Steering Wheel Connector for Automotive Simulator

Abstract

A steering wheel adapter system for an automotive simulator includes a first adapter element formed in a distal end of a steering wheel and a second adapter element formed in a distal end of a steering shaft of the automotive simulator. The first adapter element includes a first electrical contact surface and the second adapter element includes a second electrical contact surface. The first adapter element and the second adapter element are configured to slide relative to each other along a plane substantially perpendicular to the steering shaft until a seating position is reached, at which the central axis of the steering wheel is aligned with the central axis of the steering shaft and the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface contact each other to establish an electrical connection. The invention also describes a steering wheel having the first adapter element and a steering shaft having the second adapter element.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 263,681, filed on November 7, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Systems and apparatus consistent with the present disclosure generally relate to steering wheel connectors. More specifically, systems and apparatus consistent with the present disclosure relate to a steering wheel connector for an automotive simulator that provides a combined mechanical and electrical connection between a removable steering wheel and an automotive simulator. Background Art

[0003] Automobile simulation systems that simulate the experience of driving an automobile can be used for both video gaming purposes and for training purposes for those involved in driving (e.g., race car drivers). To effectively achieve these video gaming and training purposes, the simulation provided by these automobile simulation systems must be able to reproduce the experience of a real car with a high degree of accuracy and realism. However, designing automobile simulation systems that achieve a high degree of accuracy and realism is difficult and costly to produce.

[0004] In order to make the simulation as realistic as possible (i.e., with a high degree of accuracy and authenticity), it is important that, in addition to the visual experience, the user interface devices (e.g., steering wheels and brake systems) are also the same as the experience in a real car. This allows car simulation systems used for training to have the greatest learning potential, and allows car simulation systems used for video game purposes to have the greatest entertainment reproduction potential. For the steering wheel in the car simulation system, it is important that the mechanical elements (e.g., the various buttons and controls on the steering wheel) correspond to the mechanical elements of the real car. Therefore, it is important to be able to replace the steering wheel in the car simulator to match it with the steering wheel of the real car. In addition, some cars, especially sports cars, may need to temporarily remove the steering wheel so that the driver can easily enter or exit the car simulator.

[0005] In conventional car simulators that allow the steering wheel to be removed, a mechanical connector is typically used to connect the steering wheel to the steering shaft, and a separate electrical connector is used to establish an electrical connection between the controls on the steering wheel and the car simulator. This makes the installation and removal of the steering wheel cumbersome, as it involves disconnecting the wires and the steering wheel as separate operations. In addition, the aesthetics of the wires hanging from the side of the steering wheel are also less than ideal, and there is also a risk that the driver of the car simulator will become entangled in the wires, which may adversely affect the driver's driving experience in the car simulator. In view of the above, it is necessary to create a steering wheel connection that avoids or at least reduces these and other related problems. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a steering wheel adapter system for a car simulator is provided. The steering wheel adapter system includes a first adapter formed in the distal end of the steering wheel. The first adapter element includes at least one of a first electrical contact surface and a first optical contact surface. The steering wheel adapter system also includes a second adapter element formed in the distal end of the steering shaft of the car simulator. The second adapter element includes at least one of a second electrical contact surface and a second optical contact surface. The first adapter element and the second adapter element are configured to slide relative to each other along a plane substantially perpendicular to the steering shaft until reaching a seated position, in which the central axis of the steering wheel is aligned with the central axis of the steering shaft. The first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface and at least one of the first optical contact surface and the second optical contact surface contact each other to establish an electrical connection, an optical connection, or both an electrical connection and an optical connection between the steering wheel and the steering shaft of the car simulator.

[0007] In some embodiments, a steering wheel for a vehicle simulator includes a distal end having a first adapter element, the first adapter element including a first electrical contact surface. The first adapter element is configured to slide relative to a second adapter element, the second adapter element is formed in the distal end of a steering shaft of the vehicle simulator and includes a second electrical contact surface. The first adapter element and the second adapter element are positioned to slide along a plane substantially perpendicular to the steering shaft until a seated position is reached, in which the central axis of the steering wheel is aligned with the central axis of the steering shaft, and the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface contact each other to establish an electrical connection between the steering wheel and the steering shaft of the vehicle simulator.

