Rivian has filed a patent software for an built-in winch meeting.
As described within the patent software, which was printed by the US Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) on Feb. 29, 2024, and initially filed on Aug. 30, 2022, a winch may very well be mounted behind the entrance or rear fascia to maintain the outside styling clear and optimize aerodynamics.
Rivian built-in winch patent picture
The hidden winch unit could be mounted to the car’s bumper, and the cable could be fed out by means of a gap within the fascia, in response to the patent software, which additionally states that the winch may very well be operated by way of distant management or although the in-vehicle touchscreen. A detachable panel is also included if homeowners must entry the winch.
An built-in winch looks like an excellent function for Rivian, given the model’s concentrate on off-roading. A hidden design like this accounts for the truth that the present Rivian R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV do not have giant exterior bumpers like a lot of their internal-combustion counterparts.
Rivian built-in winch patent picture
However not all patented concepts make it to manufacturing, and Rivian already has fairly a backlog. Different not too long ago found patent purposes from the automaker embrace a powered cargo bay divider, a mattress rack system for pickups, and roof rail lighting.
Rivian can be getting ready to launch its second mannequin line, dubbed R2. Scheduled for a March 7 debut, the R2 is anticipated to launch as an SUV that is smaller and cheaper than the R1S. Rivian has trademarked the R2T identify as properly, indicating a pickup model can be being thought of. Manufacturing is not scheduled to start out till 2026, nevertheless.