GM has filed a patent application for an adaptive steering wheel rim capable of providing a range of different sizes, grips, and thicknesses to suit the driver’s preference.
The GM patent filing has been assigned application number US 11,433,938 B2 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and was published September 6th, 2022. The patent was originally filed on December 16th, 2020, and lists Joseph F. Szczerba of Grand Blanc, Michigan as the inventor.
The patent describes a steering wheel for a vehicle that includes a hub adapted for mounting on a steering column, as well as a rim coupled to the hub with a material covering part of the rim. The invention also includes at least one bladder system between the rim and rim material, plus a fluid pump that can either deflate or inflate the bladder. A control module is in place to modulate operation of the fluid pump.
The proposed adaptive steering wheel rim is designed to provide the driver with a range of adjustable settings to suit their preference and comfort. For example, the wheel can be adjusted to suit the driving environment and enhance driving performance, or to simply promote user comfort. The system will accommodate several different hand sizes and grip strengths, adjusting grip feel, rim grip size, shape, hardness, and texture.
For example, a user may prefer a smaller, grippier wheel for high-performance driving, and a larger, smoother wheel for long-distance trips. While users can equip their vehicle with an aftermarket steering wheel that suits a specific driving scenario, having the ability to adjust the wheel to individual preferences on the fly would certainly be much more convenient.
Other recent GM patent filings uncovered by GM Authority include a gesture recognition system capable of recognizing specific gestures made outside the vehicle, allowing users to control vehicle systems and features (such as the rear trunk lock) through externally mounted cameras.
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Comments
Ah, ok. My question would be who is asking for stupid stuff like this? Why does my mind go to this thing malfunctioning at the worst possible time? Just what we need: Driving at 70 MPH down the freeway when your steering wheel decides to go on the fritz.
But that’s all ok. I’m sure they will bury this adjustment feature somewhere within the multiple pages on your 72″ dash screen so that it’s super easy to change! haha.
As someone who sells GMCs I can assure you that every feature announced (and don’t lose sight that this is just a patent filing, not a feature announcement) results in consumers demanding it. Personally I think giant screens in a vehicle is a terrible idea, but I’ve met HUNDREDS of customers who wouldn’t consider a Sierra until the screen was enlarged to something “more like Ram’s”. Consumer demand, not GM’s notions of what should happen, drive feature development. If they don’t keep adding features most customers won’t consider it. Those who prefer fewer features are the minority, by far.
and yet there is still a chip shortage to order a vehicle with a heated steering wheel….go figure
You do realize that R&D and production are separate departments, right? And that many patents are filed for every one that goes to production, years later? Filing a patent for a new design idea has nothing to do with current production constraints.
It’s the ace in the hole. You have protection when you bring it into an offering and production.
Again, why ?
Wow! Great idea. A steering wheel and grip system like an Eaton-Fawick Airflex clutch. A+