[0008] In some embodiments, a steering shaft for an automotive simulator includes a distal end having a second adapter element, the second adapter element including a second electrical contact surface. The second adapter element is configured to slide relative to a first adapter element, the first adapter element being formed in the distal end of a steering wheel and including a first electrical contact surface. The first adapter element and the second adapter element are positioned to slide along a plane substantially perpendicular to the steering shaft until a seated position is reached, in which the center axis of the steering wheel is aligned with the center axis of the steering shaft, and the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface contact each other to establish an electrical connection between the steering wheel and the steering shaft of the automotive simulator.

[0009] By providing electrical contact surfaces in the corresponding adapter parts, mechanical and electrical contact between the steering wheel and the steering shaft of the car simulator can be achieved by a single action, without having to first form a mechanical connection and then connect the wires separately as in the current solution. In addition, the two adapter elements are connected by a sliding operation to finally contact each other in the seated position where the electrical connection is established. This sliding operation also makes the installation and removal of the steering wheel a very intuitive and simple operation for the user of the car simulator, which can be easily done when the user enters or leaves the seat of the car simulator. A clean appearance is also formed, in which there are no loose wires next to the steering wheel and the steering shaft, which also reduces the risk of the driver being entangled in these wires while driving or when entering / exiting the car simulator. In addition, in many cases, the space around the driver of the car simulator is limited. Therefore, it is much easier for the driver to connect / disconnect the steering wheel with the steering shaft by sliding the steering wheel in a direction substantially perpendicular to the steering shaft, compared to the movement of the steering wheel sliding along the steering shaft (e.g., pulling toward or pushing away from the driver).

[0010] In one embodiment, the first adapter element is formed as a recess and the second adapter element is formed as a protrusion. In another embodiment, the first adapter element is formed as a protrusion and the second adapter element is formed as a recess. The geometry of these protrusions and recesses can vary in different embodiments, but as a general rule, they are configured to match each other so that one can slide into the other and finally reach an obvious seating position, in which it is clear to the user that the steering wheel is firmly seated on the steering shaft and that electrical contact between the steering wheel and the steering shaft has been established. By connecting the two adapter elements in combination with the recess / protrusion and the sliding movement, the risk of the steering wheel being separated from the steering shaft can also be reduced if the driver pulls the steering wheel towards himself. Thus, a more secure connection is formed compared to mounting the steering wheel by simply pushing the steering wheel onto the end of the steering shaft.

[0011] In one embodiment, gravity acts as a contributing force in the seated position for pushing the first adapter element and the second adapter element together and holding them in the seated position. That is, the steering wheel is attached to the steering shaft with a downward sliding motion, and the electrical contact surface is placed along the bottom of the adapter element (i.e., the portion of the adapter element closest to the ground). Thus, the weight of the steering wheel not only helps to keep the steering wheel in the seated position, but also helps to actively push the two electrical contact surfaces against each other to maintain electrical contact between the steering wheel and the steering shaft. In some embodiments, which will be described in further detail below, a locking pin can also be inserted into the aligned holes extending through the first adapter element and the second adapter element to prevent the first adapter element and the second adapter element from separating from each other after the steering wheel has been attached to the steering shaft.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first electrical contact surface is connected to one or more user controls on the steering wheel, and the second electrical contact surface is connected to the car simulator via wiring extending inside the steering shaft to a computer hosting the software required to operate the car simulator. This allows user control commands from the steering wheel to be transmitted to the car simulator through the steering shaft.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first electrical contact comprises one or more flat metal surfaces and the second electrical contact comprises one or more spring-loaded pogo pin connectors. These types of contacts are well known in the art, so the steering wheel adapter system can be used with conventional electronic devices, which is beneficial for compatibility with existing automotive simulators. Having a spring-loaded pogo pin connector also allows a certain degree of flexibility and ensures that electrical contact is achieved even if the user makes a small mistake when installing the steering wheel on the steering shaft. Of course, there may be other embodiments in which the first contact comprises a spring-loaded pogo pin connector and the second contact comprises one or more flat metal surfaces.

[0014] In one embodiment, the size of the first electrical contact surface is larger than the size of the contact surface of the spring pins to ensure contact, and depends on the spacing of the spring pins on the second electrical contact surface. In one embodiment, the area of ​​the contact surface of each spring pin can be 0.5×0.5 mm 2 .

