Ford is trying to flip steering wheels into seize handles to assist individuals get into its autos.
As described in a patent software revealed by the US Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) on Jan. 4, however filed by Ford on June 29, 2022, a steering wheel might tilt and even slide throughout the dashboard to function an help deal with.
Ford steering wheel help deal with patent picture
Most autos have already got standard handles designed for this goal, Ford notes within the software, however they’re mounted in place. A movable deal with could possibly be extra helpful, and Ford believes steering wheels might serve that operate.
To make that occur, Ford proposes a motorized system that might permit the wheel to tilt ahead and backward, or rotate in order that the wheel is perpendicular to the dashboard and might thus be simply grabbed by somebody making an attempt to get into the automobile. Ford additionally discusses a sliding mechanism for the steering wheel and column that might permit them to maneuver from one facet of the dashboard to a different—a bit just like the movable column in a Mercedes-Benz Unimog.
Ford steering wheel help deal with patent picture
When a driver or passenger approaches the automobile, sensors would scan their physique to find out the perfect place for the steering wheel/help deal with, based on Ford. This could possibly be carried out with the cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors which might be already put in in lots of autos, based on the automaker. And it could possibly be keyed to particular person profiles, so the automobile would acknowledge a selected particular person and robotically set issues up for them.
Ford did not specify what sort of automobile this tech is meant for, but it surely could possibly be useful for hoisting oneself into the cab of a full-size pickup truck or SUV. Automakers do not all the time put patented concepts into manufacturing, however Ford does have a next-generation electrical pickup and a three-row electrical SUV due in 2025 that might function good showcases for such a function.
