Ford is seeking to flip steering wheels into seize handles to assist folks get into its automobiles.

As described in a patent utility printed by the USA 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 automobiles have already got standard handles designed for this function, Ford notes within the utility, 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 will 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 will permit them to maneuver from one aspect 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 perfect place for the steering wheel/help deal with, based on Ford. This could possibly be achieved with the cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors which can be already put in in lots of automobiles, based on the automaker. And it could possibly be keyed to particular person profiles, so the car would acknowledge a particular particular person and mechanically set issues up for them.

Ford did not specify what sort of car 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 will function good showcases for such a function.