[0015] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a steering wheel for a vehicle simulator. The steering wheel has a distal end with a first adapter element including a first electrical contact surface, wherein the first adapter element is configured to slide relative to a second adapter element, the second adapter element being formed in the distal end of a steering shaft of the vehicle simulator and including a second electrical contact surface, wherein the sliding occurs along a plane substantially perpendicular to the steering shaft until a seated position is reached, in which the center axis of the steering wheel is aligned with the center axis of the steering shaft, and the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface contact each other to establish an electrical connection between the steering wheel and the steering shaft of the vehicle simulator.

[0016] According to a third aspect, the present disclosure relates to a steering shaft for an automotive simulator. The steering shaft has a distal end with a second adapter element including a second electrical contact surface, wherein the second adapter element is configured to slide relative to a first adapter element, the first adapter element being formed in the distal end of a steering wheel and including the first electrical contact surface, wherein the sliding occurs along a plane substantially perpendicular to the steering shaft until a seated position is reached, in which the center axis of the steering wheel is aligned with the center axis of the steering shaft, and the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface contact each other to establish an electrical connection between the steering wheel and the steering shaft of the automotive simulator.

[0017] The second and third aspects of the present disclosure may be varied similarly to what is described above for the first aspect, and thus include a similar set of advantages.

[0018] The details of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of the present disclosure, illustrate various embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a steering wheel 100 for a vehicle simulation system according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the steering wheel 100 of FIG. 1 with a first adapter element 106 according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a steering wheel base 200 for a vehicle simulation system according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of a second adapter element according to one embodiment.

[0024] 5 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a steering wheel 100 attached to a steering shaft and a locking pin for securing the steering wheel 100 to the steering shaft according to one embodiment.

[0025] 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a steering wheel connector according to one embodiment, with the locking pin in its inserted position.

[0026] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a steering wheel base 200 for a vehicle simulation system according to an alternative embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the distal end of a steering wheel 100 for attachment to a steering shaft according to an alternative embodiment including a beam locking mechanism.

[0028] Figure 9 shows a close-up view of the distal end of the steering wheel according to an alternative embodiment.

[0029] Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention, in which the steering wheel 100 is mounted and fixed to the steering shaft 206 on the steering wheel base 200.

[0030] Like reference numerals in the various figures represent like elements. Detailed Description

[0031] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or like parts. Although several exemplary embodiments and features of the present disclosure are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. For example, components shown in the drawings may be replaced, added, or modified, and the exemplary methods described herein may be modified by replacing, reordering, or adding steps to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the present disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

[0032] Systems and devices consistent with the present disclosure generally relate to a steering wheel connector for an automotive simulator that allows for a mechanical and electrical connection between a steering wheel and an automotive simulator in a single operation and without the use of separate wires.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a steering wheel 100 for an automotive simulation system (e.g., a racing video game simulator or a professional race car driver training simulator). As can be seen in FIG. 1, the steering wheel 100 has a steering handle 102 that faces the user when the steering wheel 100 is mounted in the automotive simulation system. The steering handle 102 is where the user places their hands and has various controls for operating the automotive simulation system. The steering handle 102 of the steering wheel 100 is connected to the distal end 104. The distal end 104 of the steering wheel 100 is connected to a steering shaft in the automotive simulator using a steering wheel adapter system (to be described in further detail below) to fix the steering wheel 100 to the steering shaft. To perform this function, the distal end 104 of the steering wheel 100 includes a first adapter element, which will now be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0034] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view showing the steering wheel 100. As can be seen in Figure 2, the distal end 104 includes a recess 106 and a first electrical contact surface 108, which together form a first adapter element. The recess 106 and the first electrical contact surface 108 are configured to mate with corresponding protrusions and a second electrical contact surface on the distal end of the steering shaft, which will be described in further detail below. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the recess 106 has a "trapezoidal" shape that allows the steering wheel 100 to slide significantly onto the corresponding protrusion in the steering shaft and come to an obvious stop when the steering wheel 100 is fully aligned with the steering shaft in the seated position. In this seated position, the first electrical contact surface 108 also contacts the corresponding second electrical contact surface in the second adapter component on the steering shaft, thereby enabling electrical contact between the steering wheel 100 and the vehicle simulator. One advantage of the trapezoidal shape is that initially, when the steering wheel 100 is sliding onto the steering shaft, the width of the opening in the recess 106 is much greater than the width of the corresponding protrusion in the steering shaft, which makes it easy for the user to initially assemble the two components together. Then, as the steering wheel 106 slides downward, the trapezoidal shape ensures that the first adapter element and the second adapter element are aligned, and the electrical contact surfaces on each element meet at precise positions, thereby ensuring that the electrical contacts on the steering wheel 106 and the steering shaft are paired as expected. However, it should be noted that the trapezoidal shape of the recess 106 is just one of many possible shapes that can ensure an obvious seated position for the steering wheel 100, and those of ordinary skill in the art can envision many other shapes that achieve the same purpose.

