Laser Windshield Cleaner

Tesla recently applied for a patent to use laser beams to clean a car's windshield. They justify the lasers by explaining that they're needed to make sure the driver-assistance system maintains a clear field of view.

It's a long, technical application, which I didn't bother to read completely. So I assume they must have considered how it might be a bad idea to have lasers suddenly blasting away at a windshield while someone is driving the car... or even just sitting in the front seat.

More info: Car and Driver

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Alex Boese Alex is the creator and curator of the Museum of Hoaxes. He's also the author of various weird, non-fiction, science-themed books such as Elephants on Acid and Psychedelic Apes. Paul Di Filippo Paul has been paid to put weird ideas into fictional form for over forty years, in his career as a noted science fiction writer. Contact Us

Posted By: Alex - Sun Dec 08, 2019
Category: Inventions | Patents | Cars

Comments

OK, we're really going there!?

No. After this week's trial, there's nothing "weird" about what The Musk Autocracy is allowed to do any more. Lots of despicable, yes; but nothing officially weird.

Let's just kill it, already.

Posted by Richard Bos on 12/08/19 at 02:32 PM

For years, I've always wanted lasers aimed at that annoying driver behind me who won't lower the high beams.

Posted by KDP on 12/08/19 at 03:58 PM

Some friends driving on vacation once had a kamikaze buzzard fly into their windshield. Since the lasers likely wouldn't be strong enough for this event, Tesla needs to consider adding a rail gun as well.

Posted by Virtual in Carnate on 12/10/19 at 11:34 AM

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