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

As described in a patent utility revealed 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.

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 may very well be extra helpful, and Ford believes steering wheels might serve that operate.

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 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 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.

When a driver or passenger approaches the automobile, sensors would scan their physique to find out the best place for the steering wheel/help deal with, in line with Ford. This may very well be achieved with the cameras, radar, and ultrasonic sensors which can be already put in in lots of automobiles, in line with the automaker. And it may very well be keyed to particular person profiles, so the automobile would acknowledge a particular particular person and routinely set issues up for them.

Ford did not specify what sort of automobile this tech is meant for, but it surely may very well 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 may function good showcases for such a function.