How does the sound of magnets in your truck’s bed make?
Ford submitted a patent application to protect a clever feature that could help solve an old problem for truck owner – keeping things on your bed in the right place.
According to documents uploaded by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Blue Oval submitted a patent for “Truck bed equipped with magnetic floor sections selectively actuated.” Muscle Cars and Trucks first discovered this patent submission.
The patent application title is clear. Ford wants to attract truck bed floors. It will be used to keep cargo or attachment devices, as described in the entire 10-page document.
There are many aftermarket solutions available to address the cargo loading issues. Most of these solutions offer magnetized crates and other external devices rather than magnetizing the bed. Ford’s patent covers up to six magnet points on the bed that can be controlled via an app or in-cabin controls.
Patent documents explain how the electromagnets interact to create the perfect cargo-holding solution. MC&T discovered a second section of the patent in which the magnetic tie-downs could be used on Ford SUVs or vans.
We know of no other automaker that has ever considered using magnets to hold cargo. There are many reasons why.
The electromagnetic fields created by electromagnets can interfere with the operation of other electronic and mechanical components underneath trucks. Ford must find a way for the magnetic field to be shielded from other parts of its trucks in order to make this tech work.
Patents and trademark applications are not always accepted into production. These are signs that automakers are trying to solve practical problems every day, no matter how trivial they may seem to others.
What do you think? This is something you would want in your truck in future. We’d love to hear your comments below.