Toyota has patented a technology for changing the diameter of a car's steering wheel.
The idea of the company is not at all that the user can adjust the diameter of the steering wheel according to their preferences. The technology is needed as a warning system.
In fact, this is a new implementation of the tactile feedback system, only instead of vibration there are minor changes in the thickness of the rim. Yes, the diameter of the handlebar will change simply by changing the rim, and this, in turn, will be implemented through a pump. Simply put, the machine will inflate or deflate the rim as needed.
Why is this needed? Toyota thinks this could be a good way to let the driver know when they're doing something wrong. For example, it is rebuilt without turning on the turn signal. The company's engineers reasonably believe that the systems currently available, which in such situations can turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction (relative to where the driver turns it), can distract a person. And in situations where the road is very slippery, and even create dangerous situations.
Of course, while this is only a patent, so, as usual in such situations, it is not at all a fact that such technology will appear in production Toyota cars.
bbabo.Net