Ford Files a Patent that Could Revolutionize Car Manufacturing

Photo Source: Ford

Ford’s engineering department is working toward what could be a significant cost-cutting measure for the automaker, as a recent patent filing discovered by Ford Authority displays a design for a one-size-fits-all configurable frame for use on future vehicles. The patent design, filed on November 23, 2022, and published on March 23, 2023, illustrates a single vehicle frame where individual components, such as motors, wheels, suspension, and batteries, could be swapped out and rearranged to fit the requirements of numerous Ford trims. 

In other words, the vehicle frame would need to rely on fewer parts, and it would reduce the complexity of manufacturing new vehicles. For a greater perspective on how the Blue Oval would accomplish its goal, the patent details how the manufacturer could build a vehicle chassis that would be interchangeable with all of its trims with minimal configuration alterations. Some examples showcased how it could create a chassis with expandable widths and lengths, thus permitting it to be utilized universally among Ford’s fleet.

The Sketches that Fortify the Idea

The company included dozens of sketches in its patent, with some demonstrating how some parts could be interchangeable for different vehicle configurations. For example, in one illustration, the interchangeable or swappable elements of the wheel assemblies have common attaching and packaging layouts, which allows performance and ride needs to be met for the automobile while simultaneously decreasing the number of parts and complexity of manufacturing. 

The patent expounds upon one possible wheel assembly on an example vehicle that incorporates suspension assembly, a frame mounting interface, a wheel, and electric motors. “In the illustrated example, the suspension assembly, the electric motor and the frame mounting interface are interchangeable with other suspension assemblies, electric motors and frame interfaces, respectively,” the patent elaborates.

The Price is Right

The document referred to the frame as a way of bringing down costs and simplifying construction by depending on the same parts for numerous trims, thereby scaling down the number of unique chassis parts. Moreover, the new design could be used on either electric, gasoline, or hybrid vehicles. As of the current date, there is no indication on when the new design might reach the market with Ford.

Ford Authority, which was the first to report on the patent, took note of how the filing represents a much wider trend for the company. According to the article, “In recent months, Ford has filed patents for interchangeable performance packages and an upgradable vehicle system, both of which are geared toward all-electric vehicles riding on shared, flexible, dedicated platforms.”

In short, the consensus among Ford observers is that this style of modular frame design will, if effective, offer the company significant savings in assembly and potentially contribute to streamlining improvements for future Ford vehicles.   

Ford is pushing the envelope in terms of how the production and use of automobiles can be facilitated. Granted, it is a notion that is still in progress, but if you believe the Blue Oval holds promise, please come visit us at Sunrise Ford. In fact, are you excited about getting a new Ford? So are we. We are more than excited to help our customers find what they are looking for. Check out our new vehicle inventory or browse our quality pre-owned vehicles. We provide suggestions like auto financing to help make paying for a vehicle simpler. Stop by and see what we can do for you today.