STEERING INPUT POSITION SENSING APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to apparatuses and systems for and methods of sensing steering input position.

RELATED ART

Vehicles such as watercraft may include steering systems with sensors for measuring steering input position. However, some known steering input position sensors have some disadvantages.

SUMMARY

According to at least one embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus for measuring a position, relative to a steering input-support body mountable to a vehicle, of a steering input supported by the steering input-support body for movement relative to the steering input-support body and configured to move an intermediate linkage to move a steering device of the vehicle relative to the vehicle to steer the vehicle in response to movement of the steering input relative to the steering input-support body, the apparatus comprising a position sensor configured to be coupled to the steering input and configured to measure the position of the steering input independently of the steering device and independently of the intermediate linkage.

In some embodiments, the position sensor comprises a rotation sensor configured to measure a rotational position of the steering input, relative to the steering input-support body, around a steering axis of the steering input.

In some embodiments: the rotation sensor comprises a sensor input shaft having a sensor input axis, the sensor input shaft rotatable around the sensor input axis; and the sensor input shaft is rotationally couplable to the steering input.

In some embodiments, the sensor input shaft is rotationally couplable to the steering input such that the sensor input axis is parallel to the steering axis.

In some embodiments, the sensor input shaft is rotationally couplable to the steering input such that the sensor input axis is colinear with the steering axis.

In some embodiments: the rotation sensor further comprises a sensor output shaft having a sensor output axis, the sensor output shaft rotatable around the sensor output axis; the sensor output shaft is rotationally coupled to the sensor input shaft; and the rotation sensor is configured to measure the rotational position of the steering input by measuring a rotational position of the sensor output shaft.

In some embodiments, the sensor output shaft is parallel to the sensor input shaft.

In some embodiments, the sensor output axis is perpendicular to the sensor input axis.

In some embodiments: the sensor input shaft comprises an input gear; the sensor output shaft comprises an output gear; and the input gear is rotationally coupled to the output gear.

In some embodiments, a gear train comprising the input gear and the output gear has a gear ratio greater than 1:1.

In some embodiments, the gear ratio is about 6:1.

In some embodiments, the rotational position of the sensor output shaft is adjustable from outside of the position sensor when the position sensor is coupled to the steering input. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the sensor output shaft is accessible from outside of the position sensor when the position sensor is coupled to the steering input.

In some embodiments, the at least a portion of the sensor output shaft accessible from outside of the position sensor comprises a torque transfer interface engageable with a driver to enable the driver to rotate the sensor output shaft around the sensor output.

In some embodiments, the sensor input shaft is rotationally couplable to a steering shaft of the steering input.

In some embodiments, the rotation sensor is mountable to an end of the steering shaft.

In some embodiments, the position sensor is magnetically couplable to the steering input, magnetic coupling between the steering input and the position sensor configured to transfer movement of the steering input to the position sensor.

In some embodiments, the sensor input shaft comprises a sensor input shaft magnet rotationally couplable to a steering shaft magnet of the steering shaft.

In some embodiments, the position sensor further comprises an external shell covering at least a portion of the sensor input shaft magnet.

In some embodiments, the external shell covers at least a portion of a coupling surface of the sensor input magnet, the coupling surface configured to face the steering shaft magnet when the input shaft magnet is rotationally coupled to the steering shaft magnet.

In some embodiments, the external shell covers all of the coupling surface.

In some embodiments, the external shell encloses at least a portion of the rotation sensor.

In some embodiments, the external shell encloses all of the rotation sensor.

In some embodiments, the external shell seals an interior of the position sensor, the interior of the position sensor comprising the rotation sensor.

According to at least one embodiment, there is disclosed a steering system for a vehicle, the system comprising: a steering input-support body mountable to the vehicle; a steering input supported by the steering input-support body for movement relative to the steering input-support body, the steering input configured to move an intermediate linkage to move a steering device of the vehicle relative to the vehicle to steer the vehicle in response to movement of the steering input relative to the steering input-support body; and the apparatus, wherein the position sensor is coupled to the steering input and configured to measure the position of the steering input independently of the steering device and independently of the intermediate linkage.

According to at least one embodiment, there is disclosed a steering system for a vehicle, the system comprising: a steering input-support body mountable to the vehicle; a steering input supported by the steering input-support body for movement relative to the steering input-support body, the steering input configured to move an intermediate linkage to move a steering device of the vehicle relative to the vehicle to steer the vehicle in response to movement of the steering input relative to the steering input-support body; and a position sensor configured to measure a position of the steering input independently of the steering device and independently of the intermediate linkage.

In some embodiments: the steering input is rotatable, relative to the steering input-support body, around a steering axis of the steering input and is configured to move the steering device relative to the vehicle in response to rotation of the steering input, relative to the steering input-support body, around the steering axis; and the position sensor comprises a rotation sensor configured to measure a rotational position of the steering input, relative to the steering input-support body, around the steering axis.

In some embodiments, the sensor input axis is parallel to the steering axis.

In some embodiments, the sensor input axis is colinear with the steering axis.

In some embodiments, the sensor output shaft is parallel to the sensor input shaft.

In some embodiments, the sensor output axis is parallel to the sensor input axis.

In some embodiments, the sensor input shaft comprises an input gear; the sensor output shaft comprises an output gear; and the input gear is rotationally coupled to the output gear.

In some embodiments, a gear train comprising the input gear and the output gear has a gear ratio greater than 1:1.

In some embodiments, the gear ratio is about 6:1.

In some embodiments, the rotational position of the sensor output shaft is adjustable from outside of the position sensor when the position sensor is coupled to the steering input.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the sensor output shaft is accessible from outside of the position sensor when the position sensor is coupled to the steering input.

In some embodiments, the steering input comprises a steering shaft.

In some embodiments, the steering shaft has a longitudinal axis parallel to the steering axis.

In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis is colinear with the steering axis.

In some embodiments, the sensor input shaft is rotationally coupled to the steering shaft.

In some embodiments, the rotation sensor is positioned at an end of the steering shaft.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a magnetic coupling between the steering input and the position sensor and operable to transfer movement of the steering input to the position sensor.

In some embodiments, the steering shaft comprises a steering shaft magnet; the sensor input shaft comprises a sensor input shaft magnet; and the sensor input shaft magnet is rotationally coupled to the steering shaft magnet.

In some embodiments, the sensor input shaft magnet is separated from the steering shaft magnet by a separation gap.

In some embodiments, the position sensor further comprises an external shell covering at least a portion of the sensor input shaft magnet; and at least a portion of the external shell is positioned in the separation gap.

