Toyota Patents transparent A-Pillar
We have seen some interesting vehicle patents lately. Remember the Google Waymo "flypaper" to prevent secondary impact? Last week the company patented tech that would allow a vehicle to soften in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. Now Toyota is getting into the mix with a transparent A-pillar patent.
Safety Tech
Traditionally A-Pillars create interfere with views during tight turns, a dangerous problem addressed in the patent, "Apparatuses and Methods for making an Object Appear Transparent." The technology uses mirrors to bend the image around the pillar. Read more here. This technology could be used with any of the pillars. This would help reduce blind spots and give help with lane changes.
It's unsure if this patent will ever see the light of day. If it does, and it works properly is it will make the road safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.