[0035] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the first electrical contact surface 108 is located on the sidewall of the cutout region of the recess 106. The size and shape of the cutout (and thus the size of the electrical contact surface 108) can vary to accommodate various types of contacts on the first electrical contact surface 108. Additionally, by setting the first electrical contact surface 108 within the cutout and closer to the center of the steering wheel 100, the electrical connection is more secure and protected from various types of environmental factors, such as dust or dirt or accidental liquid spills, etc. The distance between the electrical contact surface 108 and the controls on the steering wheel 100 also becomes shorter, which also makes it less prone to problems. Finally, compared to what the recess 106 itself can achieve, the shape of the cutout itself is used to provide additional structural support when the steering wheel 100 is in the seated position against the corresponding-shaped protrusion in the steering shaft. The first electrical contact surface 108 can have a variety of physical embodiments. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the first electrical contact surface 108 is a flat metal surface that includes a plurality of electrical leads connected to the controls on the steering wheel 100. However, those of ordinary skill in the art can envision many other variations of the electrical contact surface.

[0036] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the steering wheel base 200 of an automotive simulator. As can be seen in Figure 3, the steering wheel base 200 has a support frame 202 that is attached to a solid surface, such as a tabletop or a surface of a similar type. The support frame holds an electric motor 204, and a steering shaft 206 is mounted within the electric motor 204. This embodiment is typically used in various types of home environments for users who like to have their personal automotive simulator. In a commercial environment, such as an arcade or a professional training environment, the support frame 202 is typically not present, and instead, different means are used to mount the motor 204 to the housing of the automotive simulator. Again, the specific means of mounting the motor 204 can vary depending on the existing circumstances and is entirely within the capabilities of a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0037] The distal end of the steering shaft 206 includes a protrusion 208 and a second electrical contact surface 210, which together form a second adapter element that is designed to connect to the first adapter element of the steering wheel 100 described above. An enlarged view of the steering shaft 206, the protrusion 208, and the second electrical contact surface 210 is shown in Figure 4. Each component of the second adapter element has features that are complementary to the various components of the first adapter element described above, such that when the first adapter element and the second adapter element are joined together, there is a tight mechanical and electrical connection between the steering wheel 100 and the steering shaft 206. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the second electrical contact surface 210 includes a plurality of spring-loaded pins that are adapted to contact the flat metal surface of the first electrical contact surface 108. By using spring-loaded pins, an electrical connection can be ensured even if the user does not fully push the steering wheel 100 down onto the steering shaft 206 during installation. However, again, it should be noted that this is just one example of an electrical contact surface and that a person of ordinary skill in the art can envision many alternatives. In the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4, the steering shaft 206 is hollow and houses one or more cables that connect the electrical contacts on the second electrical contact surface 210 to the electronic devices in the automotive simulator. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, the surfaces having electrical contacts on each adapter element point up and down relative to the direction of movement when the two adapter elements are interconnected. As an alternative, the electrical contacts can also be located on the vertical surfaces of each adapter component, since these surfaces also face each other when the adapter components are interconnected. In such an arrangement, the electrical connector elements can be replaced with alternative types of electrical connectors that are optimized for connection on that vertical surface. In the embodiments described in connection with Figures 1 to 4 and in alternative embodiments, a common feature is that an electrical connection is obtained by sliding the two adapter elements together and when in place, the connecting surfaces face each other to effect the electrical connection.

