Removable Steering Wheel Locking With Verified Release Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing removable steering wheels in vehicles require manual operation of mechanical locks and lack secure, controlled removal mechanisms, allowing unauthorized access and potential misuse.
Innovation Solution
A removable steering wheel system with electrically controlled locking mechanisms, utilizing position sensors and electronic locks, which are remotely controlled based on user verification and satisfaction of disengagement criteria such as vehicle state, user authorization, and battery charge, ensuring secure and controlled removal and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual mechanical locks are used for steering wheel removal, then device complexity is reduced, but security and control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical locking systems with an electronically controlled locking mechanism. The electronic lock receives control signals from a controller to engage and disengage the steering wheel, eliminating the need for manual key operations or mechanical release levers. This substitution provides enhanced security through electronic authentication while maintaining automated control, directly resolving the contradiction between improved security and device complexity.
2Reliability
If electronic locks with user verification are implemented, then unauthorized access is prevented, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service functionality where the steering wheel automatically engages and disengages based on controller signals without requiring manual intervention for locking mechanisms. The electronic lock autonomously responds to authentication signals and control commands, performing the securing and releasing actions automatically. This eliminates the need for users to manually manipulate complex locking mechanisms while maintaining strict access control through electronic verification.
3Measurement precision
If sensors and electronic control systems are added, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions within the steering wheel system: it processes user authentication, controls the electronic locking mechanism, monitors position sensors, and manages power distribution. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single control unit, the system achieves precise measurement and control capabilities through sensors while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through functional integration rather than adding separate dedicated components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods are disclosed to remove a steering wheel of a vehicle. As disclosed herein, a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed, cause processor circuitry of a vehicle to: detect a request to remove a steering wheel from a steering system of a vehicle; verify a user identity based on a user profile, the user profile stored in a memory associated with the vehicle; determine whether a disengagement criterion is satisfied; and after the user identity is detected and the disengagement criterion is satisfied, disengage a lock to enable removal of the steering wheel from the steering system of the vehicle.