GM patents deployable awning similar to Rivian
Future Basic Motors automobiles may function deployable awnings. That is one thing Rivian has additionally tried to patent, though GM might have totally different makes use of in thoughts.
A deployable awning was the topic of a GM patent utility that was printed by the United States Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) on Aug. 22, however initially filed by GM in 2023. Within the utility, GM pitches the awning as a solution to defend prospects from inclement climate as they enter and exit the automobile.
Basic Motors deployable awning patent picture
In accordance with the applying, the awning could possibly be absolutely automated by tying it into numerous onboard sensors. The awning’s management may use satellite tv for pc navigation to find out present climate and the place the automobile is parked (it will be pointless to deploy an awning in an underground parking storage, in spite of everything). Sensors would stop the awning from hitting any close by obstacles.
Autos may additionally sense which door an individual is approaching and deploy the awning accordingly, GM suggests within the doc. This could possibly be completed utilizing the surround-view digital camera programs already being constructed into automobiles to help with parking, in line with GM. Different onboard sensors used for driver aids, reminiscent of ultrasonic sensors and lidar, is also used for the awning-deployment system, GM notes.
Basic Motors deployable awning patent picture
The awning can be built-in with the roof of the automobile and can be powered by an electrical motor, in line with the patent utility, which additionally notes that LED lighting could possibly be included into the awning.
Whereas Rivian has tried to patent an identical thought, it is model is a full cover that deploys from a roof rack and seems to cowl a bigger space. So whereas GM’s model addresses the sensible concern of protecting folks dry, Rivian’s appears aimed extra at tenting or tailgating, becoming in with the active-lifestyle picture of that automaker’s electrical SUVs and pickup vans.
