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 current design of these vehicles poses a higher risk to pedestrians, according to a study by the IIHS. The patent aims to enhance safety without altering the vehicle's design, but it may add complexity and cost.

FutureCar Staff Nov 20, 2023 10:16 PM PT

Ford's Innovative Solution for Trucks and SUVs

Ford is developing an innovative inflatable bumper for trucks and SUVs to enhance pedestrian safety, which is particularly timely considering recent research from the IIHS. The study confirms that trucks and SUVs with large, blocky front ends pose a greater risk to pedestrians compared to other vehicles. While the IIHS advocates for design changes in these vehicles, it is important to note that the bulky front ends often serve practical purposes, such as improving the approach angle for off-road vehicles like the F-150 Raptor.

However, CarBuzz has uncovered a patent filed by Ford at the United States Patent and Trademark Office that offers a potential solution. This patent aims to enhance pedestrian safety without altering the overall design of these vehicles, albeit at the cost of added complexity and expenses.