US 12,462,706 B2
Steering wheel connector for automotive simulator
André Sloth Eriksen, Nibe (DK); and Per Michael Kromann, Aalborg East (DK)
Assigned to Asetek Danmark A/S, Aalborg East (DK)
Filed by ASETEK DANMARK A/S, Aalborg East (DK)
Filed on Oct. 19, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/969,334.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/263,681, filed on Nov. 7, 2021.
Claims priority of application No. PCT/EP2022/071925 (WO), filed on Aug. 4, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0145334 A1, May 11, 2023
Int. Cl. G09B 9/042 (2006.01)
CPC G09B 9/042 (2013.01) 22 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A steering wheel adapter system for an automotive simulator, comprising:
a first adapter element configured to connect to a distal end of a steering wheel, the first adapter element comprising at least one of a first electrical contact surface and a first optical contact surface;
a second adapter element configured to connect to a proximal end of a steering axle of the automotive simulator, the second adapter element comprising at least one of a second electrical contact surface facing in a direction perpendicular to the steering axle and a second optical contact surface;
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 until a coupling position is reached in which a central axis of the steering wheel is aligned with a central axis of the steering axle, and at least one of the first electrical contact surface and the first optical contact surface and at least one of the second electrical contact surface and the second optical contact surface 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.