Mud flaps are a easy and simple a part of a automotive or truck, however Ford has provide you with one thing a bit extra elaborate.
In a patent utility printed by the USA Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) on Feb. 20—however filed on April 26, 2022—Ford particulars deployable mud flaps that may transfer outward from a stowed place to dam spray coming off a car’s tires.
Within the utility, Ford says this technique is primarily for conserving a car’s sides clear. Flaps would deploy when a major quantity of spray is detected, blocking it from hitting the aspect of the car and getting every little thing soiled.
Ford would not present a lot element on the advantages of deployable flaps, versus typical variations which can be fastened in place. However the automaker does word that reaching the best spray-shielding place additionally requires blocking a door deal with.
Ford deployable mud flap patent picture
Aerodynamics may be an element. Ford has additionally patented deployable dive planes with the purpose of offering higher flexibility for aerodynamic tuning. Dive planes have a really completely different function, although, as they’re downforce-generating units typically used on efficiency automobiles.
As for what manufacturing car—if any—will get deployable mud flaps, we do know that Ford plans to launch a brand new electrical pickup truck in 2025. Codenamed T3, it is designed from the bottom up as an EV, versus the present Ford F-150 Lightning, which shares a platform with gasoline F-150 fashions.
Massive vehicles typically sport mud flaps, and these deployable variations may assist trim aerodynamic drag and assist enhance vary in an electrical truck.