axial displacement of the nut member along the elongate threaded member in both directions; a drive motor having an output shaft configured to rotate an output gear member meshed with the gear on the exterior of the nut member; and a controller configured to control the operation of the drive motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2022Publication date: August 4, 2022Inventors: Mark Anthony Wilkes, Russell Wilson-Jones
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Publication number: 20220185359Abstract: A steering column assembly is disclosed that comprises: an elongate rotatable steering column, a displacement motor, a torque feedback motor; an engagement mechanism and a control. The steering column is configured at one end for attachment of a steering member and is displaceable along its longitudinal axis between a withdrawn, stowed position in which the steering function of the steering column is inhibited and an extended, deployed position in which the steering function of the steering column can be enabled. The displacement motor displaces the steering column between the stowed and deployed positions. The torque feedback motor is connected to the steering column and by which the steering column is rotatable. The engagement mechanism is engaged when the steering column is in the stowed position and limits the angular displacement of the steering column to a predetermined value.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2021Publication date: June 16, 2022Inventors: Russell Wilson-Jones, Timothy Buttery, Mark Anthony Wilkes, Sebastian Granville-Edmunds
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Patent number: 11267500Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes a base configured for attachment to a vehicle; an elongate steering column, a movable steering column support, a first guide means, a displaceable carriage, a second guide means as well as first and second displacement means. The steering column may be movably mounted on the base. The first guide means may constrain the steering column support into displacement in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the steering column. The displaceable carriage may be located between the movable steering column support and base. The second guide means may constrain the carriage into displacement in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the steering column. The first displacement means may displace the steering column support with respect to the carriage. The second displacement means may simultaneously displace the carriage with respect to the base.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2020Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Inventors: Mark Anthony Wilkes, Niclas Davies
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Patent number: 11173945Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes a housing, an elongate rotatable steering column, a gear and a torque feedback motor. The elongate rotatable steering column is configured at one end for attachment of a steering wheel and is displaceable into and out of the housing along its longitudinal axis (A). The gear is rotatably mounted coaxially with the steering column within the housing and keyed with the steering column. The torque feedback motor is connected to the gear wherein the keyed connection between the steering column and the gear allows longitudinal displacement of the steering column relative to the gear.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2020Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Inventor: Mark Anthony Wilkes
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Publication number: 20210107560Abstract: A steering torque feedback assembly for a vehicle steering column includes a housing, a first gear rotatably mounted within the housing about a first rotatable axis and being configured to rotate with, or being connected to, a vehicle steering column, first and second electric motors mounted within the housing, each having a rotatable output shaft, second and third gears rotatably mounted within the housing and engaged with the first gear, and first and second reduction gearing connecting the output of the first and second motors and a respective one of the second and third gears.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2020Publication date: April 15, 2021Applicant: ZF AUTOMOTIVE UK LIMITEDInventors: Russell Wilson-Jones, Mark Anthony Wilkes
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Publication number: 20210107557Abstract: A steering torque feedback assembly for a vehicle steering column includes a housing, a crown wheel of a hypoid gear assembly rotatably mounted in the housing and being configured to rotate with, or being connected to, a vehicle steering column, and first and second electric motors within the housing, each having a rotatable output shaft, wherein the output shaft of each of the first and second motors comprises a hypoid pinion gear engaged with the hypoid crown wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2020Publication date: April 15, 2021Applicant: ZF AUTOMOTIVE UK LIMITEDInventor: Mark Anthony Wilkes
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Publication number: 20210094603Abstract: A steering column assembly for a vehicle includes a housing, an elongate rotatable steering column, a gear and a torque feedback motor. The elongate rotatable steering column is configured at one end for attachment of a steering wheel and is displaceable into and out of the housing along its longitudinal axis (A). The gear is rotatably mounted coaxially with the steering column within the housing and keyed with the steering column. The torque feedback motor is connected to the gear wherein the keyed connection between the steering column and the gear allows longitudinal displacement of the steering column relative to the gear.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: ZF Automotive UK LimitedInventor: Mark Anthony Wilkes