FYI: Ford is pioneering a new realm of vehicle aerodynamics with innovative deployable roof rails and racks. New patents reveal exciting advancements aimed at boosting efficiency.
Ford May Be Reinventing Roof Rails and Racks
A Deployable Solution Could Revolutionize Vehicle Efficiency
Ford is once again pushing the envelope in automotive innovation, as recent patent filings suggest the company is exploring deployable roof rails and racks that promise to enhance vehicle efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag.
Innovative Patents Published
Two distinct patent applications concerning deployable roof rails and roof racks were published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on July 11. These patents hint at Ford’s ambition to further refine their vehicles’ aerodynamic profiles through smart design.
Ford deployable roof rail patent image
Deployable Roof Rails
According to the patent application, Ford’s deployable roof rails would tuck neatly into channels embedded in a vehicle’s roof. When needed, these rails would extend on hinges and function similarly to the fixed roof rails found on many of today’s vehicles. The design aims to provide the functional versatility of traditional roof rails without the constant aerodynamic drag.
Deployable Roof Rack for Pickups
Ford’s vision for a deployable roof rack appears to be particularly tailored for pickup trucks. This invention features an L-shaped structure that can be stowed against the back wall of a pickup’s cab, lying flat in the front part of the bed when not in use. When deployment is necessary, the rack pivots upward, allowing the horizontal rack portion to be secured to the roof using suction cups. The system can be seamlessly retracted when no longer required, maintaining the vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency.
Ford deployable roof rack patent image
Beyond Roof Systems: Additional Innovations
Ford’s innovative streak doesn’t stop at roof rails and racks. The automaker has also applied for patents involving retractable fender tie-down points and a versatile tonneau cover that can serve as an aerodynamic enhancement. Moreover, a patent for deployable bed fins aims to streamline airflow around the vehicle’s rear, even if their primary utility remains aerodynamic refinement.
In another intriguing twist, Ford has sought to patent deployable dive planes, designed to boost downforce for better performance in high-speed driving scenarios. These efforts underscore Ford’s commitment to merging functionality with advanced aerodynamic designs.
Conclusion
Whether these features will make it to production is still uncertain, but Ford’s continuous stream of patents showcases a persistent effort to blend practical utility with cutting-edge aerodynamic technology. This progressive approach may soon lead to vehicles that not only perform better but do so with greater efficiency.
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Written by Steven Hale, Editor of Automotive.fyi
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