Many of the submissions are focused on autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles, wearable devices, electric bicycles, ride-sharing platforms and other next-generation technology.
Engineers have tripled their filings for electrification innovations in the past five years. Following Tesla’s lead, many of Ford’s 2,000+ electrification patents have been opened to rivals, though, like traditional arrangements, interested competitors must license the technology.
The company has not ignored its gasoline engines, however, with 275 patents awarded for EcoBoost mills and another 200 pending.
“Ford has more US patents on gasoline turbocharged direct-injection technology than any other automaker today,” the company boasts.
Notable innovations include a bike system that can detect bike lanes and alert cyclists of path deviations, while another dynamically recommends safe speed based on nearby infrastructure and GPS data. Engineers also developed a front brake light to improve vehicle-to-vehicle communication and serve as a signal to pedestrians.
A large number of the patent submissions are unlikely to ever enter production, however Ford has highlighted its growing number of applications as evidence of its commitment to innovation as the industry moves toward self-driving and electric vehicles.
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