Running boards can double as sand ladders to help you get out of trouble.
Ford has a pair of patents that might provide hints into the future plans for its off-road vehicles. One patent is for recovery boards that can double as functional parts of the body. The Blue Oval’s version of the GMC Hummer EV tank turn system is the other.
Ford refers the recovery board patent to as “vehicle design combined sand ladders.” This patent describes many ways to implement this idea. One example is a clamp or latch that would secure the items to the body. This would make them double as vehicle’s running boards.
Patent images also show mounting locations. This means that the sand lanes could be used as hood vents, grilles or attachments to the tailgate. These pieces, which are not functional as running boards, would play a more important role in vehicle aesthetics.
The boards are shown on the Ford F-150. However, one drawing shows them on the Bronco. The ladders can double as narrow doors for an off-road vehicle in this instance.
Ford’s patent number 2 is called “methods and apparatus for performing a tank turn”, and it specifically covers electric vehicles. According to the company, the display would allow drivers to choose whether the model should spin counterclockwise or clockwise. The system will brake the correct front or rear wheel depending on the direction. The tech could also reduce the suspension load of the same wheels.
The powertrain would then turn the wheels in the opposite direction so that the vehicle spins. You can reduce friction by lowering the suspension load on your braked wheels when they are turning.
We’ve seen many other Ford patents this year for tech that would make an ideal off-road vehicle. One was for replaceablefenders which would include mounting spots and integration steps Another Ford patent covered a drone which would transmit its video display to a vehicle. It was envisioned that the aerial view of the flying machine would allow the driver to see the terrain better and plan routes through it.