Toronto, Ontario — Rivian has recently filed a patent for a full-size spare wheel mount designed to accommodate additional accessory components in the R1S SUV.
According to the patent description—filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)—the spare mount has the wheel oriented so the cavity is facing outward, allowing Rivian to fill the space with cylindrical containers that can then be dedicated to specific and interchangeable functions.
Notably, the patent lists the spaces being used for items such as a first aid kit, waste disposal, a water container, cooler, vacuum canister, compressed air system, toolbox, for electrical appliances, and more.
The patent also notes that the containers and mounting dock “may include” electrical connections, electrical parts, fluid parts, and communication ports, and that the containers could be connected to the infotainment system to offer drivers specific reminders about what is being stored.
For instance, one example in the patent shows a driver being reminded to empty out the installed waste disposal unit.
As always, while the patent may explore potential future applications for Rivian vehicles, there is no guarantee that this idea will ever make it to the production and manufacturing stage.
