Steering Column Control

Adjustment of the steering column is achieved by a single Direct Current (DC) motor. Each adjustment movement is transmitted through a solenoid actuated clutch; 1 clutch for reach movement and 1 for rake movement.

When engaged, a clutch can be released only if the system is unstressed. As the clutches are mounted on the same motor spindle, the sequence for position adjustment is as follows:

• Engage the selected clutch by powering the appropriate solenoid
• After a time period (approximately 0.1 of a second), the motor is powered in the desired direction. When the motor reaches the stop position, the solenoid and motor is released/unpowered. The clutch remains engaged under stress
• At the start of the next adjustment the motor is powered in the opposite direction to enable the clutch to disengage when the stress is released.

Simultaneous rake and reach movements are not possible since the motor must reverse direction as soon as the first axis has reached its required position.

Steering column rake and reach is controlled via potentiometer feedback.