Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for an all-wheel drive system with a simulated axle lock that could be used in future Ford EVs, Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on December 22nd, 2020, published on August 1st, 2023, and assigned serial number 11713043.
The Ford Authority Take
Ford has filed a handful of patents exploring different types of drive systems in recent months, including one outlining an idea for an EV with a solid axle and hub motors, as well as another for a triple clutch all-wheel drive system. Now, as The Blue Oval continues to invest heavily in electric vehicles, it has filed yet another patent outlining an idea for an all-wheel drive system with a simulated axle lock that could be used in future Ford EVs, too.
The system outlined in this patent features separate electric axles that can operate independently from each other while also simulating a mechanical connection that one would typically find in a traditional all- or four-wheel drive ICE vehicle. A special controller would be programmed to distribute torque to each axle as needed, as well as based on the speed of the second axle. This way, the appropriate amount of torque is used at both ends, based on the needs of the user at that time.
Such an idea makes a lot of sense – particularly in conditions where an all-wheel drive system might be put to the test, such as snowy or icy roads or even off-road trails. We’ve seen advanced systems like this capable of adjusting torque by axle or even an individual wheel before, making this idea quite viable for use in future Ford EVs.
We’ll have more on this and all Ford patents soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford patent news, Ford business news, and ongoing Ford news coverage.
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