Let the Apple Car rumors roll on. Apple has been granted a patent (number US 11772593 B1) for a “Control System” for an automobile.
About the patent
The patent involves safety features for an Apple Car (assuming we ever see one). Per the patent, control systems may control the motion of objects within a compartment and absorb energy during an event that causes a sudden abnormal change in acceleration, speed, and/or direction of the compartment.
Some of these systems are passive, such as restraining belts, mechanical components that crush or deform to absorb energy, and spring systems that allow motion of certain components in response to applied forces. Some of these systems are active, such as inflatable bags that deploy to react the motion of objects in a controlled manner while absorbing energy.
Summary of the patent
Here’s Apple’s abstract of the patent: “A system includes a body structure that defines a cabin, a seat assembly that is located in the cabin, and a support structure that includes a top portion and an adjustable support assembly. The support structure is located adjacent to the seat assembly, the adjustable support assembly includes actuators, and the adjustable support assembly is configured to move the top portion with respect to the seat assembly.
“The system also includes sensors that are configured to generate sensor outputs regarding an environment outside of the system, and a controller that detects an event based on the sensor outputs. In response to the detection of the event, the controller outputs a control signal that controls the adjustable support assembly so that the adjustable support assembly moves at least part of the top portion away from the seat assembly.”
When might we see an Apple Car?
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says that Apple’s work on the Apple Car has “lost all visibility at the current time. He adds that if Apple does not adopt some kind of acquisition strategy to make inroads in the automotive market, it is unlikely that the Apple Car will be able to go into mass production “within the next years.”
On. Nov. 18, 2021, Bloomberg reported that Apple was accelerating development on its “Apple Car.” The article said that the electric vehicle will be self-driving and could roll out in 2025.
What’s more, in a note to clients — as noted by AppleInsider — investment bank Wedbush said Apple is likely to announce a strategic electric vehicle partnership in 2022 to lay the groundwork for an “Apple Car” release in 2025.
If Kuo is correct — and I suspect he is — those predictions are way too optimistic.