[0038] It should be noted that although the above discussion relates to electrical connections, this is not intended to include only electricity, but also various types of data transmitted between the steering wheel 100 and the vehicle simulator. For example, in some embodiments, the steering wheel 100 includes a plurality of control buttons and / or a display that can display information and / or warnings to the user. Any electricity and information used by these components can be transmitted through the electrical connection of the steering wheel adapter. Further, it should be noted that the connection can also be merely an optical connection or a combination of electrical and optical connections, in which case it will be an optical or partial contact surface on the first and second surfaces of the first and second adapter elements.

[0039] In addition, it should be noted that although the first adapter element 108 is referred to as a recess and the second adapter element 210 is referred to as a protrusion, the reverse can also be true, i.e., the distal end 104 of the steering wheel 100 has a protrusion and the distal end of the steering shaft 206 has a recess.

[0040] The adapter system shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 provides a simple way to connect and disconnect the steering wheel 100 to and from the steering shaft 206. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 4, the recess 106 and the protrusion 208 of the adapter system are respectively arranged such that a substantially downward vertical movement of the steering wheel 100 is used to attach the steering wheel 100 to the steering shaft 206, and the corresponding upward movement is used to disconnect the steering wheel 100 from the steering shaft 206. Due to the respective arrangements of the recess 106 and the protrusion 208, the gravity acting on the steering wheel 100 helps to bring the first electrical contact surface 108 and the second electrical contact surface 210 into contact with each other, which helps to form a firm electrical connection between the steering wheel 100 and the steering shaft 206. However, it should be noted that there are other embodiments in which the recess 106 and the protrusion 208 can be respectively arranged such that a substantially horizontal movement (or any direction between horizontal and vertical) is used to attach the steering wheel 100 to / disconnect the steering wheel 100 from the steering shaft 206. Generally, the surrounding environment of the vehicle simulator will impose limitations on which particular configuration of the steering wheel adapter system is the most suitable configuration, and making such a decision and making appropriate modifications to the steering wheel adapter system are entirely within the skills of a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0041] In some embodiments, a pin 500 may also be used to fix the steering wheel 100 to the steering shaft 206. When one or more holes on the first adapter and the second adapter are aligned, the pin 500 can be inserted into the holes. An example of this embodiment is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of the steering wheel 100 attached to the steering shaft 206 before the pin 500 is inserted. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the pin 500 includes one or more grooves. These grooves are configured to engage with one or more spring-loaded elements 600 located in the protrusion 208. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the pin 500 passing through the first adapter element and the second adapter element respectively to fix them together. The spring-loaded element 600 engages with the pin 500 to prevent the pin 500 from falling off when the user turns the steering wheel 100 during the operation of the car simulator. The pin 500 passes through the matching holes on the first adapter element and the second adapter element respectively, which can also be seen from FIG. 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the grooves in the pin 500 and the spring-loaded elements 600 are symmetrically placed, so the pin 500 can be inserted from either direction, which further facilitates the process of the user installing the steering wheel 100.

[0042] In some embodiments, the steering wheel 100 may be fixed to the steering shaft 206 by a snap-lock mechanism. If a simple, quick and reliable installation of the steering wheel 100 is required, this snap-lock mechanism can be used. FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10 show examples of this embodiment. FIG. 7 shows the steering wheel base 200, which includes the steering shaft 206. The steering shaft 206 further includes a protrusion 208, a second electrical contact surface 210 and a barb 701. FIG. 8 shows the steering wheel 100, which includes a steering handle 102 for holding on the steering wheel 100, a first electrical contact surface 108 and a beam 801 that can act as a spring provided on the distal end 104 of the steering wheel 100. The beam 801 includes a second protrusion 803, and the second protrusion 803 includes a first surface 804 and a second surface 805. An enlarged view of the distal end 104 of the steering wheel 100 can be seen in FIG. 9. By pushing the part of the beam 801 that is farthest from the center of the steering wheel 100, the beam 801 can be bent in the direction towards the proximal end of the steering wheel 100, so that the protrusion 803 connected to the beam is lowered into the recessed surface 106 of the distal end 104 of the steering wheel 100. Specifically, when the beam 801 is bent in the direction away from the first surface 804, the first surface 804 of the protrusion 803 is lowered into the recessed surface 106. When the beam 801 is bent in the direction towards the first surface 804, the first surface 804 of the protrusion 803 pops out above the recessed surface 106.