In some embodiments, the external shell covers at least a portion of a coupling surface of the sensor input magnet facing the steering shaft magnet.

In some embodiments, the external shell covers all of the coupling surface.

In some embodiments, the external shell encloses at least a portion of the rotation sensor.

In some embodiments, the external shell encloses all of the rotation sensor.

In some embodiments, the external shell seals an interior of the position sensor, the interior of the position sensor comprising the rotation sensor.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises the intermediate linkage.

In some embodiments, the intermediate linkage comprises a mechanical linkage configured to move the steering device relative to the vehicle to steer the vehicle in response to movement of the steering input relative to the steering-input support body.

In some embodiments, the mechanical linkage comprises a rack and pinion.

In some embodiments, the mechanical linkage comprises a rotary steering helm.

In some embodiments, the intermediate linkage comprises a hydraulic system configured to move the steering device relative to the vehicle to steer the vehicle in response to movement of the steering input relative to the steering-input support body.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises the steering device.

In some embodiments, the steering device comprises a rudder.

In some embodiments, the steering device comprises an outboard motor.

In some embodiments, the vehicle is a watercraft.

According to at least one embodiment, there is disclosed a vehicle comprising the steering system.

In some embodiments, the vehicle is a watercraft.

In some embodiments, the watercraft comprises a helm separated from the steering device, the helm comprising the steering input, and the position sensor attached to the helm.

In some embodiments, the position sensor is in a boat dash of the watercraft.

According to at least one embodiment, there is disclosed a method of determining a position of a steering input of a vehicle, the steering input operable to control a position of a steering device of the vehicle, the steering input operatively connected to the steering device by an intermediate linkage, the method comprising causing a position sensor to measure the position of the steering input independently of the steering device and independently of the intermediate linkage.

Other aspects and features will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of illustrative embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side-elevation view of a watercraft according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the watercraft of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a steering input, steering input-support, intermediate linkage, and position sensor of the watercraft of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a partially-exploded perspective view of the steering input, steering input-support, intermediate linkage, and position sensor of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the position sensor of FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the position sensor of FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, taken along the line labelled FIG. 6 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a steering input, steering input-support, intermediate linkage, and position sensor according to another embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a partially-exploded perspective view of the steering input, steering input-support, intermediate linkage, and position sensor of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the position sensor of FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the position sensor of FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, taken along the line labelled FIG. 10 in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a steering input, steering input-support, and position sensor according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a watercraft according to one embodiment is shown generally at 100. The watercraft 100 includes a hull 102 having a bow shown generally at 104. The hull 102 also has a stern shown generally at 106 and opposite the bow 104. In some embodiments, the watercraft 100 may be a tow boat, a wake boat, a water-ski boat, or another boat, aquatic vessel, or marine vessel. However, the watercraft 100 is an example only, and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, alternative embodiments are not limited to watercraft and may not necessarily include watercraft, but may rather include other types of vehicles.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 4, the watercraft 100 includes a console 108 supporting a helm shown generally at 110. The helm 110 includes a dashboard 112, a steering wheel 114, and a steering shaft 116 extending from the steering wheel 114 into the dashboard 112. The dashboard 112 may also be referred to as a dash or a dash panel, and the steering shaft 116 may also be referred to as a steering column or a helm shaft. Generally, the steering wheel 114 and the steering shaft 116 may in combination be referred to as a steering input 118. The helm 110 further includes a steering input-support body 120 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) mounted into the dashboard 112. The steering input-support body 120 supports the steering shaft 116 and thus the steering input 118 for rotation, relative to the steering input-support body 120, around a steering axis 122 of the steering input 118. As such, the steering input 118 is rotatable, relative to the steering input-support body 120, around the steering axis 122. As described in further detail below, rotation of the steering input 118, relative to the steering input-support body 120, around the steering axis 122 may be used to control steering of the watercraft 100. The helm 110 may also include other controls, such as a throttle or a joystick, which may also be mounted into or embedded in the dashboard 112.

The steering input 118 in the embodiment shown is an example only, and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, in the embodiment shown, the steering shaft 116 has a longitudinal axis that is colinear with the steering axis 122. However, alternative embodiments may include a steering shaft having a longitudinal axis that may not necessarily be colinear with the steering axis 122. For example, in some alternative embodiments, the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft may instead be parallel to the steering axis 122. Furthermore, some alternative embodiments may include more than one steering shaft, and some alternative embodiments may omit the steering wheel 114 or may have a different steering control in place of the steering wheel 114, such as a steering yoke.

At the stern 106 and separate from the console 108 and the helm 110, the watercraft 100 includes an outboard motor 124 mounted to the hull 102 and operable to generate a thrust force in a thrust direction 126 relative to the hull 102, and thus apply a thrust to the hull 102. As used herein, the term “motor” includes the term “engine”, and these two terms may be used interchangeably. Further, in general, “relative to the hull 102” herein may also mean relative to the watercraft 100. The outboard motor 124 is rotatable relative to the hull 102 around a generally vertical thrust direction axis 128. Rotation of the outboard motor 124 relative to the hull 102 around the thrust direction axis 128 changes a thrust angle of the thrust direction 126 laterally relative to the hull 102. In general, “laterally” herein may refer to a direction 130 toward port or a direction 132 toward starboard, or to a direction transverse to a longitudinal direction 134 of the hull 102 between the bow 104 and the stern 106. When the outboard motor 124 generates a thrust force, the thrust angle of the thrust direction 126 may affect a heading of the watercraft 100. As such, through rotation relative to the hull 102 around the thrust direction axis 128, the outboard motor 124 is operable to function as a steering device for the watercraft 100.

The outboard motor 124 in the embodiment shown is an example only, and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, alternative embodiments may include multiple outboard motors, or one or more motors that may not necessarily be outboard motors. Some alternative embodiments may include an inboard motor, a sterndrive engine, a jet-drive engine, a thruster engine, a surface-drive engine, a pod-drive engine, or any other motor/engine or propulsion device, and alternative embodiments may include one, two, or more than two such motors/engines or other propulsion devices. Furthermore, some alternative embodiments may include one or more rudders, which may also function as steering devices for the watercraft 100.

