Car engineers enjoy problem-solving. They have yet to encounter a conundrum for which they can’t come up with a more complex and needlessly technological solution. Their employers file for the patent rights for those solutions, just in case. You may not ever see them in reality, but rest assured knowing someone thought of them.
Vanarama compiled some of the world’s weirdest car patents. Below are five of our favorites held by major automakers.
Tesla Laser Windshield Cleaning
Cleaning your windshield with fluid and wipers is fine, but it isn’t very “Tesla.” How about some pulsed lasers on your CyberTruck instead. This patent application is pending.
BMW Car Wash Drone
BMW owners want to keep their cars clean. Currently, doing so requires mingling with the hassle at the local car wash or using a hose, sponge, and soap, themselves. In the future, said owners might be able to wash their vehicles using an unmanned aerial vehicle.
Ford Electric Motorbike Deployment
Parking in the city is a pain. Ford has a mobility solution that would allow you to open a compartment in your car and hop on an e-bike to your final destination.
Waymo Sticky Hood
Google and Waymo have a patent to mitigate the impact of pedestrian collisions by having the colliding object (or person) puncture an adhesive layer on the hood.
Ford Mobile Office
Here’s Ford’s incredibly literal interpretation of the “mobile office,” offering a cylindrical passenger compartment with a round table and chairs for meetings on the go.
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