Even Model S and Model X, but even more so the Model 3 from Tesla are characterized by a minimalist interior that requires only a few controls – almost everything is controlled via the large touchscreen and more recently via voice. But soon Tesla drivers could have more control directly under their hands: Tesla has registered patents for a steering wheel with built-in touchscreen elements, some of which are also intended to provide haptic feedback.
Both patents were applied for in August 2019 and are now published on the Wipo website. One relates to the design of the touchscreen steering wheel itself, the second to the user interface for it.
Some already refer to Tesla’s electric cars as smartphones on wheels, and with the new touch steering wheel, this analogy could be even more appropriate. The two patents seem to describe a steering wheel together, on whose three spokes different menus can be displayed. In addition to simple presses, the touch elements should also be able to recognize gestures such as swiping. According to the patent text, they are not only intended for controlling vehicle functions, but also for connected smartphones or tablet computers.
In addition, Tesla drivers should be able to get visual and haptic feedback from their steering wheel – something that new iPhones, for example, already master. In addition, according to the patent, an external display device could be accommodated near the steering wheel, which allows a better view of the selected menus. For example, the selected gear and other brief information could be displayed on the steering wheel itself.
Tesla’s electric cars currently have two physical scroll wheels on the steering wheel, which can also be used to call up and operate different menus. As with all patents, it is open whether Tesla will actually implement the registered touch steering wheel and when. But it could bring more ease of use and clarity to Tesla’s rolling computers.
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