The watercraft 100 further includes an intermediate linkage 136 operatively connecting the steering input 118 to the outboard motor 124. Generally, the intermediate linkage 136 is configured to rotate the outboard motor 124 relative to the hull 102 around the thrust direction axis 128 in response to a corresponding rotation of the steering input 118, relative to the steering input-support body 120, around the steering axis 122. As such, the intermediate linkage 136 enables the steering input 118 to control the thrust angle of the thrust direction 126 of the thrust force generated by the outboard motor 124, and thus enables the steering input 118 to steer the watercraft 100. In the embodiment shown, the intermediate linkage 136 includes a mechanical linkage including a rack and pinion 138, a steering arm 140, a steering cable 141, and a drag link 143 (i.e., a link arm). The rack and pinion 138 is configured to transfer force between the steering input 118 and the steering arm 140, the steering arm 140 is configured to transfer force between the rack and pinion 138 and the steering cable 141, the steering cable 141 is configured to transfer force between the steering arm 140 and the drag link 143, and the drag link 143 is configured to transfer force between the steering cable 141 and the outboard motor 124. Thus, for example, rotation of the steering input 118, relative to the steering input-support body 120, around the steering axis 122 may apply a force to the rack and pinion 138 and thus cause the rack and pinion 138 to move; in response, the rack and pinion 138 may apply a force to the steering arm 140 and thus cause the steering arm 140 to move; in response, the steering arm 140 may apply a force to the steering cable 141 and thus cause the steering cable 141 to move; in response, the steering cable 141 may apply a force to the drag link 143 and thus cause the drag link 143 to move; and, ultimately, in response, the drag link 143 may apply a force to the outboard motor 124 and thus cause the outboard motor 124 to move. A similar response may also occur in reverse: that is, movement of the outboard motor 124 may ultimately cause the steering input 118 to rotate, relative to the steering input-support body 120, around the steering axis 122 in response to the movement of the outboard motor 124. However, the intermediate linkage 136 of the embodiment shown is an example only, and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, alternative embodiments may instead or in addition include one or more other types of mechanical linkages configured to move the outboard motor 124 (i.e., the steering device) relative to the hull 102 to steer the watercraft 100 in response to movement of the steering input 118 relative to the steering input-support body 120. Such other types of mechanical linkages may include, for example, a rotary steering helm. Alternative embodiments may also include one or more hydraulic systems configured to move the outboard motor 124 (i.e., the steering device) relative to the hull 102 to steer the watercraft 100 in response to movement of the steering input 118 relative to the steering input-support body 120.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 to 6, the watercraft 100 further includes a position sensor 142 positioned at and coupled to an end 144 of the steering shaft 116 opposite the steering wheel 114. In the embodiment shown, the position sensor 142 is located within the dashboard 112 of the helm 110, and is attached to the helm 110. The position sensor 142 includes a rotation sensor 146 configured to measure a rotational position of the steering input 118, relative to the steering input-support body 120, around the steering axis 122. The rotation sensor 146 includes a sensor input shaft 148 and a sensor output shaft 150.

The sensor input shaft 148 is rotatable, relative to the position sensor 142, around a sensor input axis 152 of the sensor input shaft 148. In the embodiment shown, the sensor input axis 152 is collinear with the steering axis 122 of the steering input 118. However, the sensor input shaft 148 of the embodiment shown is an example only, and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, some alternative embodiments may include a sensor input shaft having a sensor input axis that may not necessarily be colinear with the steering axis 122. More specifically, for example, in some alternative embodiments, the sensor input axis of the sensor input shaft may instead be parallel to the steering axis 122, or may instead be perpendicular to the steering axis 122, or may instead be at a non-zero angle to the steering axis 122.

The sensor output shaft 150 is rotatable, relative to the position sensor 142, around a sensor output axis 154 of the sensor output shaft 150. In the embodiment shown, the sensor output axis 154 is parallel to the sensor input axis 152 of the sensor input shaft 148 and the steering axis 122 of the steering input 118. That is, the sensor output shaft 150 is parallel to the sensor input shaft. However, the sensor output shaft 150 of the embodiment shown is an example only, and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, some alternative embodiments may include a sensor output shaft having a sensor output axis that may not necessarily be parallel to the sensor input axis 152. As a more specific example, in some alternative embodiments, the sensor output axis of the sensor output shaft may instead be perpendicular to the sensor input axis 152 (see, e.g., FIG. 11), or may instead be at a non-zero angle to the sensor input axis 152.

The sensor input shaft 148 includes an input gear 156, and the sensor output shaft 150 includes an output gear 158. The input gear 156 is rotationally coupled to the output gear 158 to form a gear train 160. Through this gear train 160, the sensor output shaft 150 is rotationally coupled to the sensor input shaft 148. In the embodiment shown, the gear train 160 has a gear ratio greater than 1:1. More specifically, the gear train 160 of the embodiment shown has a gear ratio of about 6:1. However, the gear train 160 of the embodiment shown is an example only, and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, some alternative embodiments may include gear trains with ratios other than 6:1, including gear ratios less than 1:1.

At an end 162 and along the sensor input axis 152, the sensor input shaft 148 includes a sensor input shaft magnet 164, which may include a multipole magnet such as a multipole magnet ring. At the end 144 and along the steering axis 122, the steering shaft 116 includes a steering shaft magnet 166, which may include a multipole magnet such as a multipole magnet ring. The sensor input shaft 148 is positioned such that the end 162 of the sensor input shaft 148 is positioned to abut the end 144 of the steering shaft 116 and, as noted above, the sensor input axis 152 is colinear with the steering axis 122. Thus, the sensor input shaft magnet 164 is aligned with and rotationally coupled to the steering shaft magnet 166, forming a magnetic coupling 168. Through this magnetic coupling 168, the sensor input shaft 148 is rotationally coupled to the steering shaft 116 and thus the steering input 118. That is, the magnetic coupling 168 is operable to transfer rotation of the steering input 118 to the rotation sensor 146 and thus to the position sensor 142.

The rotation sensor 146 further includes a sensing element 170 configured to measure a rotational position of an end 172 of the sensor output shaft 150, relative to the position sensor 142, around the sensor output axis 154. Because the sensor output shaft 150 is rotationally coupled to the sensor input shaft 148 through the gear train 160, and the sensor input shaft 148 is in turn rotationally coupled to the steering shaft 116 of the steering input 118 through the magnetic coupling 168, the sensor output shaft 150 is ultimately, albeit indirectly, rotationally coupled to the steering input 118. Thus, by measuring the rotational position of the end 172 of the sensor output shaft 150, relative to the position sensor 142, around the sensor output axis 154, the sensing element 170 of the rotation sensor 146 may effectively measure the rotational position of the steering input 118, relative to the steering input-support body 120, around the steering axis 122. The sensing element 170 may include, for example, a potentiometer, a rotary encoder, a magneto-resistive (MR) rotary sensor, or a combination of two or more thereof.

