Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] This disclosure relates generally to the field of vehicles, and more particularly to the field of steering wheel locking devices used in vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[002] Alignment of wheels in vehicles is critical for optimal performance and safety. However, during alignment process, the steering wheel when left unlocked may lead to inaccuracies in the alignment of the vehicle. The inaccuracies in alignment may result due to slight movements of the vehicle in the left direction, or the right direction, which may also jeopardize the precision of adjustments. Moreover, working on vehicles with unlocked steering poses safety risks for technicians and extends the time required for alignment tasks due to the need for frequent readjustments. Further, the vehicle may experience uneven tire wear which may result in compromised driving experiences.
[003] Therefore, there exists a need for a steering locking mechanism which may prevent movement of the steering wheel during the alignment process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[004] In an embodiment, a steering wheel locking device is disclosed. The steering wheel locking device may include a base configured to be coupled to a steering column case. The base may further include a sliding profile formed on at least one surface of the base. The steering wheel locking device may include a slider slidably coupled to the base and configured to slide along the sliding profile. The slider may include a first slider end configured to engage with a slot in a steering wheel at a first position of the slider, to lock the steering wheel on being engaged by the slot. The slider may further include a grip configured to slide the slider in response to an external force.
[005] In an embodiment, a steering wheel assembly is disclosed. The steering wheel assembly may include a steering wheel, which may further include a slot. The steering wheel assembly may further include a steering column case. The steering wheel assembly may include a steering wheel locking device. The steering wheel locking device may include a base configured to be coupled to a steering column case. The base may further include a sliding profile formed on at least one surface of the base. The steering wheel locking device may include a slider slidably coupled to the base and configured to slide along the sliding profile. The slider may include a first slider end configured to engage with a slot in a steering wheel at a first position of the slider, to lock the steering wheel on being engaged by the slot. The slider may further include a grip configured to slide the slider in response to an external force.
[006] In an embodiment, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle may include a steering wheel assembly. The steering wheel assembly may include a steering wheel, which may further include a slot. The steering wheel assembly may further include a steering column case. The steering wheel assembly may include a steering wheel locking device. The steering wheel locking device may include a base configured to be coupled to a steering column case. The base may further include a sliding profile formed on at least one surface of the base. The steering wheel locking device may include a slider slidably coupled to the base and configured to slide along the sliding profile. The slider may include a first slider end configured to engage with a slot in a steering wheel at a first position of the slider, to lock the steering wheel on being engaged by the slot. The slider may further include a grip configured to slide the slider in response to an external force.
[007] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.
[009] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a steering wheel locking mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic of the steering wheel locking mechanism assembled in a steering wheel assembly, and in an unlocked state, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic of the steering wheel locking mechanism assembled in the steering wheel assembly, and in an locked state, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of another steering wheel locking mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 4A illustrates a schematic of another steering wheel locking mechanism assembled in the steering wheel assembly, and in a disengaged state, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 4B illustrates a schematic of another steering wheel locking mechanism assembled in the steering wheel assembly, and in an engaged state, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The foregoing description has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which forms the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other devices, systems, assemblies, and mechanisms for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, to its device or system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
[0016] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a system or a device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[0017] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals have been used to refer to the same or like parts.
[0018] As explained earlier, the leaving the steering when unlocked results in slight movements of the vehicle in the left direction, or in the right direction, which may result in anomalies of the precision of adjustments in the alignments, with safety risks for technicians and uneven tire wear.
[0019] To this end, a steering wheel locking device is disclosed. The steering wheel locking device may be coupled to a steering wheel column, and may be configured to engage a slot within the steering wheel. Engagement of the steering wheel locking device with the steering wheel may lock and restrict the motion of the said steering wheel. The following paragraphs describe the steering wheel locking device with reference to FIGs. 1-4B.
[0020] Now, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a steering wheel locking mechanism 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The steering wheel locking mechanism 100 may include a base 102 and a slider 104. The slider 104 may be slidingly coupled to the base 102, and may be configured to slide between a first position and a second position. The first position of the slider 104 may represent the locked state of the steering wheel locking mechanism 100, and the second position of the slider 104 may represent the unlocked state of the steering wheel locking mechanism 100.
[0021] In an embodiment, the base 102 may include a sliding profile (not shown in FIG. 1) formed on at least one surface thereon. As explained earlier, the slider 104 being slidably coupled to the base 102, may be configured to slide along the sliding profile. In an embodiment, the slider 104 may include a slider profile (not shown in figures), which may be configured to slidingly engage the sliding profile to enable sliding of the slider 104 within the base 102.
