Patent Description:
Systems and devices consistent with the present disclosure generally relate to a steering wheel connector. More particularly, systems and devices consistent with the disclosure relate to a steering wheel connector for use in automotive simulators that provides a combined mechanical and electrical connection between a removable steering wheel and the automotive simulator.

Automotive simulation systems that simulate the experience of driving a car are used for both video gaming purposes as well as for training purposes for persons involved in driving, such as racing car drivers. To effectively achieve these video gaming and training purposes, the simulation provided by these automotive simulation systems must be able to replicate the experience of a real car with a high degree of accuracy and authenticity. However, designing an automotive simulation system that achieves a high degree of accuracy and authenticity is difficult and expensive to produce.

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, user interface equipment, such as steering wheels and brake systems, is equal to that which is experienced in a real car. This allows for maximum learning potential in automotive simulation systems used for training, and maximum entertainment emersion potential in automotive simulation systems used for video gaming purposes. Regarding the steering wheel in automotive simulation systems, it is important that the mechanical elements, such as various buttons and controls on the steering wheel, correspond to those of a real car. Thus, it is important to be able to exchange steering wheels in an automotive simulator such that they match the steering wheels of the real car. Further, some cars, especially sport cars, may require the steering wheel to be temporarily removed in order for the driver to easily enter or exit the automotive simulator. An example of a steering wheel connection is disclosed in the video "<NPL>, retrieved on <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>.

In conventional automotive simulators that allow for removal of the steering wheel, typically a mechanical connector is used to connect the steering wheel to the steering axle, and a separate, electrical connector is used to create an electrical connection between the controls on the steering wheel and the automotive simulator. This makes installation and removal of the steering wheel cumbersome as it involves disconnecting the electrical cords and the steering wheel as separate operations. Furthermore, the aesthetic appearance with electrical cords dangling on the side of the steering wheel is also less than ideal, and also creates a risk of the driver of the automotive simulator getting entangled in the electrical cords, which may adversely affect the driver's experience in the automotive simulator. In view of the foregoing, it is desirable to create a steering wheel connection that avoids or at least reduces these and other associated problems.

The invention has been defined in the appended claims. According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a steering wheel adapter system for an automotive simulator is provided. The steering wheel adapter system includes a first adapter formed in a distal end of the steering wheel. The first adapter element comprises at least one of a first electrical contact surface and a first optical contact surface. The steering wheel adapter system further includes a second adapter element formed in a distal end of a steering axle of the automotive simulator. The second adapter element comprises 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 against each other along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the steering axle, until a seated position has been reached, wherein the steering wheel comprises a central axis that is aligned with a central axis of the steering axle. At least one of the first and second electrical contact surfaces and the first and second optical contact surfaces make contact with each other to establish an electrical connection, an optical connection, or both between the steering wheel and the steering axle of the automotive simulator.

According to some examples, a steering wheel for an automotive simulator includes a distal end having a first adapter element comprising a first electrical contact surface. The first adapter element is configured to slide against a second adapter element formed in a distal end of a steering axle of the automotive simulator and comprising a second electrical contact surface. The first and second adapter elements are positioned to slide along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the steering axle until a seated position has been reached in which 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 between the steering wheel and the steering axle of the automotive simulator.

According to some examples, a steering axle for an automotive simulator includes a distal end having a second adapter element comprising a second electrical contact surface. The second adapter element is configured to slide against a first adapter element formed in a distal end of a steering wheel and comprising a first electrical contact surface. The first and second adapter elements are positioned to slide sliding occurs along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the steering axle until a seated position has been reached in which 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 between the steering wheel and the steering axle of the automotive simulator.

