Most of us would probably agree that a steering wheel is a vehicle component that usually comes with a circular shape. It’s also a component that’s fixed on either the left- or right-side of the car’s dashboard. However, that notion might soon be a part of history as Hyundai reimagines how a car’s steering wheel should be like.
The foldable steering wheel developed by Hyundai Mobis
Hyundai Mobis, parts and service arm of Hyundai Motor, has developed a foldable steering wheel that can fully retract into the dashboard. It can also move forward and backward by up to 250mm (9.8 inches). The idea behind the foldable steering wheel is that it’s geared towards the possibility of integrating it into Hyundai’s self-driving cars.
The foldable steering wheel technology enables the folding and unfolding of a steering wheel. The folding function of the steering wheel gives additional interior space in front of the driver’s seat, which is seen as beneficial when the autonomous driving mode is engaged.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Hyundai Mobis said that it took two years to develop its foldable steering system. The company designed a new steering column as well as a reaction force control device. It has also integrated a sliding rail mechanism, which is said to ensure the foldable steering system’s durability and reliability.
As of this writing, there’s no video as to how the foldable steering wheel works. Judging by the images released by Hyundai Mobis, it could be possible that the foldable steering wheel can be controlled by a forward and backward motion that’s similar to when navigating your way onboard a bicycle or a motorcycle.
The foldable steering wheel can fully retract into the dashboard
The company added that its foldable steering wheel is compatible with the Steer by Wire (SBW) steering system. Hyundai Mobis that the SBW system minimizes the vibrations that come from a rumble strip or a speed bump to the steering wheel. This allows the drivers to have better control of the vehicle.
Hyundai Mobis managing director Jang-don Choi said that the company is driven to develop future-oriented innovations.
“Hyundai Mobis goes beyond simply reinterpreting existing technologies and instead develops parts technologies that apply to future cars in totally new ways. We will continue to develop future-oriented innovations based on our know-how of core technologies,” Jang-don Choi said.
Hyundai Mobis is currently filling patents for its foldable steering wheel system.
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