Ford Patents Add-On Controls for Self-Driving Cars

Ford Motor Co. has patented a system that would allow a steering wheel and foot pedals to be installed or removed as needed as carmakers transition to autonomous vehicles.

Even for fully autonomous vehicles capable of operating at all times without any driver input, Ford envisions a need for traditional controls during development and testing. In the patent, the carmaker says the lack of a steering wheel would make it more difficult for engineers to evaluate a vehicle's response to rapid lane changes and other “dynamic maneuvers” under real-world conditions.

The patent describes receiving nooks for the steering wheel and pedals, which would lock into place. When not in use, trim pieces would hide the connection locations.

According to the patent, the removable steering wheel could have a physical connection to the road via a splined shaft or it could use an electronic steer-by-wire system. Likewise, the attachable pedals could be mechanically or electronically controlled.

To ensure vehicles meet safety regulations whether or not they have a steering wheel, Ford proposes using two front airbags: one in the dashboard and another in the steering wheel. A sensor would detect whether the wheel is in place and deploy the correct airbag as needed.

Ford filed for the patent, which was published this month, in February 2016. In addition to development applications, the steering wheel and foot pedals could be sold as accessories to vehicle owners who want the option of driving themselves in future autonomous vehicles, Ford says.