Toyota applies for patent for "tank turning" wheels can rotate like "universal wheels"

 The "tank turn" function refers to a car (or truck) that can turn two wheels on one side forward and two wheels on the other side backward, that is, turn on the spot like a tank. Electric car startup Rivian has announced that its cars will have this function, which can make the vehicle rotate 360 ​​degrees on the spot (click Rivian to show the "tank turn" function that allows trucks to turn 360 degrees on the spot like a tank). According to foreign media reports, Toyota is also developing this function. The company has applied to the US Patent and Trademark Office for a new function, indicating that its cars will have such functions.

(Image source: gaadiwaadi.com)

According to the patent drawings, all four wheels of the Toyota car rotate in a lateral manner, achieving zero turning radius or even diagonal movement, just like the universal wheels on an office chair. Each wheel is connected to an independent hub motor installed inside the body of the car, and the patent drawings also show that the turn signal lights can be synchronized with the new movement angle of the wheel.

(Image source: gaadiwaadi.com)

The patent document shows the lateral movement, diagonal movement (at a certain angle) and rotation of the vehicle, as well as what kind of indication is needed to indicate the movement of the vehicle. It reads: "The smooth and safe operation of the vehicle is achieved by the coordinated movement of the vehicle and pedestrians, which is based on the assumption that the movement of each vehicle and each pedestrian is predictable."

The patent document also states: "Since lateral movement, rotation in place, and angular linear movement of the vehicle are all impossible to perform with a vehicle with front or rear wheels as steering wheels, a new type of "acoustic or optical" signal is needed to let nearby drivers and pedestrians know the vehicle's next move."

The patent proposes possible solutions, including a sensor extending from the cockpit that illuminates the vehicle when the wheel turns 45 or 90 degrees. In addition, the patent also proposes the use of continuous flashing lights or curved lights, as well as text messages or images to indicate wheel movement.