As explained above, the sensor input shaft magnet 164 of the sensor input shaft 148 of the rotation sensor 146 is directly coupled to the steering shaft magnet 166 of the steering shaft 116 of the steering input 118. Therefore, the rotation sensor 146, and thus the position sensor 142, is directly coupled to the steering input 118. As a result, the rotation sensor 146 may measure the rotational position of the steering input 118, relative to the steering input-support body 120, around the steering axis 122, independently of the outboard motor 124 and independently of the intermediate linkage 136. That is, more broadly, the position sensor 142 may measure a position of the steering input 118 independently of the outboard motor 124 (i.e., the steering device) and independently of the intermediate linkage 136.

The position sensor 142 may be installed or retrofitted onto a steering input of a vehicle as follows, for example. Considering, for the purposes of this example, the watercraft 100, the steering shaft magnet 166 may be attached to the steering shaft 116. Subsequently, the position sensor 142 may be positioned at the end 144 of the steering shaft such that the steering axis 122 is colinear with the sensor input axis 152, and the sensor input shaft magnet 164 may be coupled to the steering shaft magnet 166. Because the position sensor 142 can measure the position of the steering input 118 independently of the steering device and independently of the intermediate linkage 136, the position sensor 142 may be installed onto steering inputs of vehicles having various types of intermediate linkage and/or steering device.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, an alternative embodiment which may be used, for example, with the watercraft 100 is shown and includes a steering shaft 174, a steering input-support body 176, an intermediate linkage 178, and a position sensor 180. The steering shaft 174 may be similar to the steering shaft 116 of the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6, and may be combined with a steering wheel (not shown), such as the steering wheel 114, to form a steering input 182, which may be similar to the steering input 118. The steering input-support body 176, which may be similar to the steering input-support body 120 of the embodiment of

FIGS. 3 to 6, supports the steering shaft 174 and thus the steering input 182 for rotation, relative to the steering input-support body 176, around a steering axis 184 of the steering input 182. Similarly to the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6, rotation of the steering input 182, relative to the steering input-support body 176, around the steering axis 184 may be used to control steering of the watercraft 100.

The intermediate linkage 178 may be similar to the intermediate linkage 136 of the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6, and includes a rack and pinion 186, which may be similar to the rack and pinion 138, and a steering arm 188, which may be similar to the steering arm 140. Generally, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6, the intermediate linkage 178 operatively connects the steering input 182 to the outboard motor 124 of the watercraft 100, and enables the steering input 182 to steer the watercraft 100 by controlling the thrust angle of the thrust direction 126 of the thrust force generated by the outboard motor 124.

The position sensor 180 is positioned at and coupled to an end 190 of the steering shaft 174 opposite the steering wheel. The position sensor 180 includes an external shell 191 generally covering and/or enclosing an interior 181 of the position sensor 180, and a rotation sensor 192 configured to measure a rotational position of the steering input 182, relative to the steering input-support body 176, around the steering axis 184.

The external shell 191 includes a first shell portion 193 and a second shell portion 195. Fasteners 197, 199, and 201 (see FIG. 9) join the first shell portion 193 to the second shell portion 195 with the rotation sensor 192 between the first and second shell portions 193 and 195. Thus, in the embodiment shown, the external shell 191 covers and encloses all of the rotation sensor 192. However, in alternative embodiments, the external shell 191 may cover or enclose only a portion of the rotation sensor 192.

The rotation sensor 192 includes a sensor input shaft 194 and a sensor output shaft 196. The sensor input shaft 194 is rotatable, relative to the position sensor 180, around a sensor input axis 198 of the sensor input shaft 194. In the embodiment shown, the sensor input axis 198 is colinear with the steering axis 184 of the steering input 182. However, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6, the sensor input shaft 194 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 is an example only, and alternative embodiments may differ, and may, for example, include a sensor input shaft having a sensor input axis that may be parallel, perpendicular, or at a non-zero angle to the steering axis 184.

The sensor output shaft 196 is rotatable, relative to the position sensor 180, around a sensor output axis 200 of the sensor output shaft 196. In the embodiment shown, the sensor output axis 200 is parallel to the sensor input axis 198 of the sensor input shaft 196 and the steering axis 184 of the steering input 182. However, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6, the sensor output shaft 196 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 is an example only, and alternative embodiments may differ, and may, for example, include a sensor output shaft having a sensor output axis that may instead be perpendicular or otherwise non-parallel to the sensor input axis 198.

The sensor input shaft 194 includes an input gear 202, and the sensor output shaft 196 includes an output gear 204. The input gear 202 is rotationally coupled to the output gear 204 to form a gear train 206. Through this gear train 206, the sensor output shaft 196 is rotationally coupled to the sensor input shaft 194. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the gear train 206 has a gear ratio of about 6:1. However, the gear train 206 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 is an example only, and alternative embodiments may differ, and may include, for example, gear trains with ratios other than 6:1.

At an end 208 and along the sensor input axis 198, the sensor input shaft 194 includes a sensor input shaft magnet 210, which may include a multipole magnet such as a multipole magnet ring, similar to the sensor input shaft magnet 164 of the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6. At the end 190 and along the steering axis 184, the steering shaft 174 includes a steering shaft magnet 212, which may include a multipole magnet such as a multipole magnet ring, similar to the steering shaft magnet 166 of the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6. The sensor input shaft 194 is positioned such that the end 208 of the sensor input shaft 194 is positioned to generally abut the end 190 of the steering shaft 174. As the sensor input axis 198 is colinear with the steering axis 184, the sensor input shaft magnet 210 is aligned with and rotationally coupled to the steering shaft magnet 212, forming a magnetic coupling 214. Through this magnetic coupling 214, the sensor input shaft 194 is rotationally coupled to the steering shaft 174 and thus the steering input 182. That is, the magnetic coupling 214 is operable to transfer rotation of the steering input 182 to the rotation sensor 192 and thus to the position sensor 180.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the sensor input shaft magnet 210 is separated from the steering shaft magnet 212 by a separation gap 216. Because the magnets 210 and 212 are separated by this separation gap 216, the position sensor 180, and thus the rotation sensor 192, may be partly or entirely sealed off from an external environment, and may thus be protected from adverse conditions in that external environment. For example, in the embodiment shown, a portion 218 of the second shell portion 193 of the external shell 191 of the position sensor 180 is positioned in the separation gap 216, such that the second shell portion 193, and thus the external shell 191, covers a coupling surface 211 of the sensor input shaft magnet 210 which faces the steering shaft magnet 212. By covering the coupling surface 211—i.e., the part of the rotation sensor 192 that most directly interfaces with the steering shaft magnet 212 and thus the steering shaft 174—the external shell 191 may entirely enclose the rotation sensor 192, and may thus seal the interior 181 of the position sensor 180, including the rotation sensor 192, away from the external environment. In the embodiment of FIGS. 7 to 10, additional sealing elements are used to completely seal the interior 181 of the position sensor 180. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a gasket 203 seals an interface between the first and second shell portions 193 and 195, a cap or plug 205 seals an opening 207 in the first shell portion 193 which provides access to the fastener 201, and a cap or plug 209 seals an opening 224 in the first shell portion 193 which is described in further detail below. Of course, the embodiment shown is an example only, and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, in some alternative embodiments, the external shell 191 may cover only a portion of the sensor input shaft magnet 210, such as only a portion of the coupling surface 211.

