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Main Highlights
- Ford has patented a versatile architecture enabling various vehicle designs from a single chassis frame.
- The suspension and powertrain components at each end frame determine the vehicle’s dimensions.
- This advancement promises cost savings in manufacturing, enhanced quality control, and increased vehicle customization options.
CarBuzz recently uncovered a new patent application submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Ford. The patent details a groundbreaking modular architecture concept allowing for diverse vehicle types and configurations under a unified chassis design. Referred to as a “vehicle chassis with interchangeable performance packages,” the core frame design is interchangeable for multiple vehicle varieties. The core frame remains constant while the end frames, housing suspension and powertrain components, dictate the overall size and shape of the vehicle.
Ford
Ford, a pioneering American automaker with a rich history, introduced mass automobile production with the iconic Ford Model T. With over a century of innovation, Ford leads in various segments with popular models like the Ford F-150, Transit, and Mustang.
Insight into the Patent Mechanism
Ford envisions the core frame as potentially reversible. In one scenario, the wheel assembly connection points on the base frame angle downward, offering increased ride height and ground clearance. In contrast, the base frame can be rotated 180 degrees, causing the wheel assembly connections to angle upward, resulting in lowered vehicle height. Alternatively, the patent suggests interchangeable sections near the wheel assemblies to modify ride height. Regardless, the core frame remains consistent. This design approach allows a Ford F-150 to morph into a rugged Raptor off-roader, an electric Lightning model, or a sporty street truck, all using the same chassis design.
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Ford’s patent proposal indicates the potential for the end frames to be interchangeable, utilizing a unified design suitable for both combustion and electric vehicles. This opens the door to accommodating a variety of battery pack sizes without necessitating changes to the surrounding wheelhouse structure. Additional advantages include the flexibility to adjust track width and length as needed, construct models with varying wheelbase lengths on a unified platform, and customize factors such as horsepower, torque, suspension capabilities, stiffness, damping settings, camber angles, cabin dimensions, and storage capacities. The patent specifies that components would be connected using fasteners, chemical adhesives, press-fits, or welds, hinting at a design focused on streamlined manufacturing rather than post-sale modifications.
Significance of This Innovation
Ford has long grappled with quality control challenges, raising questions about the viability of cutting manufacturing expenses. However, enhanced modularity simplifies issue detection and significantly lowers procurement costs. If executed correctly with sturdy frame constructions (such as perimeter, ladder, or unibody), there should be no compromise on quality. Adapting this innovation could provide Ford with the competitive advantage to potentially generate profits from electric vehicle production. Such ideas would also facilitate a broader range of vehicle options without major platform investments, enabling Ford to introduce multiple new trims and vehicle variants without extensive financial commitments. The patent suggests that this assembly technique is scalable across cars, trucks, and vans, and when combined with gigacasting, stands to save Ford substantial sums.
Related
Ford Lost Over A Billion Dollars On EVs Last Quarter Alone
The Model e division posted a loss around $130,000 for every electric vehicle it sold from January to March 2024.
Patent applications do not confirm the incorporation of such technology in future vehicles and are primarily used for safeguarding intellectual property rights. Hence, the submission of a patent cannot be considered as a firm commitment to production.
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