Ford is forging ahead with an inflatable bumper design for their trucks and SUVs.
Recent findings from the IIHS have underscored the heightened risk these larger vehicles pose to pedestrians due to their imposing front ends. Despite calls for design alterations, the practicality of these rugged builds, like the F-150 Raptor, has limited drastic changes.
The revelation comes via a patent unearthed by CarBuzz from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, introducing a solution that prioritizes pedestrian safety without a fundamental redesign, albeit with added complexity and cost.
The patent outlines a sophisticated system where inflatable bumpers, positioned both above and below the traditional bumper, dynamically respond to impact through pyrotechnic or stored gas inflation.
Unlike traditional airbags, these inflatable bumpers aren’t just about cushioning; they’re strategically engineered to minimize “the relative movement between the femur and the tibia,” effectively offering crucial knee support to prevent leg injuries. Moreover, the lower inflatable serves as a barrier, preventing pedestrians from slipping beneath the vehicle during a collision.
This isn’t Ford’s first venture into innovative safety solutions. A mere two months ago, CarBuzz uncovered a patent for a shape-shifting bumper aimed at reducing pedestrian injuries without compromising off-road capabilities. While both concepts introduce added complexity and cost, they mirror the initial skepticism faced by life-saving cabin airbags, which are now ubiquitous in modern vehicles.
The ongoing debate centers around the most effective solution: should we refine the very fabric of SUVs and pickups or succumb to the calls for larger, more imposing vehicles from consumers?
This quest for size and space impacts not only drivers but pedestrians too. Without legislative changes, the trend toward larger vehicles persists, challenging Ford to innovate competitively while staying true to their unwavering commitment to safety.
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