Ford's Innovative Solution for Trucks and SUVs

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【Summary】Ford is developing an inflatable bumper for trucks and SUVs to address pedestrian safety concerns. The design aims to improve safety without altering the vehicles' overall design, but it may come with additional complexity and cost.

FutureCar Staff Nov 20, 2023 3:15 PM PT

Ford's Innovative Solution for Trucks and SUVs

Ford is developing an innovative inflatable bumper for trucks and SUVs that is designed to enhance pedestrian safety. This development comes at a crucial time, as a recent study by the IIHS has confirmed that trucks and SUVs with large, blocky front ends pose a higher risk to pedestrians compared to other vehicles.

The IIHS has been advocating for changes to the design of these large vehicles, but it is important to note that the wall-like front ends of trucks and SUVs serve practical purposes. For example, they can increase the approach angle of off-roaders like the F-150 Raptor.

However, Ford has discovered a potential solution to improve pedestrian safety without altering the overall design of these vehicles. CarBuzz has uncovered a patent filed by Ford at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which outlines the concept of an inflatable bumper.

This inflatable bumper aims to provide an additional layer of protection for pedestrians without compromising the existing design. While this solution introduces some complexity and cost, it could be a significant step towards reducing the risk of pedestrian accidents involving trucks and SUVs.