The rotation sensor 192 further includes a sensing element 220 configured to measure a rotational position of an end 222 of the sensor output shaft 196, relative to the position sensor 180, around the sensor output axis 200. Because the sensor output shaft 196 is rotationally coupled to the sensor input shaft 194 through the gear train 206, and the sensor input shaft 194 is in turn rotationally coupled to the steering shaft 174 of the steering input 182 through the magnetic coupling 214, the sensor output shaft 196 is ultimately, albeit indirectly, rotationally coupled to the steering input 182. Thus, by measuring the rotational position of the end 222 of the sensor output shaft 196, relative to the position sensor 180, around the sensor output axis 200, the sensing element 220 of the rotation sensor 192 may effectively measure the rotational position of the steering input 182, relative to the steering input-support body 176, around the steering axis 184. The sensing element 220 may include, for example, a potentiometer, a rotary encoder, a magneto-resistive (MR) rotary sensor, or a combination of two or more thereof.

As noted above, the first shell portion 193 of the external shell 191 defines an opening shown generally at 224, which provides access from outside of the position sensor 180 (i.e., from an external environment) to an adjustment end 226 of the sensor output shaft 196 opposite the end 222. That is, through the opening 224, a portion of the sensor output shaft 196 (i.e., the adjustment end 226) is accessible from outside of the position sensor 180, even when the position sensor 180 is coupled to the steering shaft 174 and thus the steering input 182. At the adjustment end 226, the sensor output shaft 196 includes a torque transfer interface 228 engageable with a driver (not shown), such as a screwdriver, key or wrench, to enable the driver to rotate the sensor output shaft 196 around the sensor output axis 200. In the embodiment shown, the torque transfer interface 228 includes a slot configured to engage, for example, a flat-bladed screwdriver, but in alternative embodiments, the torque transfer interface 228 may instead or in addition include cross-shaped/cruciform, square, hexagonal, or other-shaped cavities, for example. By inserting the driver through the opening 224 and engaging the adjustment end 226 at the torque transfer interface 228 with the driver, it is possible to manually rotate the sensor output shaft 196 around the sensor output axis 200. Thus, the rotational position of the sensor output shaft 196, relative to the position sensor 180, around the sensor output axis 200, is adjustable from outside of the position sensor 180, even when the position sensor 180 is coupled to the steering input 182. Because the sensor output shaft 196 is rotationally coupled to the sensor input shaft 194 through the gear train 206, manual rotation of the sensor output shaft 196 will cause corresponding rotation of the sensor input shaft 194 around the sensor input axis 198. If, for example, the steering shaft 174 is held rotationally stationary around the steering axis 184 (i.e., if the steering shaft 174 is prevented from rotating around the steering axis 184; e.g., by locking the steering wheel), then rotation of the sensor input shaft 194 may cause the sensor input shaft magnet 210 to rotate around the sensor input axis 198 while the steering shaft magnet 212 remains stationary around the steering axis 184, thus causing the sensor input shaft magnet 210 to rotationally (i.e., around the steering axis 184/sensor input axis 198) slide or slip along the steering shaft magnet 212 at the magnetic coupling 214. Therefore, by manually rotating the sensor output shaft 196 though the opening 224 (e.g., while holding the steering shaft 174 stationary), it is possible to rotationally adjust the magnetic coupling 214 between the sensor input shaft magnet 210 and the steering shaft magnet 212. Such adjustment of the magnetic coupling 214 may allow, for example, adjustment of an indication on the rotation sensor 192 of a center position of the steering device (e.g., the outboard motor 124) without detaching or disassembling the position sensor 180. Thus, such adjustment of the magnetic coupling 214 may be used to correct rotational misalignment of the rotation sensor 192.

As in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6, the sensor input shaft magnet 210 of the sensor input shaft 194 of the rotation sensor 192 and thus of the position sensor 180 is directly coupled to the steering shaft magnet 212 of the steering shaft 174 of the steering input 182—that is, the position sensor 180 is directly coupled to the steering input 182. Therefore, similar to the position sensor 142 of the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6, the position sensor 180 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 may measure a position of the steering input 182 independently of the outboard motor 124 (i.e., the steering device) and independently of the intermediate linkage 178.

Referring now to FIG. 11, an alternative embodiment which may be used, for example, with the watercraft 100 is shown and includes a steering shaft 230, a steering input-support body 232, and a position sensor 234. The steering shaft 230 may be similar to the steering shaft 116 of the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6 or to the steering shaft 174 of the embodiment of FIGS. 7 to 10, and may be combined with a steering wheel (not shown), such as the steering wheel 114, to form a steering input 236, which may be similar to the steering inputs 118 and 182. The steering input-support body 232, which may be similar to the steering input-support body 120 of the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6 or to the steering input-support body 176 of the embodiment of FIGS. 7 to 10, supports the steering shaft 230 and thus the steering input 236 for rotation, relative to the steering input-support body 232, around a steering axis 238 of the steering input 236. Similarly to the embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 6 and 7 to 10, rotation of the steering input 236, relative to the steering input-support body 232, around the steering axis 238 may be used to control steering of the watercraft 100 through an intermediate linkage such as the intermediate linkage 136 of the of the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6 or the intermediate linkage 178 of the embodiment of FIGS. 7 to 10.

The position sensor 234 is positioned at and coupled to an end 240 of the steering shaft 230 opposite the steering wheel. The position sensor 234 includes an external shell 241 generally covering and/or enclosing an interior 235 of the position sensor 234, and a rotation sensor 242 configured to measure a rotational position of the steering input 236, relative to the steering input-support body 232, around the steering axis 238. The external shell 241 may be similar to the external shell 241 of the embodiment of FIGS. 7 to 10. The rotation sensor 242 includes a sensor input shaft 244 and a sensor output shaft 246. The sensor input shaft 244 is rotatable, relative to the position sensor 234, around a sensor input axis 248 of the sensor input shaft 244. In the embodiment shown, the sensor input axis 248 is colinear with the steering axis 238 of the steering input 236. However, alternative embodiments may differ, and may, for example, include a sensor input shaft having a sensor input axis that may be parallel, perpendicular, or at a non-zero angle to the steering axis 238.

