Rotary Force Diagnostic Tool for Steering Wheel Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing vehicle components, such as steering wheels, lack the ability to accurately determine the force required to rotate them from one position to another and the corresponding angular positions, which is crucial for ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Innovation Solution
A rotary force diagnostic tool that includes a force sensor and an angular position sensor, coupled with a handle, to measure the force applied and the angular position of a rotary component as it rotates, outputting this information for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional testing methods are used for rotary components, then the testing process is simple, but the measurement precision of force and angular position is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a force sensor and an angular position sensor into a single integrated diagnostic tool that attaches to the rotary component. This merging of multiple measurement functions into one device enables simultaneous measurement of force and angular position with high precision, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic tool is designed with multi-functionality, capable of measuring both force applied to the handle and angular position of the rotary component. This universal measurement capability allows a single device to perform multiple testing functions, improving measurement precision without requiring multiple separate complex devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If no force sensing capability is added, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to determine force profile is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a force sensor as an intermediary element between the user's applied force and the measurement system. This force sensor acts as a mediator that converts mechanical force into measurable signals, enabling force profile determination while maintaining relatively simple device structure through the use of standard sensing components.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a force sensor including a housing and a support coupled to the housing, where the apparatus can couple to a rotary component. The housing also includes a handle coupled to the support to facilitate applying a force to the apparatus. The apparatus further includes an angular position sensor to sense rotation related to the apparatus, which can include a rotation of the rotary component to which the apparatus is coupled, a relative rotation between the housing and the handle, where the handle is rotatably coupled to the housing, and/or the like. The apparatus also includes a force sensor enabled to measure an amount of force applied to the handle.