Ford may flip the steering wheel right into a deployable help deal with

Ford is trying to flip steering wheels into seize handles to assist folks get into its autos.

As described in a patent software printed by the USA Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) on Jan. 4, however filed by Ford on June 29, 2022, a steering wheel may 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 objective, 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 may serve that perform.

To make that occur, Ford proposes a motorized system that may permit the wheel to tilt ahead and backward, or rotate in order that the wheel is perpendicular to the dashboard and may thus be simply grabbed by somebody attempting to get into the car. Ford additionally discusses a sliding mechanism for the steering wheel and column that may 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 car, sensors would scan their physique to find out the best place for the steering wheel/help deal with, in line with Ford. This could possibly be carried out with the cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors which are already put in in lots of autos, in line with the automaker. And it could possibly be keyed to particular person profiles, so the car would acknowledge a particular individual and routinely set issues up for them.

Ford did not specify what sort of car this tech is meant for, nevertheless it could possibly be useful for hoisting oneself into the cab of a full-size pickup truck or SUV. Automakers do not at all times put patented concepts into manufacturing, however Ford does have a next-generation electrical pickup and a three-row electrical SUV due in 2025 that may function good showcases for such a characteristic.