Toyota patents steering wheel with adjustable thickness

The new feature could become part of the long list of safety features offered on the company's cars.

Toyota is reported to have patented a new technology that allows the steering wheels of its cars to rapidly inflate or contract at specific points. According to a media report, the steering wheels will have specific points which can either grow thicker or thinner, alerting the driver in the process. The inflation points also increase friction between the driver's hands and the steering wheel, prompting a subtle tug that can help keep the car centred in its lane.

The new feature could become part of the long list of safety features offered on the company's cars. If the technology does make it to production vehicles, it could be part of the car's pre-collision safety equipment, which currently make use of visual and/or audible alerts to get the attention of the driver.

Recently, Toyota also patented a manual transmission system for its EVs, featuring a pseudo-clutch and pseudo-lever which could control the torque output, giving the feeling of driving a manual car.

Source: NewNissanZ