This patent was issued in September 2020, which specifically describes a "car with multiple driving positions". Because the steering wheel is installed on the track across the center console, it means that the driver can sit on the left or right side of the car like most countries, such as Australia, Britain and Japan. Strangely, this patent can even choose to sit in the middle of the front driver's seat.
According to the official introduction, when users drive semi-automatic cars, sliding the steering wheel away allows them to enjoy more space. For example, if you are caught in a traffic jam, you can push the steering wheel aside, read a book or play a game. This concept car-like steering wheel is simpler and cheaper than the retractable instrument panel.
In order to make this technology work, it is necessary to replace all the control equipment of the vehicle with wire control components. It doesn't sound like science fiction, because Britain and finidi have been using steer-by-wire technology for many years, and brake-by-wire technology is gradually becoming popular in the automobile industry.
As for the setting of pedals, Volvo explained that pressure-sensitive pads, hydraulic or pneumatic sensors or others can be used instead. In any case, they will be installed in two front footwells, and the system will automatically activate the footwell located on one side of the steering wheel.
Although this is a very black technology function, it should be remembered that it often takes several years for the things described in patent applications to be finally exhibited. It has yet to be proved that the cost will be lower than the cost of manufacturing different cars for the left-hand and right-hand drive market under the condition of mass production and approval by regulators around the world.
Here is a simple teasing. Can I throw the steering wheel to the co-pilot at any time when checking drunk driving in China? So as to avoid the responsibility that you don't want to bear!
This article comes from car home, the author of the car manufacturer, and does not represent car home's position.