[0022] In an embodiment, the slider 104 may be configured to slide between multiple profile ends of the sliding profile. For example, the sliding profile may include a first profile end and a second profile end, between which the slider 104 may slide to attain the first position and the second position respectively. It must be noted that the first profile end may also represent the first end, and the second profile end may represent the second end. In an embodiment, each of the multiple profile ends may be provisioned with a first locking profile and a second locking profile (not shown in figure) respectively. The first locking profile and the second locking profile may be configured to lock the slider 104 at the first position and the second position, such that any inadvertent movement of the slider 104 may be prevented.
[0023] In an embodiment, the slider 104 may include a first slider end 106 and a second slider end 108. Further, the slider 104 may also include a grip 110 formed between the first slider end 106 and the second slider end 108. In an embodiment, the first locking profile may be configured to lock the slider 104, particularly the first slider end 106 when the slider 104 is positioned at the first position, or at the first profile end. Further, the second locking profile may be configured to lock the second slider end 108 when the slider 104 is positioned at the second position, or at the second profile end.
[0024] In an embodiment, the base 102 may further include a housing 112. The housing 112 may be formed as a hollow portion within the base 102, and may be configured to receive and accommodate the slider 104 therein. Particularly, the housing 112 may include at least one surface, and wherein the at least one surface comprises oppositely disposed interior surfaces to form the hollow portion. Further, the housing 112 may also include an opening 114. The opening 114 may be configured to expose the grip 110 therethrough. In other words, the grip 110 may be configured to protrude from the opening 114. Accordingly, the grip 110 may be accessed by an user, or the user may apply an external force on the grip 110 to slide the slider 104 between the first position and the second position. Accordingly, when the slider 104 is actuated between the first position and the second position, the steering locking device may be actuated between a locked condition and the unlocked condition.
[0025] In an embodiment, the steering wheel locking mechanism 100 may be coupled to the steering wheel column, and may be configured to engage a slot on the steering wheel rotatably coupled to the steering wheel column. Particularly, the steering wheel locking mechanism 100 when actuated to the locked condition, the slider 104 may be pushed, or an external force may be applied to the slider 104, to engage the slider 104 with the slot. As a result, the steering wheel may be locked. This is explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 2A-2B.
[0026] Now, FIG. 2A illustrates the steering wheel locking mechanism 100 assembled in a steering wheel assembly, and in an unlocked state, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2B illustrates the steering wheel locking mechanism assembled in a steering wheel assembly, and in an locked state, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0027] In an embodiment, the steering wheel assembly may be formed with an assembly of a steering column case 202, and a steering wheel 204 rotatably coupled to the steering column case 202. In an embodiment, the steering wheel 204 may include a slot 206. The slot 206 may be formed as a cutout portion at a base of the steering wheel 204.
[0028] In an embodiment, and explained earlier, the steering wheel locking mechanism 100 may be coupled to the steering column case 202. Preferably, the steering wheel locking mechanism 100 may be coupled in close proximity to a coupling point of the steering column case 202 and the steering wheel 204, such that the steering wheel locking mechanism 100 may be placed in close proximity to the slot 206 formed on the steering wheel 204. Such assembly may enable ease in engagement of the steering wheel locking mechanism 100 with the slot 206.
[0029] In an embodiment, with continued reference to FIG. 2A, the steering wheel locking mechanism 100 may be in unlocked state. In the unlocked state, the slider 104 may be positioned and locked (using the second locking profile) at the second position in the base 102. In the second position, the slider 104 may be disengaged from the slot 206, and consequently, the steering wheel 204 may be free to rotate about the steering column 204, i.e., the steering wheel 204 may be unlocked.
[0030] In an embodiment, with continued reference to FIG. 2B, the steering wheel locking mechanism 100 may be in locked state. In the locked state, the slider 104 may be actuated by applying an external force on the grip 110, until the slider 104 reaches the first position. In the first position, the slider 104 may engage the slot 206, or in other words, the first slider end 106 may engage the slot 206, and consequently, the steering wheel 204 may be restricted about the steering column case 202, i.e., the steering wheel 204 may be locked.
[0031] Accordingly, for preventing the motion of the steering wheel during wheel alignment process, the steering wheel locking mechanism 100 may be actuated to the locked state, when a desired alignment of the tires are achieved. As the steering wheel locking mechanism 100 may be in the locked state, the slider 104 may engage the slot 206, and hence, the steering wheel 204 may be locked against the steering column case 202. Therefore, in the locked state, the accidental movement of the steering wheel 204 steering column case 202 may be prevented, especially during the tire alignment process.
