Tech giant Apple was recently awarded a patent for what is called a steer-by-wire suspension system. This fueled a handful of speculations claiming that the tech giant may finally be in the advanced stage of its car development. According to released documents, Apple applied for this patent two years ago. The tech giant has yet to announce what it plans to do with this patent.
Apple's car secret car development is reportedly called Project Titan. Apple has yet to disclose whether it plans to develop a fully operational car, or it only plans to develop some parts that can be used by its partners in building an automobile. Nevertheless, the tech giant has acquired a number of patents that are directly related to auto-making.
This week, the tech giant finally acquired the patent for what is only described as "Suspension architecture for a steer-by-wire vehicle." A patent is basically a form of suspension system which is connected to a vehicle through a steer-by-wire system. The system appears to be lacking of any linkages which can essentially result in a steering-wheel motion. This lead many in the tech and auto community to believe that Apple might be working on a suspension system for an autonomous car.
Apple has kept its car development project in complete secrecy. It is because of this that the community is totally dark with regards to its current status, or whether the tech giant is indeed working on one. Nevertheless, this latest development only points further to the fact that Apple is indeed working on a car project.
It is important to note here that Apple axed more than 200 employees out of its Project Titan.
According to MotorAuthority, the patent includes a suspension component that is capable of connecting a car's frame into the steering wheel. It also has a steering knuckle that can help define the steering axis. The system is capable of creating a caster inclination angle of zero, and this will allow the user to feel no steering at all. The system also lacks the self-correcting mechanism that is present in many steering systems that usually kicks in after a turn of the wheel is made.
With this new system, Apple believes that it should be able to develop and use a completely new suspension and steering system composed of smaller and lightweight materials. Thus, reducing the overall weight of the car.