By placing electrical contact surfaces in the respective adapter parts, it is possible to achieve both a mechanical and electrical contact between the steering wheel and the steering axle of the automotive simulator in a single action, rather than first having to create a mechanical connection and then separately connecting an electrical cord, as is done in current solutions. Further, the sliding operation by which the two adapter elements connect to eventually make contact with each other in a seated position, in which the electrical connection is established, also makes the installation and removal of the steering wheel a very intuitive and simple operation for a user of the automotive simulator, which can be easily accomplished as the user enters or leaves the seat of the automotive simulator. A clean appearance is also created, in which no loose cords are sitting next to the steering wheel and steering axle, which also reduces the risk of the driver getting entangled in such cords, either while driving or while entering/exiting the automotive simulator. Further, in many cases, the space around the driver of the automotive simulator is limited. Therefore, it is a much easier operation for the driver to connect/disconnect the steering wheel to the steering axle by sliding the steering wheel in a direction that is essentially perpendicular to the steering axle, compared to a motion where the steering wheel is slid along the steering axle (e.g., pulled towards or pushed away from the driver).

In one example, the first adapter element is formed as a recess and the second adapter element is formed as a protrusion. In another example, the first adapter element is formed as a protrusion and the second adapter element is formed as a recess. The geometric shape of these protrusions and recesses may vary, but as a general rule, they are configured to match one another such that one can be slid into the other and end up in a distinct, seated position, where it is evident to the user that the steering wheel is firmly seated on the steering axle and that electrical contact between the steering wheel and steering axle has been established. By having the recess/protrusion in combination with a combination with the sliding movement to connect the two adapter elements, it is also possible to reduce the risk of the steering wheel detaching from the steering axle if a driver were to pull the steering wheel towards himself. Thus, a more secure connection is created compared to if the steering wheel were installed by simply pushing it onto the end of the steering axle.

Gravity may act as a contributing force in the seated position to push the first and second adapter elements together and retain them in the seated position. That is, the steering wheel is attached to the steering axle in a downward sliding motion, and the electrical contact surfaces are placed along the bottom of the adapter elements (i.e., the portion of the adapter element that is located closest to the ground). Thereby the weight of the steering wheel contributes not only to keeping the wheel in the seated position, but also to actively pushing the two electrical contact surfaces against each other to maintain electrical contact between the steering wheel and the steering axle. In some examples, which will be described in further detail below, a locking pin can also be inserted into aligned holes that run through the first and second adapter elements to prevent the first and second adapter elements from separating from one another after the steering wheel has been attached to the steering axle.

In one example, 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 automotive simulator through wiring running inside the steering axle to a computer that hosts the software needed for operating the automotive simulator. This makes it possible to transfer user control commands from the steering wheel to the automotive simulator through the steering axle.

In one example, the first electrical contact includes one or more plain metal surfaces, and the second electrical contact includes one or more spring-loaded pogo pin connectors. These types of contacts are well known in the art, thus making it possible to use the steering wheel adapter system with conventional electronics setups, which facilitates compatibility with existing automotive simulators. Having spring-loaded pogo pin connectors also allows some degree of flexibility and ensures that electrical contact is made even in a situation where the user makes a minor mistake when mounting the steering wheel onto the steering axle. Of course, there can also be alternatives in which the first contact includes spring-loaded pogo pin connectors, and the second contact includes one or more plain metal surfaces.

In one example, the dimensions of the first electrical contact surfaces are bigger than the dimensions of the contact surfaces of the pogo pins to ensure contact and depend on the spacing of the pogo pins on the second electrical contact surface. The area of the contact surface of each pogo pin could be <NUM> × <NUM><NUM>.

According to a second aspect, the disclosure pertains to a steering wheel for an automotive simulator. The steering wheel has a distal end with a first adapter element comprising a first electrical contact surface, wherein the first adapter element is configured to slide against a second adapter element formed in a distal end of a steering axle of the automotive simulator and comprising a second electrical contact surface, wherein the sliding occurs along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the steering axle until a seated position has been reached in which 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 between the steering wheel and the steering axle of the automotive simulator.

According to a third aspect, the disclosure pertains to a steering axle for an automotive simulator. The steering axle has a distal end with a second adapter element comprising a second electrical contact surface, wherein the second adapter element is configured to slide against a first adapter element formed in a distal end of a steering wheel and comprising a first electrical contact surface, wherein the sliding occurs along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the steering axle until a seated position has been reached in which 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 between the steering wheel and the steering axle of the automotive simulator.

The second and third aspects of the disclosure may be varied similar to what has been described above for the first aspect, and consequently comprises a similar set of advantages.

