Electric automaker Rivian is looking to revolutionize the commonly-used three-point turn with a new patent. The “K-Turn” will allow Rivian owners to maneuver in the same manner as a three-point turn without utilizing such a large space, making the maneuver more readily available when the vehicle is confronted with a confined space.
Rivian filed the patent in 2019, but the United States Patent Office just recently published it on July 1st. The patent, titled “Systems and Methods for Providing a Vehicle with a Torque Vectored K-Turn Mode,” breaks down how the functionality will work and what it would be used for.
Rivian writes:
“Systems and methods are provided herein for operating a vehicle in a K-turn mode. The K-turn mode is engaged in response to determining that an amount that at least one of the front wheels of the vehicle is turned exceeds a turn threshold. While operating in the K-turn mode, forward torque is provided to the front wheels of the vehicle. Further, backward torque is provided to the rear wheels of the vehicle. Yet further, the rear wheels of the vehicle remain substantially in static contact with a ground while the front wheels slip in relation to the ground.”
When the mode is activated, the front wheels will spin forward as normal, and they will be turned in one direction to force the vehicle to spin in one direction. However, as opposed to the actions of a normal three-point turn, the back wheels will actually spin backward, the opposite direction of the front wheels. This will keep the rear wheels stationary while effectively rotating the car while the back tires remain stationary. When roadways or pathways are narrow, and not a lot of room is available to complete a change of direction with the typical three-point turn, the K-turn will allow the vehicle to point in another direction.
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- Credit: U.S. Patent Office
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- Credit: U.S. Patent Office
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- Credit: U.S. Patent Office
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- Credit: U.S. Patent Office
A similar concept is described with Rivian’s “tank turn,” a feature that will allow the vehicle to spin 360 degrees while remaining in the same location. The function is just a more convenient and efficient way to change directions when it’s broken down into a simpler explanation.
Both the R1T and R1S will likely pack the feature, and it will undoubtedly come in handy when the vehicles hit the market later this year. Rivian has certainly made it clear that their vehicles are fit for the outdoor adventurer, and the K-turn could get several owners out of a sticky situation in the woods or trails, especially in confined spaces.
Check out the full patent below.
Rivian K-Turn Patent by Joey Klender on Scribd
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Starlink rival Amazon’s Project Kuiper invests $20M in Indonesia
Amazon’s Project Kuiper eyes $90M in Indonesia by 2035. With Starlink already active, who will win the race for rural connectivity?
Starlink rival Amazon’s Project Kuiper plans to invest $20 million in Indonesia. Similar to SpaceX’s Starlink internet services, Project Kuiper is Amazon’s low earth orbit (LEO) connection service.
The initial investment will go toward building six gateway stations in the country as Amazon prepares to start Kuiper operations. Amazon plans to invest up to $90 million in Project Kuiper in Indonesia by 2035. The company aims to expand infrastructure and expand internet access in various regions of the country.
Indonesia’s Minister of Communication and Digital Application, Meutya V. Hafid, supported Amazon’s Project Kuiper.
“We want to ensure that every citizen, regardless of location, has equal access to digital technology. With the support of investment and innovation from the private sector, we can accelerate digital transformation and create greater opportunities for the community,” Meutya said.
Amazon has already applied for operational permits in Indonesia for Project Kuiper. The company is in the middle of processing telecommunications licenses and satellite leasing rights. Amazon Kuiper is also seeking to receive a Business Identification Number (NIB) to comply with Indonesia’s latest regulations on operations by foreign companies.
“We understand that connectivity is still a challenge in many remote areas. Therefore, we want to work with the government and local partners to provide wider internet access for the people of Indonesia,” said the Global Head of Licensing and International Regulatory Affairs at Amazon Project Kuiper, Gonzalo de Dios.
Besides Indonesia, Amazon’s Project Kuiper is also competing with SpaceX’s Starlink in the United Kingdom. As of September 2024, Amazon was reportedly close to receiving a license to start Project Kuiper operations in the UK.
SpaceX’s Starlink launched in Indonesia last year. Elon Musk visited Indonesian President Joko Widodo during Starlink’s debut in the Southeast Asian country.
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SpaceX is in talks with another potential Starlink partner in India
Vodafone explores SpaceX Starlink partnership to boost rural internet in India! Rivals Bharti Airtel & Jio are already on board.
SpaceX is in talks with another potential Starlink partner in India: Vodafone Idea Ltd. The Indian telecom company has not confirmed a partnership with SpaceX to offer Starlink internet services to its customers.
“We are in exploratory talks with various Satcom providers, including Starlink,” commented Vodafone.
Vodafone Idea’s share price was up by 4.93% on Wednesday after news spread that the telecom company was talking with SpaceX about Starlink internet services. However, Vodafone clarified that its talks with SpaceX are a routine business strategy to continue enhancing the quality of its services and expand its telecommunication offerings.
Vodafone is talking with multiple Satcom providers at the moment, not just SpaceX. The company’s Chief Technology Officer, Jagbir Singh, noted that satellite services could help Vodafone expand its fixed and mobile networks to areas that traditional infrastructure can not reach. He added that the telecom company aims to offer fixed wireless broadband in rural areas and small towns.
Two of Vodafone’s rivals in India have already inked deals with SpaceX to offer Starlink services, namely Bharti Airtel and Jio Platforms.
Despite the agreements with Bharti Airtel and Jio Platforms, SpaceX’s Starlink has not received regulatory approval to operate in India. As of November 2024, Starlink India had only one box to check in order to receive approval. It needs to fully comply with the Indian government’s security regulations, specifically related to data storage.
Tesla attacks have been deemed a federal crime by the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office after several Tesla vehicles were shot at and set on fire in Sin City.
“To those who might think that something like this is justifiable or potentially even admirable, we want you to know this is a federal crime,” commented Special Agent Spencer Evans, who is in charge of the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office.
Surveillance footage from the Las Vegas Tesla attack revealed a person dressed in black clothing shooting at the electric cars and then setting them on fire with Molotov cocktails. One Molotov cocktail, which failed to explode, was found inside a Tesla vehicle and is currently being examined as evidence.
Fortunately, no one sustained any injuries in the Las Vegas Tesla attack. The fire department that responded to the fire was able to extinguish the fires before they could reach the Tesla batteries.
According to Assistant Sheriff Dori Koren from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, several 911 calls were made at around 2:45 am. The calls reported a fire at a Tesla facility.
“Officers discovered several vehicles on fire as well as the word ‘Resist’ spray-painted on the front doors of the business,” Asst. Sheriff Koren told CNN.
The Tesla Las Vegas fire is the second case under FBI investigation. The FBI Seattle Field Office is investigating Tesla attacks in their area after March 11, when six Tesla Cybertrucks were spray-painted with swastikas and profanity.
Tesla attacks across the United States have become more common and are often tied to Elon Musk’s political activities. While the attacks are meant to hurt Tesla, the company, it has actually hurt people and other car owners more. A few non-Tesla cars have also been damaged in the attacks due to their proximity.
“You’re not hurting Elon, I already purchased the truck. You’re hurting people that work for a living, and that’s extremely wrong. You want to make a political statement? Go and protest in front of dealerships; that’s fine. That’s your right. But to vandalize people’s property with hate symbols?” commented one Jewish Tesla owner, whose Cybertruck was marked with a Swastika.
Starlink rival Amazon’s Project Kuiper invests $20M in Indonesia
SpaceX is in talks with another potential Starlink partner in India
Tesla attacks deemed a ‘federal crime’ by FBI after Las Vegas fire
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