The sensor output shaft 246 is rotatable, relative to the position sensor 234, around a sensor output axis 250 of the sensor output shaft 246. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, unlike the embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 6 and 7 to 10, the sensor output axis 250 is perpendicular to the sensor input axis 248 of the sensor input shaft 244 and the steering axis 238 of the steering input 236. That is, the sensor output shaft 246 is perpendicular to the sensor input shaft 244.

The sensor input shaft 244 includes a beveled input gear 252, and the sensor output shaft 246 includes a beveled output gear 254. The beveled input gear 252 is rotationally coupled to the beveled output gear 254 to form a beveled gear train 256. Through this beveled gear train 256, the sensor output shaft 246 is rotationally coupled to the sensor input shaft 244.

At an end 258 and along the sensor input axis 248, the sensor input shaft 244 includes a sensor input shaft magnet 260, which may include a multipole magnet such as a multipole magnet ring, similar to the sensor input shaft magnet 164 of the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6 or to the sensor input shaft magnet 210 of the embodiment of FIGS. 7 to 10. At the end 240 and along the steering axis 238, the steering shaft 230 includes a steering shaft magnet 262, which may include a multipole magnet such as a multipole magnet ring, similar to the steering shaft magnet 166 of the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6 or to the steering shaft magnet 212 of the embodiment of FIGS. 7 to 10. The sensor input shaft 244 is positioned such that the end 258 of the sensor input shaft 244 is positioned to generally abut the end 240 of the steering shaft 230. As the sensor input axis 238 is colinear with the steering axis 248, the sensor input shaft magnet 260 is aligned with and rotationally coupled to the steering shaft magnet 262, forming a magnetic coupling 264. Through this magnetic coupling 264, the sensor input shaft 244 is rotationally coupled to the steering shaft 230 and thus the steering input 236. That is, the magnetic coupling 264 is operable to transfer rotation of the steering input 236 to the rotation sensor 242 and thus to the position sensor 234.

As in the embodiment of FIGS. 7 to 10, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the sensor input shaft magnet 260 is separated from the steering shaft magnet 262 by a separation gap 261. Because the magnets 260 and 262 are separated by this separation gap 261, the position sensor 234, and thus the rotation sensor 242, may be partly or entirely sealed off from an external environment, and may thus be protected from adverse conditions in that external environment. For example, in the embodiment shown, a portion 243 of the external shell 241 of the position sensor 234 is positioned in the separation gap 261, such that the external shell 241 covers a coupling surface 263 of the sensor input shaft magnet 260 which faces the steering shaft magnet 262. By covering the coupling surface 263—i.e., the part of the rotation sensor 242 that most directly interfaces with the steering shaft magnet 262 and thus the steering shaft 230—the external shell 241 may entirely enclose the rotation sensor 242, and may thus seal the interior 235 of the position sensor 234, including the rotation sensor 242, away from the external environment. Of course, the embodiment shown is an example only, and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, in some alternative embodiments, the external shell 241 may cover only a portion of the sensor input shaft magnet 260, such as only a portion of the coupling surface 263.

The rotation sensor 242 further includes a sensing element 266 configured to measure a rotational position of an end 268 of the sensor output shaft 246, relative to the position sensor 234, around the sensor output axis 250. Because the sensor output shaft 246 is rotationally coupled to the sensor input shaft 244 through the gear train 256, and the sensor input shaft 244 is in turn rotationally coupled to the steering shaft 230 of the steering input 236 through the magnetic coupling 264, the sensor output shaft 246 is ultimately, albeit indirectly, rotationally coupled to the steering input 236. Thus, by measuring the rotational position of the end 268 of the sensor output shaft 246, relative to the position sensor 234, around the sensor output axis 250, the sensing element 266 of the rotation sensor 242 may effectively measure the rotational position of the steering input 236, relative to the steering input-support body 232, around the steering axis 238. The sensing element 266 may include, for example, a potentiometer, a rotary encoder, a magneto-resistive (MR) rotary sensor, or a combination of two or more thereof.

As in the embodiment of FIGS. 7 to 10, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the external shell 241 defines an opening shown generally at 270, which provides access from outside of the position sensor 234 (i.e., from an external environment) to an adjustment end 272 of the sensor output shaft 246 opposite the end 222. That is, through the opening 270, a portion of the sensor output shaft 246 (i.e., the adjustment end 272) is accessible from outside of the position sensor 234, even when the position sensor 234 is coupled to the steering shaft 230 and thus the steering input 236. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the opening 270 may be covered by a removable cap 276, thus allowing the interior 235 of the position sensor 234 to be sealed. At the adjustment end 272, the sensor output shaft 246 includes a torque transfer interface 274 engageable with a driver (not shown), such as a screwdriver, key or wrench, to enable the driver to rotate the sensor output shaft 246 around the sensor output axis 250. By inserting the driver through the opening 270 and engaging the adjustment end 272 at the torque transfer interface 274 with the driver, it is possible to manually rotate the sensor output shaft 246 around the sensor output axis 250. Thus, the rotational position of the sensor output shaft 246, relative to the position sensor 234, around the sensor output axis 250, is adjustable from outside of the position sensor 234, even when the position sensor 234 is coupled to the steering input 236. Because the sensor output shaft 246 is rotationally coupled to the sensor input shaft 244 through the beveled gear train 256, manual rotation of the sensor output shaft 246 will cause corresponding rotation of the sensor input shaft 244 around the sensor input axis 248. Thus, similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 7 to 10, if the steering shaft 230 is held rotationally stationary around the steering axis 238, then rotation of the sensor input shaft 244 may cause the sensor input shaft magnet 260 to rotate around the sensor input axis 248 while the steering shaft magnet 262 remains stationary around the steering axis 238, thus causing the sensor input shaft magnet 260 to rotationally (i.e., around the steering axis 238/sensor input axis 248) slide or slip along the steering shaft magnet 262 at the magnetic coupling 264.

