Automakers usually 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 appliance, which was revealed by the USA Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) on Jan. 2, and initially filed on Apr. 28, 2021, primarily describes constructing an EV like a life-size mannequin package.
Meeting would begin with a subframe constructed across the automobile’s battery pack, with adjustable crossmembers and facet rails to accommodate totally different fashions and their distinctive dimensions. Extra 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 Obligation because the illustration within the patent software, however claims this technique could possibly be utilized to numerous totally different automobile sorts.
Ford modular chassis patent picture
The concept of a whole chassis with swappable our bodies goes again to Normal Motors’ Autonomy and Hy-Wire idea vehicles of the early 2000s. And EV startup Canoo has designed a full “skateboard” chassis it goals to make use of for electrical vans and presumably pickups. However Ford is proposing extra parts to additional differentiate EV fashions.
The automaker means that wheel and suspension assemblies could possibly be inverted to lift floor clearance for pickup vans and SUVs, or lowered for sports activities vehicles. And the automaker discusses “efficiency packages” with totally different motors that may be simply swapped due to common mounting {hardware}.
It is unclear if Ford will put any of those concepts into follow. Automakers do not at all times use the engineering work they patent on manufacturing automobiles, in spite of everything. And one thing as radical as this might possible require large modifications at meeting crops, suppliers, and presumably crash constructions.