[0043] In one embodiment, the snap-lock mechanism includes a beam 801 disposed on the distal end of the steering wheel 100 and a barb 701 disposed on the distal end of the steering wheel base 200. When the steering wheel 100 slides onto the steering shaft 206, the beam 801 bends because the first surface 804 is pushed by the barb 701. When the steering wheel 100 slides all the way until the steering wheel is aligned with the steering shaft 206, the beam 801 returns to the neutral position and the first surface 804 no longer contacts the barb 701 and the first surface 804 pops out. The barb 701 is blocked by the second surface 805 and locks the steering wheel 100 to the steering shaft 206. If the steering wheel 100 is pushed in the opposite direction in the same manner as it slides onto the steering shaft 206, the second surface 805 will strike the barb 701 and prevent the sliding movement of the steering wheel. Thus, it is in the locked position such that the steering wheel 100 is aligned with the steering shaft 206, as shown in FIG. 10. To remove the steering wheel 100, the beam 801 is pulled towards the proximal end of the steering wheel 100 until the second surface 805 does not contact the barb 701. Now the steering wheel 100 can slide off the steering shaft 206. The locking mechanism can also be implemented in an embodiment where the barb 701 is disposed on the distal end 104 of the steering wheel 100 and the beam 801 is disposed on the distal end of the steering shaft 206 in the same manner as the positions of the protrusion 208 and the recess 106 can be interchanged.

[0044] The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the invention to the precise forms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art by considering the specification and practice of the disclosed embodiments of the invention.

[0045] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art by considering the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. The specification and examples are intended to be considered only as exemplary, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A steering wheel adapter system for a vehicle simulator, comprising: A first adapter element formed in the distal end of the steering wheel, the first adapter element including at least one of a first electrical contact surface and a first optical contact surface; A second adapter element formed in the distal end of the steering shaft of the vehicle simulator, the second adapter element including at least one of a second electrical contact surface and a second optical contact surface; Wherein the first adapter element and the second adapter element are configured to slide relative to each other along a plane substantially perpendicular to the steering shaft until a seated position is reached, in which the central axis of the steering wheel is aligned with the central axis of the steering shaft, and at least one of the first electrical contact surface and the first optical contact surface contacts at least one of the second electrical contact surface and the second optical contact surface to establish an electrical connection, an optical connection, or both an electrical connection and an optical connection between the steering wheel and the steering shaft of the vehicle simulator.

2. The steering wheel adapter system according to claim 1, wherein the first adapter element includes a recess and the second adapter element includes a protrusion.

3. The steering wheel adapter system according to claim 1, wherein the first adapter element includes a protrusion and the second adapter element includes a recess.

4. The steering wheel adapter system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first adapter element and the second adapter element are configured to be pushed together under the action of gravity and held in the seated position.

5. The steering wheel adapter system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first electrical contact surface is connected to one or more user controls on the steering wheel, and the second electrical contact surface is connected to the vehicle simulator.

6. The steering wheel adapter system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first electrical contact surface includes one or more flat metal surfaces, and the second electrical contact surface includes one or more spring-loaded spring pin connectors.

7. The steering wheel adapter system according to claim 6, wherein the size of the one or more flat metal surfaces is larger than the size of the contact surface of the one or more spring pin connectors.

8. The steering wheel adapter system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first adapter and the second adapter each include one or more holes for receiving one or more locking pins therethrough when the holes of the first adapter and the holes of the second adapter are aligned, Wherein each of the one or more locking pins includes one or more grooves that engage with one or more spring-loaded elements.

9. The steering wheel adapter system according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a snap-lock mechanism, the snap-lock mechanism including: A beam on the first adapter; The beam includes a protrusion having a first surface and a second surface; Wherein the protrusion is configured to be lowered into a recessed surface when the beam is bent in a direction away from the first surface; The barb on the second adapter, wherein the barb is configured to slide and push the first surface of the protrusion during installation until it reaches the seated position; and wherein the barb is configured to be prevented from retracting by the second surface after reaching the seated position and after the first surface pops out.

