Rivian Files Patent for Unique Spare Tire Design With Accessories
Rivian has filed a patent for a full-size spare wheel mount designed to accommodate additional components that can enhance the capabilities of the all-electric R1S SUV.
The spare mount has the wheel oriented so the cavity is facing outward, allowing Rivian to throw in cylindrical containers dedicated to specific purposes. The patent list makes mention of the space being utilized for a “first aid kit, waste can, water container, cooler, vacuum canister, compressed air system, toolbox, electrical appliance, electrical cord wound on a reel, a camera, or other types of containers.”
It was also said in the documentation that the container and mounting dock “may include” electrical connections, electrical ports, fluid ports, communication ports, or any combination thereof. It sounds like Rivian is trying to work up a proprietary accessories package it can sell with the vehicle and doing what it can to cover all contingencies.
However, digging into the patent does start to make it seem like Rivian might have complicated something simple. This is also what happened to the brand’s Camp Kitchen and Gear Tunnel Shuttle, which took advantage of the vehicles’ all-electric architecture and unique cargo zones to install factory upfits. Sadly, Rivian decided against keeping those features so it could focus on adhering to its pre-existing production targets.
A subset of fans were hurt that the company abandoned what looked to be interesting, albeit extravagant, solutions to cooking outdoors. But others were annoyed that Rivian was spending time and money trying to develop extravagant accessories when it needed to focus on the fundamentals, taking to the forums to express their dismay. This slick wheel mounting system may end up doing likewise, depending on when and how it’s marketed.
Releasing anything before reliable vehicle production we undoubtedly draw the ire of the public. But some of the ideas in the patent could create some enhanced utility and garner praise from users if they are executed well. Undermining that premise is the fact that Rivian wants the storage container to be connected to the infotainment system. With the exception of a camera, pass-through electrical port, or spare battery, none of the concepts the brand has envisioned for the spare storage actually needs to interface with the vehicle. However, the patent filing has a diagram of a Rivian reminding the driver to empty out the installed waste bin with a first-aid kit and cooler apparently on deck.
At present, Rivian just looks to be covering its bases before any other companies try to patent something similar. But this has resulted in an extremely broad concept where the only sure thing is that the wheel will be mounted hub-side out to accommodate whatever the brand wants to throw in there.
For those interested in browsing the patent document, it’s available via the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Wheel sizes (including donut spares) and even the ways they could be mounted vary and everything takes into consideration app integration in case there’s something you might want to control with your phone. But there's no guarantee of the above coming to market. Plenty of patents never become anything more than a piece of paper to be filed and Rivian still has plenty of other things to deal with before it starts considering which novel features will be marketable in tandem with its spare tire option.
[Images: Rivian; USPTO]
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A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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If you didn't like the whimsy of the camp kitchen then I don't see how something like the Rivian appealed to you in the first place.
1st- several out there already- such as DRT as an example.
2nd- interior room gets to be premium on these suvs, plus leaks in bags etc. Outside storage that hangs off the tire such as trasharoo are very common.
Finally- I don't have an issue with the concept- but this isn't good because it's size is too small for what it does. Most of the one's I've seen may not be as integrated as this, but they'll store enough to have actually been worthwhile.