The details of one or more embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various embodiments of the claimed invention and aspects of the present disclosure. In the drawings:.

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and in the following description to refer to the same or similar parts.

Systems and devices consistent with the present disclosure generally relate to a steering wheel connector for use in an automotive simulator, which allows a mechanical and an electrical connection to be accomplished between the steering wheel and the automotive simulator in a single operation and without the use of separate cords.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an example of a steering wheel <NUM> for use in an automotive simulation system, such as a racing video game simulator or a professional racecar driver training simulator. As can be seen in <FIG>, the steering wheel <NUM> has a steering handle <NUM>, which faces the user when the steering wheel <NUM> is installed in the automotive simulation system. The steering handle <NUM> is where the user places their hands and has a number of controls for the operation of the automotive simulation system. The steering handle <NUM> of the steering wheel <NUM> is connected to a distal end <NUM>. The distal end <NUM> of the steering wheel <NUM> connects to a steering axle in the automotive simulator, using the steering wheel adapter system, which will be described in further detail below, to secure the steering wheel <NUM> onto the steering axle. In order to perform that function, the distal end <NUM> of the steering wheel <NUM> comprises a first adapter element, which will now be described in further detail with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> is a rear perspective view illustrating the steering wheel <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, the distal end <NUM> comprises a recess <NUM> and a first electrical contact surface <NUM>, which together form the first adapter element. The recess <NUM> and first electrical contact surface <NUM> are configured to pair up with a corresponding protrusion and a second electrical contact surface on the distal end of the steering axle, as will be described in further detail below. In the example shown in <FIG>, the recess <NUM> has a "trapezoid" shape, which allows the steering wheel <NUM> to distinctly slide on to the corresponding protrusion in the steering axle and come to a distinct stop when the steering wheel <NUM> is fully aligned with the steering axle in a seated position. In that seated position, the first electrical contact surface <NUM> also touches a corresponding second electrical contact surface in the second adapter part on the steering axle, thereby enabling electrical contact between the steering wheel <NUM> and the automotive simulator. One advantage with the trapezoid shape is that initially when the steering wheel <NUM> is being slid onto the steering axle, the width of the opening in the recess <NUM> is much bigger than the width of the corresponding protrusion in the steering axle, which makes it easy for the user to initially fit the two parts together. Then, as the steering wheel <NUM> is slid downwards, the trapezoid shape ensures that the first and second adapter elements are aligned, and that the electric contact surfaces on each element meet in a precise position, ensuring that the electrical contacts on the steering wheel <NUM> and the steering axle, respectively, are paired as intended. However, it should be noted that the trapezoid shape of the recess <NUM> is only one of many possible shapes that can ensure a distinct seated position for the steering wheel <NUM>, and that many other shapes that achieve the same purpose can be envisioned by those having ordinary skill in the art.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the first electrical contact surface <NUM> is located on the sidewall of a cutout area of the recess <NUM>. The size and shape of the cutout (and thereby the size of the electrical contact surface <NUM>) can vary to accommodate various types of contacts on the first electrical contact surface <NUM>. In addition, by placing the first electrical contact surface <NUM> inside a cutout and closer to the center of the steering wheel <NUM>, 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 <NUM> and the controls on the steering wheel <NUM> also becomes shorter, which also makes it less prone to problems. Finally, the shape of the cutout itself serves to provide additional structural support when the steering wheel <NUM> is in the seated position against a protrusion having a corresponding shape in the steering axle, compared to what can be accomplished by the recess <NUM> by itself. The first electrical contact surface <NUM> can have a wide range of physical variations. In the example shown in <FIG>, the first electrical contact surface <NUM> is a flat metal surface, which comprises a number of electrical leads that are connected to the controls on the steering wheel <NUM>. However, many other variations of electrical contact surfaces can be envisioned by those having ordinary skill in the art.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an example of a steering wheel base <NUM> of an automotive simulator. As can be seen in <FIG>, the steering wheel base <NUM> has a support frame <NUM>, which attaches to a solid surface, such as a table or similar type of surface. The support frame holds an electrical motor <NUM>, inside which a steering axle <NUM> is mounted. This example is typically used in various types of home environments for users who like to have their personal automotive simulator. In commercial environments, such as gaming arcades or professional training environments, there is typically no support frame <NUM>, but instead the motor <NUM> is mounted into a housing of the automotive simulator using different means. Again, the specific ways of mounting the motor <NUM> may vary depending on the particular circumstances at hand and lie well within the capabilities of those having ordinary skill in the art.

