The different take on a steering wheel could be used in future autonomous cars.
filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office describes a"steering handle" with grips that remain vertical at all times, attached to a single horizontal spoke that rotates around a central hub. That should make its operation much like that of a conventional steering wheel, in theory.
What's the point of a steering yoke that looks different, but works like a conventional wheel? The application text notes that"further installation space can be gained by way of a steering handle" in place of a steering wheel, so that may be the main benefit. It also looks like the grips can fold up when not in use, freeing up even more space.Such a design could be especially beneficial in future autonomous cars, where the steering wheel may not be in use much of the time.
However, the exact use case BMW has in mind is unclear. As with all auto-industry patents, BMW hasn't confirmed plans to use its steering handle in a production car, and may not have any. Automakers often patent tech without concrete plans to use it in production vehicles. Sometimes it's just a way to prevent rivals from copying their ideas.
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