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Ford has filed a patent application for a nifty feature that could solve a long-standing problem among truck owners — and it’s keeping things in your bed in place.
According to the document uploaded by United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the patent filed by Blue Oval is for “Truck bed with selectively actuated magnetic floor portion.” This patent application was first discovered by Muscle Cars & Trucks.
The title of the patent application is self-explanatory; Ford wants to pull the floor of the truck bed. As explained in its entirety from the 10-page document, it will be used to store cargo or enhancements.
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As a side note, several aftermarket solutions already exist to solve the mentioned cargo loading issues. However, most of them offer magnetic crates or other external devices rather than magnetizing the bed itself. Ford’s patent includes up to six magnetic points on the bed, which can be turned on or off via in-cab controls or via an app on a smartphone.
The interaction between electromagnets to create a perfect cargo storage solution is described in the patent document. MC&T also found a second part of the patent where magnetic fasteners are likely to be used in Ford SUVs and vans.
As far as we know, this is the first time we’ve heard an automaker actually consider using magnets for cargo storage, and there are plenty of reasons for that.
Electromagnets aren’t exactly friendly with other electronic and mechanical features that can be found under trucks. For this new technology to work, Ford had to find a way to protect the rest of its truck from magnetic fields.
As usual, patent and trademark applications are not always successful in production. However, they are an indication that these automakers are working day and night to find solutions to practical problems, no matter how mundane they may sound to some.
So what do you think? Is this something you would like to have in your truck in the future? Let us know what you think below.
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