Therefore, by manually rotating the sensor output shaft 246 though the opening 270 (e.g., while holding the steering shaft 230 stationary), it is possible to rotationally adjust the magnetic coupling 264 between the sensor input shaft magnet 260 and the steering shaft magnet 262. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 7 to 10, such manual rotation may be used, for example, to adjust an indication on the rotation sensor 242 of a center position of the steering device (e.g., to correct rotational misalignment) without detaching or disassembling the position sensor 234.

The position sensors 142, 180, and 234 of the embodiments shown are examples only, and alternative embodiments may differ. For example, alternative embodiments may include more than one rotation sensor, or may include position sensors other than rotation sensors.

Furthermore, some alternative embodiments may include position sensors that are not located within the dashboard 112 or attached to the helm 110, or that are not positioned at the end 144 of the steering shaft 116, but are rather positioned at a different part of the steering shaft 116.

Referring to the embodiments shown, in general, the steering input 118 or 182 or 236, the steer input-support body 120 or 176 or 232, the position sensor 142 or 180 or 234, and, optionally, one or both of the outboard motor 124 and the intermediate linkage 136 or 178 may be considered a steering system of the watercraft 100.

Steering systems including position sensors such as those described herein, for example, may be preferable to other steering systems. For example, for water-based vehicles such as the watercraft 100, a position sensor that measures a position of a steering input independently of an intermediate linkage and independently of a steering device such as a rudder or an outboard motor may be advantageous because such a position sensor may be positioned remotely from environments, such as environments near the steering device (e.g., in water), which may be corrosive or otherwise pose threats of contamination or chemical exposure to the position sensor. Additionally, a position sensor that uses magnetic coupling to a steering shaft to measure a rotational position of the steering shaft may be able to continue measuring the rotational position of the steering shaft even if the steering shaft becomes axially misaligned (e.g., referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 3 to 6, if the steering axis 122 of the steering shaft 116 is no longer colinear with the sensor input axis 152 of the sensor input shaft 148). Further, because such a magnetic coupling between the position sensor and the steering shaft is not rigid, it may avoid or minimize transfer of stresses arising from any misalignment of the steering shaft to the position sensor.

EXAMPLES

This disclosure also further includes, but is not limited to, the following examples, each of which may be an example of one or more embodiments described or illustrated herein, and each of which may be combined with one or more other examples, embodiments, or any other subject matter described or illustrated herein.

