Steering Wheel Adapter with Integrated Electrical Slide Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automotive simulators require separate mechanical and electrical connections for steering wheels, making installation and removal cumbersome, and dangling electrical cords pose safety risks and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel adapter system with integrated electrical and mechanical connections that allow for a single operation to secure the steering wheel to the simulator, using adapter elements that slide perpendicular to the steering axle, ensuring alignment and contact between the steering wheel and axle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate mechanical and electrical connectors are used for the steering wheel, then the electrical connection can be established, but the installation and removal process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate mechanical and electrical connectors into a single integrated connector assembly. The mechanical connector provides structural support and positioning, while the electrical connector establishes electrical contact between the steering wheel and simulator. This merging eliminates the need for separate connection operations, allowing both mechanical and electrical connections to be made simultaneously in a single action, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, enables electrical contact, and facilitates easy installation/removal. By designing a universal connector that performs all these functions in one unit, the system achieves multi-functionality that resolves the contradiction between reliable connection and operational ease
2Reliability
If separate electrical cords are used for the steering wheel connection, then electrical contact can be established, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and safety risks increase due to dangling cords
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is merged with the mechanical connector into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate electrical cords that dangle around the steering wheel, thereby removing the aesthetic degradation and entanglement risks while maintaining reliable electrical contact through the integrated design
3Ease of operation
If the steering wheel is designed to be removable for driver entry/exit, then accessibility is improved, but the connection system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
By merging mechanical and electrical connectors into one integrated unit, the system actually reduces complexity despite enabling removable steering wheel functionality. The single integrated connector simplifies the overall connection system compared to having separate mechanical and electrical connectors, while still allowing easy removal and reinstallation of the steering wheel for driver access
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel adapter system for an automotive simulator includes a first adapter element formed in a distal end of the steering wheel and a second adapter element formed in a proximal end of a steering axle of the automotive simulator. The first adapter element comprises a first electrical contact surface and the second adapter element comprises a second electrical contact surface. The first and second adapter elements are configured to slide against each other along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the steering axle, until a coupling position has been reached wherein a central axis of the steering wheel is aligned with a central axis of the steering axle, and the first and second electrical contact surfaces make contact with each other to establish an electrical connection. A steering wheel having a first adapter element and a steering axle having a second adapter element are also described.