...for a design about absolute efficiency there are some odd legacy auto carryovers that are no longer needed.
Simpler manufacturing due to centralized location. (Lowers unit cost)
Using a single large screen instead of 3 lowers component cost. (Lowers unit cost)
Aesthetically differs from legacy auto, "futuristic". (Increase target market appeal)
>Massive reduction in driver head movements. (Decrease driver fatigue)<
When using cameras and not physical mirrors with physical limitations, you no longer need to conform to the placement that was dictated by the physical limitations and can optimize for driver experience.
I am referring to hand over hand steering, which seems not possible with a non-circular steering wheel. Am I just behind the times with steering wheels? Your design is very cool, and addresses multiple design issues.
With my non-rotating oval steering wheel, the driver airbag no longer has to be round (because it rotates with the wheel). From fixed positions, it can be tailored to provide enhanced driver protection without breaking one's arms.
Most cars steering wheels rotate 3 to 3 1/2 full turns. The beauty of my oval steering wheel design is that the frame is fixed and does not rotate, but it still allows for as many full turns as a rotating wheel. It's an ingenious design.
The non-round steering wheel has raised a question. Is the current Aptera steering limited to plus and minus 90 degrees? I think the steering wheel in my current car turns more than 90 degrees in each direction, requiring it to be round for easy turning.
which is why I have invented an oval steering wheel which can lower the top by 4 to 6 inches, and raise the bottom of the wheel so knees are not in the way. Steering is exactly like a round wheel, but much more comfortable.
I'd rather NOT have to look through the steering wheel to gain visual information: I have long arms and like the wheel low - which almost always means that the binnacle display is partially obscured by the top of the wheel.
Because if you loose your phone or tablet, most of the systems in your car would no longer function. This would be a liability nightmare. Not to mention having to maintain app compatibility across multiple operating systems.
Long story short it's not practical from a manufacturers standpoint even if you could make a case from a user standpoint from an extremely small portion of the userbase.
Why not just save more money by allowing us to use existing iPad and smart phones. I rarely use my Rav4 EV monitor and the touch screen went out last yr and they quote me $7k to replace
Better only one monitor for all, a standard curved monitor from e.g.
Bosch, cost reduction! https://www.automobil-industrie.vogel.de/bosch-bringt-curved-display-ins-auto-a-775962/
I agree with your centralization approach. I have a unique design for an oval steering wheel that allows for better visual access to displays above the steering wheel, while maintaining the same driving experience.
Genius-level suggestion. Good on all points. It will take a little getting used to, but just a little.