Patent filings can often preview radical design features automakers are planning to add to future models. Last month, patents suggested Ferrari wants to replace steering wheels with fighter jet-style joysticks. And now AutoGuide has uncovered a new patent filing submitted by Ferrari that could preview a new F1-inspired safety device that looks similar to the halos fitted to Formula 1 cars over the driver's head to protect them in accidents.

Submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Ferrari back in June, the patent shows how the safety device would act as a central pillar ahead of the cockpit that vertically splits the windshield view down the middle. This would eliminate the need for thicker A-pillars required to meet global safety regulations, resulting in improved visibility.

It would also increase the rigidity of the passenger cell in a crash and direct air into the cabin. To take advantage of the improved airflow, a rear-mounted AC system could also be fitted.

The placement of the central pillar would mean the windshield wipers will be positioned vertically, which will improve the car's aerodynamics. If you were worried about how fitting an F1-style halo to the windshield could potentially limit forward visibility, Ferrari already has a solution.

An advanced exterior camera system would capture the car's front view and project this onto the interior windshield surface aligned with the driver's eye level.

It isn't known what type of material the halo-style safety device will be constructed of, but the patent says it can be used with any type of roof including canvas, meaning it could be applied to convertibles as well as fixed-roof models. Just imagine what the Ferrari F8 Spider would look like with an F1-style halo fitted to the front. As with any patent filing, this doesn't necessarily confirm the unconventional safety device will be put into production, but it's certainly an interesting approach to overcoming safety regulations.