CarBuzz has found one other new patent at the US Patent and Trademark Workplace, filed by FCA/Stellantis, this one describing an underwater detection system that might be fitted to off-road-capable automobiles just like the Jeep Wrangler. That is fairly clearly the automobile depicted within the patent imagery, which portrays the concept an off-road fanatic would be capable to ford a stream extra simply and extra safely because of the fitment of varied sensors that might be capable to detect the presence of sharp rocks, deep ruts, and different doubtlessly unseen hazards that lurk throughout the murky waters usually crossed by trail-hunting lovers.
Sonar Or Lidar Sensors
The patent describes sensors that might detect the presence of water. These can be positioned in an space the place they might not be activated by rain or splashing, and their job is to find out the depth of the water {that a} automobile is touring by means of as soon as it reaches a sure submersion degree. Thereafter, an emitter and receiver of sound or gentle waves (sonar or LiDAR programs, the latter utilized in self-driving vehicles) would map the depth of the water, the slope of the bottom, and any obstacles that could be hidden beneath the floor.
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With the power to map the unseen atmosphere, the automobile may present the driving force with visible cues to assist keep away from obstacles that might injury the automobile or trigger it to get caught. Curiously, the patent suggests taking management from the driving force, utilizing the knowledge from these underwater sensors to make self-determined changes to the steering wheel and throttle in real-time, making this a semi-automatic/partially autonomous system.
One other Means To Off-Street Like A Champ
That is successfully like hill descent management for our bodies of water, the place the automobile may take over management of the steering and throttle to make slight changes that maximize the effectivity and security of the crossing. Even hardcore off-roaders who know all the information and tips of secure off-roading know that it’s inconceivable to find out precisely what lies beneath the floor from behind the wheel.
With this, the uncertainty of getting stranded is minimized. If one does get caught, Stellantis has an answer for that, too, albeit provided that you get caught on dry land; a current patent suggests a complicated burnout mode may assist save your blushes on the paths.
Patent filings don’t assure the usage of such know-how in future automobiles and are sometimes used completely as a way of defending mental property. Such a submitting can’t be construed as affirmation of manufacturing intent.