I have seen more than a few things over the years that have remote controls mounted to the steering wheel of a car. Honestly, I never liked any of those. I don’t think the steering wheel is a place for accessories to be mounted personally. Apple was granted a new patent this week that covers a steering wheel mounted remote control for the iPod and iPhone.
It looks like this patent was filed for a long time ago judging by the line art because the remote looks like something from several years back. I would imagine the design would be a little sleeker if it were produced today. The remote is designed to control the music on an iPod connected to a car’s audio system and gives forward/back and pause/play functions along with what appears to be a menu key.
Design and Functionality
The design of the remote control is quite straightforward. It appears to attach to the steering wheel with a simple clip mechanism. This simplicity is both a strength and a potential weakness. On one hand, it makes the device easy to install and remove, which is convenient for users who may want to switch it between different vehicles. On the other hand, the clip mechanism raises concerns about safety and durability. In the event of an emergency, there’s a risk that the remote could become dislodged, potentially interfering with the driver’s ability to control the vehicle or even causing injury if it were to fly off during an airbag deployment.
The functionality of the remote is focused on providing basic controls for an iPod or iPhone connected to the car’s audio system. The forward/back and pause/play buttons are essential for navigating through playlists and controlling playback without having to take your eyes off the road. The inclusion of a menu key suggests that users might be able to access additional features or settings, although the specifics of these functions are not detailed in the patent.
Safety and Usability Concerns
While the idea of a steering wheel-mounted remote control is intriguing, it does raise several safety and usability concerns. One major issue is the potential for distraction. Even though the remote is designed to keep the driver’s hands on the wheel, the act of looking down to find the right button could still divert attention from the road. This is particularly concerning given that distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents.
Another concern is the physical placement of the remote. Steering wheels are designed to be ergonomic and to provide the driver with maximum control over the vehicle. Adding an accessory to this critical component could interfere with its primary function. For example, in a tight turn or during an evasive maneuver, the remote could get in the way, making it harder for the driver to maintain control.
Moreover, the remote’s attachment method could pose a risk in the event of a collision. If the clip is not secure enough, the remote could become a projectile, potentially causing injury to the driver or passengers. Even if the clip is secure, the remote could still interfere with the deployment of the airbag, which is designed to inflate rapidly and with considerable force.
Potential Improvements
Given these concerns, there are several potential improvements that could make a steering wheel-mounted remote control safer and more user-friendly. One possibility is to integrate the remote directly into the steering wheel, similar to the built-in controls found in many modern vehicles. This would eliminate the need for a separate clip and reduce the risk of the remote becoming dislodged.
Another improvement could be the use of voice controls. With advancements in voice recognition technology, it is now possible to control many functions of a smartphone or audio system without having to touch any buttons. This would allow drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, significantly reducing the risk of distraction.
In conclusion, while the concept of a steering wheel-mounted remote control for the iPod and iPhone is interesting, it is not without its challenges. Safety and usability concerns must be carefully considered and addressed to ensure that such a device enhances the driving experience without compromising safety.
via PatentlyApple
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