The distal end of the steering axle <NUM> comprises a protrusion <NUM> and a second electrical contact surface <NUM>, which together form a second adapter element that is designed to connect to the first adapter element of the steering wheel <NUM>, described above. A magnified view of the steering axle <NUM>, the protrusion <NUM> and the second electrical contact surface <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The various components of the second adapter element have features complementing those of the first adapter element described above, such that when the first and second adapter elements are joined together, there is a snug mechanical and electrical connection between the steering wheel <NUM> and the steering axle <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the second electrical contact surface <NUM> comprises a number of spring-loaded pins, which are adapted to contact the flat metal surface of the first electrical contact surface <NUM>. By using spring-loaded pins, it is possible to ensure an electrical connection, even in a situation where the user does not fully push the steering wheel <NUM> down onto the steering axle <NUM> during installation. However, again, it should be noted that this is merely one example of an electrical contact surface and that many alternatives can be envisioned by those having ordinary skill in the art. In the example shown in <FIG>, the steering axle <NUM> is hollow and houses one or more cables that connect the electrical contacts on the second electrical contact surface <NUM> with the electronics in the automotive simulator. In the embodiment shown in <FIG> the surface with the electrical contacts on each adapter element is pointing upwards and downwards relative the direction of movement when interconnecting the two adapter elements. As an alternative, the electrical contacts could also be positioned on the perpendicular surfaces of each of the adapter parts since these surfaces are also facing each other when the adapter parts are interconnected. In such a setup, the electrical connector elements could be replaced by an alternative type of electrical connectors optimized for connection on this perpendicular surface. In the example described in connection with <FIG> and in the alternative, a common feature is that electrical connection is obtained by sliding the two adapter elements together and when in position connection surfaces are opposing each other to enable electrical connection.

It should be noted that while the above discussion refers to electrical connections, this is not intended to include power only, but also various types of data that is communicated between the steering wheel <NUM> and the automotive simulator. For example, the steering wheel <NUM> may comprise a number of control buttons and/or a display that may show information and/or warnings to the user. Any power and information that these elements use can be transferred through the electrical connections of the steering wheel adapter. Further it should be noted that the connections could also be either solely optical connections or a combination of electrical and optical connections in such situation it would be an optical or partly contact surface on the first and the second surface on the first and the second adapter element.

Further, it should be noted that while the first adapter element <NUM> has been referred to as a recess and the second adapter element <NUM> has been referred to as a protrusion, the opposite may also be true, that is, that the distal end <NUM> of the steering wheel <NUM> has a protrusion and that the distal end of the steering axle <NUM> has a recess.

The adapter system shown in <FIG> provides a simple way to attach and detach the steering wheel <NUM> from the steering axle <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG> the recess <NUM> and protrusion <NUM>, respectively, of the adapter system are placed such that an essentially downward vertical motion of the steering wheel <NUM> is used to attach the steering wheel <NUM> to the steering axle <NUM>, and a corresponding upward motion is used to detach the steering wheel <NUM> from the steering axle <NUM>. As a result of the placement of the recess <NUM> and protrusion <NUM>, respectively, the gravity acting on the steering wheel <NUM> aids in bringing the first and second electrical contact surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> against each other, which aids in creating a secure electrical connection between the steering wheel <NUM> and the steering axle <NUM>. However, it should be noted that there are alternatives in which the recess <NUM> and protrusion <NUM>, respectively, can be placed such that a substantially horizontal movement (or any direction between horizontal and vertical) is used to attach/detach the steering wheel <NUM> from the steering axle <NUM>. Typically, the surrounding environment of the automotive simulator will impose constraints on what particular configuration of the steering wheel adapter system is the most appropriate one, and making such a determination and the appropriate modifications of the steering wheel adapter system lies well within the skill set of those having ordinary skill in the art.

