Apple granted patent for an extendable bumper for an Apple Car

Let the Apple Car rumors roll on. Apple has been granted a patent (number US 11691581) for extendable bumpers for vehicles. 

About the patent

Per Apple’s patent, the extendable bumper system is connected to the vehicle structure and includes a first portion, a second portion, and an “actuator.” The actuator is configured to move the extendable bumper system between a retracted position and an extended position. The first portion is moved outward relative to the second portion during movement of the extendable bumper system from the retracted position to the extended position.

The Apple Car may also sport a flexible fascia (the decorative portion of a vehicle’s dashboard). The flexible fascia is moved, by the actuator, between a retracted position and an extended position by flexing relative to a nominal position.

The patent also involves the pivot joint, an actuator, and bumper of an Apple Car. The bumper is connected to the pivot joint and moved, by operation of the actuator, between a retracted position and an extended position by pivoting around the pivot joint.

Summary of the patent

Here’s Apple’s abstract of the patent: “An attenuation system is connected to a structural portion and includes a first portion, a second portion, and an actuator. The actuator is configured to move the attenuation system between a retracted position and an extended position. The first portion is moved outward relative to the second portion during movement of the attenuation system from the retracted position to the extended position.”

When might we see an Apple Car?

On. Nov. 18, 2021, Bloomberg reported that Apple is accelerating development on its “Apple Car.” The article says 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 says Apple is likely to announce a strategic electric vehicle partnership in 2022 to lay the groundwork for an “Apple Car” release in 2025.