10. The steering wheel adapter system according to any one of claims 1 - 3, further comprising a snap - lock mechanism, the snap - lock mechanism comprising: A beam on the second adapter; The beam includes a protrusion having a first surface and a second surface; wherein the protrusion is configured to be lowered into a recessed surface when the beam is bent in a direction away from the first surface; The barb on the first adapter, wherein the barb is configured to slide and push the first surface of the protrusion during installation until it reaches the seated position; and wherein the barb is configured to be prevented from retracting by the second surface after reaching the seated position and after the first surface pops out.

11. A steering wheel for an automotive simulator, comprising: A distal end having a first adapter element, the first adapter element including a first electrical contact surface, wherein the first adapter element is configured to slide relative to a second adapter element, the second adapter element being formed at the distal end of a steering shaft of the automotive simulator and including a second electrical contact surface; And further, wherein the first adapter element is configured to slide along a plane substantially perpendicular to the steering shaft until it has reached a seated position together with the second adapter element, at which seated position, the central axis of the steering wheel is aligned with the central axis of the steering shaft, and the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface are in contact with each other to establish an electrical connection between the steering wheel of the automotive simulator and the steering shaft.

12. The steering wheel according to claim 11, wherein the first adapter element includes a recess.

13. The steering wheel according to claim 11, wherein the first adapter element includes a protrusion.

14. The steering wheel according to any one of claims 11 - 13, wherein the first adapter element is configured such that when it reaches the seated position together with the second adapter element, it is held in the seated position under the action of gravity.

15. The steering wheel according to any one of claims 11 - 13, wherein the first electrical contact surface is connected to one or more user controls on the steering wheel.

16. The steering wheel according to any one of claims 11 - 13, wherein the first electrical contact surface includes one or more flat metal surfaces, and the second electrical contact surface includes one or more spring - loaded spring - pin connectors.

17. The steering wheel according to claim 16, wherein the size of the first electrical contact surface is larger than the size of the contact surface of the spring - pin.

18. A steering shaft for an automotive simulator, comprising: A distal end having a second adapter element, the second adapter element including a second electrical contact surface, wherein the second adapter element is configured to slide relative to a first adapter element formed in the distal end of a steering wheel and including a first electrical contact surface, wherein the second adapter element is further configured to slide along a plane substantially perpendicular to the steering axis until it reaches a seated position together with the first adapter element of the steering wheel, in which the central axis of the steering wheel is aligned with the central axis of the steering axis and the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface contact each other to establish an electrical connection between the steering wheel and the steering axis of the vehicle simulator.

19. The steering axis according to claim 18, wherein the second adapter element includes a recess.

20. The steering axis according to claim 18, wherein the second adapter element includes a protrusion.

21. The steering axis according to any one of claims 18 - 20, wherein the second adapter element is configured to remain in the seated position under the action of gravity when it reaches the seated position together with the first adapter element.

22. A steering wheel adapter system for a vehicle simulator, comprising: a first adapter element formed in a distal end (104) of the steering wheel (100); a second adapter element formed in a distal end of a steering axis (206) of the vehicle simulator; wherein the first adapter element and the second adapter element are configured to slide relative to each other along a plane substantially perpendicular to the steering axis (206) until they reach a seated position, in which the central axis of the steering wheel (100) is aligned with the central axis of the steering axis (206), and the steering wheel adapter system further includes a snap - lock mechanism, the snap - lock mechanism including: a beam (801) on the first adapter; the beam (801) including a first protrusion (803) having a first surface (804) and a second surface (805); wherein the first protrusion (803) is configured to be lowered into a recessed surface when the beam (801) is bent in a direction away from the first surface (804); a barb (701) on the second adapter, wherein the barb (701) is configured to slide and push the first surface (804) of the first protrusion (803) during installation until it reaches the seated position; and wherein after reaching the seated position and the first surface (804) pops out, if the steering wheel is pushed in a direction opposite to the way it slides onto the steering wheel (100), the barb (701) is configured to prevent the first adapter element and the second adapter element from sliding relative to each other by contacting the second surface (805).

23. The steering wheel adapter system according to claim 22, wherein the first adapter element includes a recess (106) and the second adapter element includes a second protrusion (208).