The steering wheel <NUM> can be further secured to the steering axle <NUM> using a pin <NUM> that can be inserted into one or more holes in the first adapter and the second adapter when said holes are aligned. An example is shown in <FIG> shows a bottom perspective view of the steering wheel <NUM> being attached to the steering axle <NUM>, prior to inserting the pin <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the pin <NUM> comprises one or more grooves. These grooves are configured to engage with one or more spring-loaded elements <NUM> that are located in the protrusion <NUM>. <FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of the pin <NUM> being inserted through the first and second adapter elements, respectively, to secure them together. The spring-loaded elements <NUM> engage with the pin <NUM> to prevent the pin <NUM> from falling out when the user turns the steering wheel <NUM> during operation of the automotive simulator. The pin <NUM> is inserted through matching holes in the first and second adapter elements, respectively, which can also be seen in <FIG>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the grooves in the pin <NUM> and the spring-loaded elements <NUM> are symmetrically placed, so the pin <NUM> can be inserted from either direction, which further facilitates the installation process of the steering wheel <NUM> for the user.

In some embodiments, the steering wheel <NUM> can be secured to the steering axle <NUM> by a snap-lock mechanism. This snap-lock mechanism could be used if an easy, fast, and reliable mounting of a steering wheel <NUM> was desired. An example of such an embodiment is shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The steering wheel base <NUM> is shown in <FIG> and comprises the steering axle <NUM>. The steering axle <NUM> further comprises a protrusion <NUM>, a second electrical contact surface <NUM>, and a barb <NUM>. The steering wheel <NUM> is shown in <FIG> and comprises a steering handle <NUM> for holding onto the steering wheel <NUM>, a first electrical contact surface <NUM>, together with a beam <NUM> that can act as a spring placed on a distal end <NUM> of the steering wheel <NUM>. The beam <NUM> comprises a second protrusion <NUM> that includes a first surface <NUM> and a second surface <NUM>. A magnified view of the distal end <NUM> of the steering wheel <NUM> can be seen in <FIG>. The beam <NUM> can be bent in the direction towards the proximal end of the steering wheel <NUM> by pushing on the part of the beam <NUM> that is furthest away from the center of the steering wheel <NUM>, such that the protrusion <NUM> connected to the beam is lowered into a recess surface <NUM> of the distal end <NUM> of the steering wheel <NUM>. Specifically, when the beam <NUM> is bent in the direction away from the first surface <NUM>, the first surface <NUM> of the protrusion <NUM> is lowered into the recess surface <NUM>. When the beam <NUM> is bent in the direction towards the first surface <NUM>, the first surface <NUM> of the protrusion <NUM> pops up above the recess surface <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A steering wheel adapter system for an automotive simulator, comprising:
a first adapter element formed in a distal end (<NUM>) of the steering wheel (<NUM>);
a second adapter element formed in a distal end of a steering axle (<NUM>) of the automotive simulator;
wherein the first adapter element and the second adapter element are configured to slide against each other along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the steering axle (<NUM>) until a seated position has been reached in which a central axis of the steering wheel (<NUM>) is aligned with a central axis of the steering axle (<NUM>), the steering wheel adapter system further comprising a snap-lock mechanism comprising:
a beam (<NUM>) on the first adapter;
the beam (<NUM>) including a protrusion (<NUM>) with a first surface (<NUM>) and a second surface (<NUM>);
wherein the protrusion (<NUM>) is configured to be lowered into a recess surface when the beam (<NUM>) is bent in a direction away from the first surface (<NUM>);
a barb (<NUM>) on the second adapter,
wherein the barb (<NUM>) is configured to slide and push the first surface (<NUM>) of the protrusion (<NUM>) until the seated position has been reached during the installation; and
wherein the barb (<NUM>) is configured to prevent sliding of the first adaptor element and the second adaptor element against each other after the seated position has been reached and the first surface (<NUM>) pops up by contacting the second surface (<NUM>) if the steering wheel was pushed in the opposite direction the way that it was slid on to the steering wheel (<NUM>).