A new Mercedes-Benz patent discovered by CarBuzz describes a system that could allow the company’s SUVs to “perform a swimming operation.” The invention uses inflatable or foam buoyancy devices, adaptive suspension and individual wheel control to help an SUV enter and exit a body of water while remaining stable and maneuverable.
Mercedes-Benz Patent Details a Floating SUV System
The patent relates to “a vehicle control unit for carrying out an entry into and exit from a body of water.” Rather than simply driving an SUV into a lake, the system is designed to provide additional buoyancy through devices positioned around the vehicle’s wheels.
The patent describes inflatable or foam inserts that would be placed inside the wheel arches to help keep the SUV above water. The inflatable inserts could be inflated and deflated by the vehicle’s computer control unit, allowing them to be deflated when the SUV is back on dry ground.
The system could also adjust buoyancy at each corner of the vehicle. That would help keep the SUV as stable as possible while it is in the water, particularly when the vehicle’s load is unbalanced or when there is a strong current.
Even with the buoyancy inserts installed, the SUV’s wheels and tires would remain capable of turning and steering. They could also be raised and lowered, with the suspension movement used to help maintain control in the water.
How Would a Floating SUV Steer?
Without a rudder or propeller, the SUV would rely on its wheels and tires for steering and propulsion. Mercedes-Benz’s patent describes using adaptive suspension to lower the steering wheels farther into the water, allowing them to act like a rudder and improve steering control.
The height of the turning tires could also be adjusted to optimize propulsion. On an electric SUV, the system could make small changes to power output between each of the four tires and even reverse one or more wheels to help the vehicle stay on course while moving through the water.
Buoyancy Equipment Could Be Stored in the Spare-Tire Area
The Mercedes-Benz patent also covers storage for the buoyancy devices, whether inflatable or made from foam. The equipment could be stored where the spare tire would normally be located.
The system could use the compressor from a tire slime kit to inflate the devices for installation. The patent describes using magnets or clips to hold the inflatable bladders in place, along with “another way.”
Patent Addresses Entering and Exiting Moving Water
The system is also designed to help the SUV transition between water and land. For entering and exiting moving water, the patent describes controlling power at each wheel to keep the vehicle pointed toward the shore.
Traction would also be closely controlled when a tire first makes contact with the shore. The system is intended to prevent the wheel from slipping or digging into the bank during that transition.
Mercedes-Benz Is Exploring Amphibious SUV Technology
The patent comes as CarBuzz considers whether Mercedes-Benz could be looking toward the YangWang U8. The article notes that it may not be a direct target, but says the company is clearly thinking about amphibious SUV technology.
The patent adds the possibility of water operation to the capabilities being explored for Mercedes-Benz off-roaders, alongside the sand bounce and tank turn.
CarBuzz also contrasts the Mercedes-Benz development with Chinese EVs that can float and Elon Musk’s claims that the Cybertruck could work like a boat, which the article describes as disproven.
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