Mercedes-Benz has filed a new patent application with the European Patent Office, which could significantly change the concept of steering in cars. The manufacturer proposes to equip the steering wheel with four "spoke" instead of two, expanding their functionality.
According to the document, the new "spoke" will be located on the steering wheel or column and will perform a number of additional tasks.
They will allow not only to shift gears or simulate them in electric vehicles, but also to control engine braking, adjust the intensity of regenerative braking, activate the high-performance "boost" mode and configure off-road and towing modes. In addition, the system will provide tactile feedback adapted to the driver's preferences.
The uniqueness of the technology lies in the fact that each "feather" can move both forward and backward, which expands its versatility. The driver will be able to independently configure the functions, assigning them certain commands according to personal needs. To prevent accidental pressing, the system has a built-in locking function, which allows you to completely disable the movement of the "petals" in question. At the same time, after their deactivation, the driver will receive a corresponding message.
This innovation could change the way we drive by giving drivers more options to personalize their driving experience and making modern technologies easier for the user.