24. The steering wheel adapter system according to claim 22, wherein the first adapter element includes a second protrusion (208), and the second adapter element includes a recess (106).

25. The steering wheel adapter system according to any one of claims 22-24, wherein the first adapter element and the second adapter element are configured to be pushed together and held in the seated position under the action of gravity.

26. A steering wheel adapter system for a vehicle simulator, comprising: a first adapter element formed in the distal end (104) of the steering wheel (100); a second adapter element formed in the distal end of the steering shaft (206) of the vehicle simulator; wherein the first adapter element and the second adapter element are configured to slide relative to each other along a plane substantially perpendicular to the steering shaft (206) until a seated position is reached, in which the central axis of the steering wheel (100) is aligned with the central axis of the steering shaft (206), and the steering wheel adapter system further includes a snap-lock mechanism, the snap-lock mechanism including: a beam (801) on the second adapter; the beam (801) includes a first protrusion (803) having a first surface (804) and a second surface (805); wherein the first protrusion (803) is configured to be lowered into a recessed surface when the beam (801) is bent in a direction away from the first surface (804); a barb (701) on the first adapter, wherein the barb (701) is configured to slide and push the first surface (804) of the first protrusion (803) during installation until the seated position is reached; and wherein after reaching the seated position and the first surface (804) pops out, if the steering wheel is pushed in a direction opposite to the way it slides onto the steering shaft (206), the barb (701) is configured to prevent the first adapter element and the second adapter element from sliding relative to each other by contacting the second surface (805).

27. A steering wheel for a vehicle simulator, comprising: a distal end (104) having a first adapter element; wherein the first adapter element is configured to slide relative to a second adapter element, the second adapter element being formed in the distal end of the steering shaft (206) of the vehicle simulator; and further, wherein the first adapter element is configured to slide along a plane substantially perpendicular to the steering shaft (206) until a seated position has been reached together with the second adapter element, in which the central axis of the steering wheel (100) is aligned with the central axis of the steering shaft (206), and the steering wheel (100) further includes: a beam (801) on the first adapter; the beam (801) includes a second protrusion (208) having a first surface and a second surface; wherein the second protrusion (208) is configured to be lowered into the recessed surface when the beam is bent in a direction away from the first surface; wherein after reaching the seated position and after the first surface (804) pops out, if the steering wheel is pushed in a direction opposite to the way it slides onto the steering shaft (206), the beam (801) is configured to prevent the first adapter element and the second adapter element from sliding relative to each other by contacting the second surface (805).

28. The steering wheel according to claim 27, wherein the first adapter element includes a recess (106).

29. The steering wheel according to claim 27, wherein the first adapter element includes a second protrusion (208).

30. The steering wheel according to any one of claims 27-29, wherein the first adapter element is configured such that when it reaches the seated position together with the second adapter element, it is held in the seated position under the action of gravity.

31. A steering shaft (206) for an automotive simulator, comprising: a distal end having a second adapter element configured to slide relative to a first adapter element formed in a distal end (104) of a steering wheel (100), the first adapter element including a beam (801) having a first protrusion (803) with a first surface (804) and a second surface (805), wherein the second adapter element is further configured to slide along a plane substantially perpendicular to the steering shaft (206) until it reaches the seated position together with the first adapter element of the steering wheel (100), at which seated position, the central axis of the steering wheel (100) is aligned with the central axis of the steering shaft (206), and the steering shaft (206) further includes: barbs (701) on the second adapter, wherein the barbs (701) are configured to slide and push the first surface of the first protrusion until reaching the seated position during installation; and wherein after reaching the seated position and after the first surface (804) pops out, if the steering wheel is pushed in a direction opposite to the way it slides onto the steering shaft (206), the barbs (701) are configured to prevent the first adapter element and the second adapter element from sliding relative to each other by contacting the second surface (805).

32. The steering shaft according to claim 31, wherein the second adapter element includes a recess (106).

33. The steering shaft according to claim 31, wherein the second adapter element includes a second protrusion (208).

34. The steering shaft according to any one of claims 31-33, wherein the second adapter element is configured such that when it reaches the seated position together with the first adapter element, it is held in the seated position under the action of gravity.

Images