[0032] Now, referring to FIG. 3, which illustrates another steering wheel locking mechanism 300, as an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, contrary to the steering wheel locking mechanism 100, the slider 104 may be configured to enclose the base 102 and may be further configured to slide on at least one surface of the base 102. Further, the slider 104 may be configured to engage and slide along at least one slider profile formed on at least one surface of the base 102, by way of engagement of a slider profile 306 formed thereon, with the at least one sliding profile of the base 102. The at least one surface of the base 102 may include oppositely disposed external surfaces, onto which the sliding profile may be formed. When engaged, the slider 104 may slide over the base 102 between the first position, and the second position.
[0033] In an embodiment, the slider 104 of the steering wheel locking mechanism 300 may further include the first slider end 302, and the second slider end 304. In an embodiment the sliding profile 306 may be formed internally within the slider 104, and between the first slider end 302 and the second slider end 304. Similar to the steering wheel locking mechanism 100, the slider 104 may be configured to slide between multiple profile ends of the sliding profile 306. It must be noted that the first profile end may also represent the first end, and the second profile end may represent the second end. Also, similar to the steering wheel locking mechanism 100, the first profile end may also include the first locking profile, and the second profile end may also include the second locking profile. The first locking profile and the second locking profile may be configured to lock the slider 104 at the first position and the second position respectively. In an embodiment, the slider 104 may further include an extended portion 308. The extended portion 308 may be formed on the slider 104, such that the extended portion 308 and the slider 104 may slide in unison when actuated.
[0034] In an embodiment, the slider 104 may also include a grip 110. The grip 110 may represent external surfaces portion of the slider 104. Similar to the steering wheel locking mechanism 100, the grip 110 may be actuated by the user. For example, the user may be configured to apply external forces on the grip 110 for actuating the slider between the first position and the second position, thereby actuating the steering wheel locking mechanism 300 between the locked state and unlocked state.
[0035] Now, FIG. 4A illustrates a schematic 400A of the steering wheel locking mechanism 300 assembled in the steering wheel assembly, and in an unlocked state, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 4B illustrates a schematic 400B of the steering wheel locking mechanism 300 assembled in a steering wheel assembly, and in an locked state, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0036] As explained earlier (referring to FIGs. 2A-2B), the steering wheel locking mechanism 300 may also be coupled to the steering column case 202 in the similar manner as to the coupling of the steering wheel locking mechanism 100 with the steering column case 202. For example, referring to FIGs. 4A-4B, the steering wheel locking mechanism 300 may be coupled to the steering column case 202 in close proximity to the slot 206.
[0037] In an embodiment, with continued reference to FIG. 4A, the steering wheel locking mechanism 300 may be in an unlocked state, i.e., the slider 104 of the steering wheel locking mechanism 300 may be in the second position. Accordingly, the extended portion 308 of the slider 104 may not engage the slot 206, and hence, the steering wheel 204 may be free-to-rotate about the steering column case 202.
[0038] In an embodiment, with continued reference to FIG. 4B, the steering wheel locking mechanism 300 may be in locked state. In the locked state, the slider 104 may be actuated, or may slide over the base 102 by applying an external force on the grip 110, until the slider 104 reaches the first position. In the first position, the slider 104 may engage the slot 206, or in other words, the extended portion 308 of the slider 104 may engage the slot 206. Consequently, the steering wheel 204 may be restricted about the steering column case 202, i.e., the steering wheel 204 may be locked.
[0039] In an embodiment, the steering wheel locking mechanism 100, 300 may be enabled to be actuated based on operational condition of the vehicle. For example, during running condition of the vehicle, or when the ignition of the vehicle may be ON, the steering wheel locking mechanism 100, 300 may not be actuated. In contrast, during idle condition, or when the ignition of the vehicle may be OFF, the steering wheel locking mechanism 100, 300 may be actuated.
[0040] Such control in actuation of the steering wheel locking mechanism 100, 300 may be provisioned using an enabling pin (not shown in figures). The enabling pin may be operatively coupled with an actuator. Further, the actuator may be communicably coupled to at least one sensor systems used in the vehicle, which may be configured to determine the operational condition of the vehicle. The enabling pin may be configured to engage or disengage with a groove within the first slider end 106, 302 of the slider 104 of the steering wheel locking mechanism 100, 300.