- 1. An apparatus for measuring a position, relative to a steering input-support body mountable to a vehicle, of a steering input supported by the steering input-support body for movement relative to the steering input-support body and configured to move an intermediate linkage to move a steering device of the vehicle relative to the vehicle to steer the vehicle in response to movement of the steering input relative to the steering input-support body, the apparatus comprising:
  - a position sensor configured to be coupled to the steering input and configured to measure the position of the steering input independently of the steering device and independently of the intermediate linkage.
- 2. The apparatus of example 1 wherein the position sensor comprises a rotation sensor configured to measure a rotational position of the steering input, relative to the steering input-support body, around a steering axis of the steering input.
- 3. The apparatus of example 2 wherein:
  - the rotation sensor comprises a sensor input shaft having a sensor input axis, the sensor input shaft rotatable around the sensor input axis; and
  - the sensor input shaft is rotationally couplable to the steering input.
- 4. The apparatus of example 3 wherein the sensor input shaft is rotationally couplable to the steering input such that the sensor input axis is parallel to the steering axis.
- 5. The apparatus of example 3 wherein the sensor input shaft is rotationally couplable to the steering input such that the sensor input axis is colinear with the steering axis.
- 6. The apparatus of example 3, 4, or 5 wherein:
  - the rotation sensor further comprises a sensor output shaft having a sensor output axis, the sensor output shaft rotatable around the sensor output axis;
  - the sensor output shaft is rotationally coupled to the sensor input shaft; and
  - the rotation sensor is configured to measure the rotational position of the steering input by measuring a rotational position of the sensor output shaft.
- 7. The apparatus of example 6 wherein the sensor output axis is parallel to the sensor input axis.
- 8. The apparatus of example 6 wherein the sensor output axis is perpendicular to the sensor input axis.
- 9. The apparatus of example 6, 7, or 8 wherein:
  - the sensor input shaft comprises an input gear;
  - the sensor output shaft comprises an output gear; and
  - the input gear is rotationally coupled to the output gear.
- 10. The apparatus of example 9 wherein a gear train comprising the input gear and the output gear has a gear ratio greater than 1:1.
- 11. The apparatus of example 10 wherein the gear ratio is about 6:1.
- 12. The apparatus of any one of examples 6 to 11 wherein the rotational position of the sensor output shaft is adjustable from outside of the position sensor when the position sensor is coupled to the steering input.
- 13. The apparatus of example 12 wherein at least a portion of the sensor output shaft is accessible from outside of the position sensor when the position sensor is coupled to the steering input.
- 14. The apparatus of example 13 wherein the at least a portion of the sensor output shaft accessible from outside of the position sensor comprises a torque transfer interface engageable with a driver to enable the driver to rotate the sensor output shaft around the sensor output.
- 15. The apparatus of any one of examples 3 to 14 wherein the sensor input shaft is rotationally couplable to a steering shaft of the steering input.
- 16. The apparatus of example 15 wherein the rotation sensor is mountable to an end of the steering shaft.
- 17. The apparatus of any one of examples 1 to 16 wherein the position sensor is magnetically couplable to the steering input, magnetic coupling between the steering input and the position sensor configured to transfer movement of the steering input to the position sensor.
- 18. The apparatus of example 15 or 16 wherein the sensor input shaft comprises a sensor input shaft magnet rotationally couplable to a steering shaft magnet of the steering shaft.
- 19. The apparatus of example 18 wherein the position sensor further comprises an external shell covering at least a portion of the sensor input shaft magnet.
- 20. The apparatus of example 19 wherein the external shell covers at least a portion of a coupling surface of the sensor input magnet, the coupling surface configured to face the steering shaft magnet when the input shaft magnet is rotationally coupled to the steering shaft magnet.
- 21. The apparatus of example 20 wherein the external shell covers all of the coupling surface.
- 22. The apparatus of example 19, 20, or 21 wherein the external shell encloses at least a portion of the rotation sensor.
- 23. The apparatus of example 22 wherein the external shell encloses all of the rotation sensor.
- 24. The apparatus of example 23 wherein the external shell seals an interior of the position sensor, the interior of the position sensor comprising the rotation sensor.
- 25. A steering system for a vehicle, the system comprising:
  - a steering input-support body mountable to the vehicle;
  - a steering input supported by the steering input-support body for movement relative to the steering input-support body, the steering input configured to move an intermediate linkage to move a steering device of the vehicle relative to the vehicle to steer the vehicle in response to movement of the steering input relative to the steering input-support body; and
  - the apparatus of any one of examples 1 to 24, wherein the position sensor is coupled to the steering input and configured to measure the position of the steering input independently of the steering device and independently of the intermediate linkage.
- 26. A steering system for a vehicle, the system comprising:
  - a steering input-support body mountable to the vehicle;
  - a steering input supported by the steering input-support body for movement relative to the steering input-support body, the steering input configured to move an intermediate linkage to move a steering device of the vehicle relative to the vehicle to steer the vehicle in response to movement of the steering input relative to the steering input-support body; and
  - a position sensor configured to measure a position of the steering input independently of the steering device and independently of the intermediate linkage.
- 27. The system of example 26 wherein:
  - the steering input is rotatable, relative to the steering input-support body, around a steering axis of the steering input and is configured to move the steering device relative to the vehicle in response to rotation of the steering input, relative to the steering input-support body, around the steering axis; and
  - the position sensor comprises a rotation sensor configured to measure a rotational position of the steering input, relative to the steering input-support body, around the steering axis.
- 28. The system of example 27 wherein:
  - the rotation sensor comprises a sensor input shaft having a sensor input axis, the sensor input shaft rotatable around the sensor input axis; and
  - the sensor input shaft is rotationally coupled to the steering input.
- 29. The system of example 28 wherein the sensor input axis is parallel to the steering axis.
- 30. The system of example 28 wherein the sensor input axis is colinear with the steering axis.
- 31. The system of example 28, 29, or 30 wherein:
  - the rotation sensor further comprises a sensor output shaft having a sensor output axis, the sensor output shaft rotatable around the sensor output axis;
  - the sensor output shaft is rotationally coupled to the sensor input shaft; and
  - the rotation sensor is configured to measure the rotational position of the steering input by measuring a rotational position of the sensor output shaft.
- 32. The system of example 31 wherein the sensor output axis is parallel to the sensor input axis.
- 33. The system of example 31 wherein the sensor output axis is parallel to the sensor input axis.
- 34. The system of example 31, 32, or 33 wherein:
  - the sensor input shaft comprises an input gear;
  - the sensor output shaft comprises an output gear; and
  - the input gear is rotationally coupled to the output gear.
- 35. The system of example 34 wherein a gear train comprising the input gear and the output gear has a gear ratio greater than 1:1.
- 36. The system of example 35 wherein the gear ratio is about 6:1.
- 37. The system of any one of examples 31 to 36 wherein the rotational position of the sensor output shaft is adjustable from outside of the position sensor when the position sensor is coupled to the steering input.
- 38. The system of example 37 wherein at least a portion of the sensor output shaft is accessible from outside of the position sensor when the position sensor is coupled to the steering input.
- 39. The system of example 38 wherein the at least a portion of the sensor output shaft accessible from outside of the position sensor comprises a torque transfer interface engageable with a driver to enable the driver to rotate the sensor output shaft around the sensor output axis.
- 40. The system of any one of examples 28 to 39 wherein the steering input comprises a steering shaft.
- 41. The system of example 40 wherein the steering shaft has a longitudinal axis parallel to the steering axis.
- 42. The system of example 41 wherein the longitudinal axis is colinear with the steering axis.
- 43. The system of example 40, 41, or 42 wherein the sensor input shaft is rotationally coupled to the steering shaft.
- 44. The system of any one of examples 40 to 43 wherein the rotation sensor is positioned at an end of the steering shaft.
- 45. The system of any one of examples 26 to 44 further comprising a magnetic coupling between the steering input and the position sensor and operable to transfer movement of the steering input to the position sensor.
- 46. The system of any one of examples example 40 to 44 wherein:
  - the steering shaft comprises a steering shaft magnet;
  - the sensor input shaft comprises a sensor input shaft magnet; and
  - the sensor input shaft magnet is rotationally coupled to the steering shaft magnet.
- 47. The system of example 46 wherein the sensor input shaft magnet is separated from the steering shaft magnet by a separation gap.
- 48. The system of example 47 wherein:
  - the position sensor further comprises an external shell covering at least a portion of the sensor input shaft magnet; and
  - at least a portion of the external shell is positioned in the separation gap.
- 49. The system of example 48 wherein the external shell covers at least a portion of a coupling surface of the sensor input magnet facing the steering shaft magnet.
- 50. The system of example 49 wherein the external shell covers all of the coupling surface.
- 51. The system of example 48, 49, or 50 wherein the external shell encloses at least a portion of the rotation sensor.
- 52. The system of example 51 wherein the external shell encloses all of the rotation sensor.
- 53. The system of example 52 wherein the external shell seals an interior of the position sensor, the interior of the position sensor comprising the rotation sensor.
- 54. The system of any one of examples 25 to 53 further comprising the intermediate linkage.
- 55. The system of any one of examples 25 to 54 wherein the intermediate linkage comprises a mechanical linkage configured to move the steering device relative to the vehicle to steer the vehicle in response to movement of the steering input relative to the steering-input support body.
- 56. The system of example 55 wherein the mechanical linkage comprises a rack and pinion.
- 57. The system of example 55 wherein the mechanical linkage comprises a rotary steering helm.
- 58. The system of any one of examples 25 to 54 wherein the intermediate linkage comprises a hydraulic system configured to move the steering device relative to the vehicle to steer the vehicle in response to movement of the steering input relative to the steering-input support body.
- 59. The system of any one of examples 25 to 58 further comprising the steering device.
- 60. The system of any one of examples 25 to 59 wherein the steering device comprises a rudder.
- 61. The system of any one of examples 25 to 60 wherein the steering device comprises an outboard motor.
- 62. The steering system of any one of examples 25 to 61 wherein the vehicle is a watercraft.
- 63. A vehicle comprising the steering system of any one of examples 25 to 61.
- 64. The vehicle of example 63 wherein the vehicle is a watercraft.
- 65. The vehicle of example 64 wherein the watercraft comprises a helm separated from the steering device, the helm comprising the steering input, and the position sensor attached to the helm.
- 66. The vehicle of example 64 or 65 wherein the position sensor is in a boat dash of the watercraft.
- 67. A method of determining a position of a steering input of a vehicle, the steering input operable to control a position of a steering device of the vehicle, the steering input operatively connected to the steering device by an intermediate linkage, the method comprising:
  - causing a position sensor to measure the position of the steering input independently of the steering device and independently of the intermediate linkage.

Although specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative only and not as limiting the invention as construed according to the accompanying claims.

STEERING INPUT POSITION SENSING APPARATUSES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS

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