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Automakers typically focus on modular architectures that can be utilized for a number of fashions, however a newly surfaced Ford patent submitting takes the idea of modularity to a different stage.
The applying, which was printed by america Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) on Jan. 2, and initially filed on Apr. 28, 2021, basically describes constructing an EV like a life-size mannequin equipment.
Meeting would begin with a subframe constructed across the car’s battery pack, with adjustable crossmembers and aspect rails to accommodate completely different fashions and their distinctive dimensions. Further entrance and rear subframes with motors, suspension parts, and wheels may then be bolted to the ends of this meeting.
Lastly, a physique is bolted on high of the rolling chassis. Ford makes use of an F-Collection Tremendous Responsibility because the illustration within the patent software, however claims this methodology could possibly be utilized to quite a few completely different car varieties.
Ford modular chassis patent picture
The concept of a whole chassis with swappable our bodies goes again to Common Motors’ Autonomy and Hy-Wire idea automobiles of the early 2000s. And EV startup Canoo has designed a full “skateboard” chassis it goals to make use of for electrical vans and probably pickups. However Ford is proposing further components to additional differentiate EV fashions.
The automaker means that wheel and suspension assemblies could possibly be inverted to lift floor clearance for pickup vehicles and SUVs, or lowered for sports activities automobiles. And the automaker discusses “efficiency packages” with completely different motors that may be simply swapped due to common mounting {hardware}.
It is unclear if Ford will put any of those concepts into apply. Automakers do not all the time use the engineering work they patent on manufacturing autos, in any case. And one thing as radical as this might doubtless require large adjustments at meeting crops, suppliers, and probably crash buildings.
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