[0041] In an embodiment, when the at least one sensor detects that the operational condition of the vehicle as running, or when the ignition is ON, the actuator, in response, may be configured to actuate the enabling pin to engage the slot within the first slider end 106, 302 of the slider 104 of the steering wheel locking mechanism 100, 300. Accordingly, the slider 104 may be disabled from sliding along the sliding profile.
[0042] In an embodiment, when the at least one sensor detects that the operational condition of the vehicle as idle, or when the ignition is OFF, the actuator, in response, may be configured to actuate the enabling pin to disengage the slot within the first slider end 106, 302 of the slider 104 of the steering wheel locking mechanism 100, 300. Accordingly, the slider 104 may be enabled from sliding along the sliding profile.
[0043] In addition to prevention of the motion of the steering wheel 204 during alignment process, the steering wheel locking mechanism 100, 300 may also be used for theft-prevention, i.e., preventing theft of the vehicle. In such scenario, the steering wheel locking mechanism 100, 300 may be kept locked in the locked state using a enabling pin and actuator assembly (similar to the aforementioned assembly), unless actuated or unlocked manually by an unlocking mechanism specifically designed for the owner of the vehicle.
[0044] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for the sake of clarity.
[0045] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[0046] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
[0047] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
, Claims:We Claim:
1. A steering wheel locking device (100, 300) comprising:
a base (102) configured to be coupled to a steering column case (202), wherein the base (102) comprises a sliding profile (306) formed on at least one surface of the base (102); and
a slider (104) slidably coupled to the base (102) and configured to slide along the sliding profile, wherein the slider (102) comprises:
a first slider end (106, 302) configured to:
engage with a slot (206) in a steering wheel (204) at a first position of the slider (104); and
lock the steering wheel (204) on being engaged by the slot (206); and
a grip (110) configured to slide the slider (104) in response to an external force.
2. The steering wheel locking device (100, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sliding profile comprises:
a first profile end; and
a second profile end oppositely disposed to the first profile end, wherein the slider (104) is configured to slide along the sliding profile between the first profile end and the second profile end.
3. The steering wheel locking device (100, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first profile end comprises a first locking profile configured to keep the slider (104) locked at the first position.
4. The steering wheel locking device (100, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second profile end comprises a second locking profile configured to keep the slider (104) locked at a second position of the slider (104), wherein at the second position the slider (104) is completely disengaged from the slot (206).
5. The steering wheel locking device (100, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base (102) comprises a housing (112) configured to receive the slider (104), wherein the housing (112) comprises an opening (114) configured to reveal the grip (110).
6. The steering wheel locking device (100, 300) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the housing (112) comprises the at least one surface, and wherein the at least one surface comprises oppositely disposed interior surfaces of the housing (112).
7. The steering wheel locking device (100, 300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slider (104) is configured to enclose the base (102) and slide over the base (102) along the sliding profile, and wherein the at least one surface comprises oppositely disposed exterior surfaces of the base (102).
8. The steering wheel locking device (100, 300) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an enabling pin configured to:
enable the slider (104) to slide along the sliding profile when vehicle ignition is off; and
disable the slider (104) from sliding along the sliding profile when vehicle ignition is on.
9. A steering wheel assembly comprising:
a steering wheel (204) comprising a slot (206);
a steering column case (202); and
a steering wheel locking device (100, 300) coupled to the steering column case (202), wherein the steering wheel locking device (100, 300) comprises:
a base (102) configured to be attached to the steering column case (202), wherein the base (102) comprises a sliding profile formed on at least one surface of the base (102); and
a slider (104) slidably coupled to the base (102) and configured to slide along the sliding profile, wherein the slider (104) comprises:
a first slider end configured to:
engage with the slot (206) at a first position of the slider (104); and
lock the steering wheel (204) on being engaged by the slot (206); and
a grip (110) configured to slide the slider (104) in response to an external force.
10. A vehicle comprising:
a steering wheel assembly comprising:
a steering wheel (204) comprising a slot (206);
a steering column case (202); and
a steering wheel locking device (100, 300) coupled to the steering column case (202), wherein the steering wheel locking device (100, 300) comprises:
a base (102) configured to be attached to the steering column case (202), wherein the base (102) comprises a sliding profile formed on at least one surface of the base (102); and
a slider (104) slidably coupled to the base (102) and configured to slide along the sliding profile, wherein the slider (104) comprises:
a first slider end configured to:
engage with the slot (206) at a first position of the slider (104); and
lock the steering wheel (204) on being engaged by the slot (206); and
a grip (110) configured to slide the slider (104) in response to an external force.