Rotary Force Diagnostic Tool for Steering Wheel Torque Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle testing methods lack effective tools to accurately diagnose the rotational forces and angular positions of components like steering wheels, which are crucial for ensuring compliance with industry standards and quality parameters.
Innovation Solution
A rotary force diagnostic tool comprising a force sensor and an angular position sensor, coupled to a handle that rotates with the steering wheel, allowing for the measurement of applied force and angular position as the wheel turns, enabling the generation of a force profile that indicates if the force is constant, increasing, or decreasing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional vehicle testing methods are used, then testing can be performed, but accurate diagnosis of rotational forces and angular positions cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a force sensor and an angular position sensor into a single integrated diagnostic tool that attaches to the steering wheel. This merging of multiple sensing functions into one device enables simultaneous measurement of both rotational force and angular position, resolving the technical contradiction by achieving accurate diagnosis without requiring multiple separate complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic tool is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a force measurement device and an angular position measurement device. The force sensor measures rotational torque while the angular position sensor tracks orientation, allowing one tool to perform multiple diagnostic functions that would otherwise require separate specialized equipment.
2Reliability
If a force sensor and angular position sensor are integrated into a single diagnostic tool, then comprehensive rotational force analysis is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The angular position sensor is disposed within the space between the force sensor and the handle, creating a nested arrangement where components are space-efficiently organized. The angular position sensor fits within the structural envelope of the force sensor assembly, allowing comprehensive sensing capability without proportionally increasing overall device size or structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the angular position sensor is disposed in the space between the housing and handle, then relative rotation sensing is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to be manually held and oriented by the operator, who maintains its predetermined orientation (such as vertical) while the steering wheel rotates. This self-service approach allows the operator to naturally maintain the reference orientation without requiring complex mechanical guidance systems, simplifying the overall device structure while ensuring proper operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides a comprehensive analysis of the rotational forces and positions of the steering wheel, helping to identify any deviations from standard operational parameters, thereby ensuring the component functions correctly and safely.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor to be coupled to a steering wheel of a vehicle. A handle is rotatably coupled to the force sensor to enable an amount of force applied to the handle to be sensed by the force sensor
Implementation Method 2
An angular position sensor senses an angular position of the handle relative to a portion of the force sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a force sensor including a housing and a support rotatably coupled to the housing. The housing also includes a handle coupled to the support to rotate with the support. The handle is spaced apart from the housing to define a space between the housing and the handle. The apparatus further includes an angular position sensor disposed in the space between the housing and the handle to sense relative rotation between the housing and the handle.