Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for a spare tire mounted sound exciter that may be used in future Ford vehicles, Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on August 23rd, 2021, published on February 27th, 2024, and assigned serial number 11912206.
The Ford Authority Take
As of late, Ford has filed a number of patents that are related specifically to audio systems and non-traditional ways they might be used in the future, with fillings such as one for a vehicle audio enhancement system, a proximity alert system, and – more recently – a hitch mounted sound exciter. The automaker has also been exploring ways to use speakers to help alert drivers to the presence and location of pedestrians, and now, it has filed yet another patent that may wind up being used in future Ford vehicles – this time, for a spare tire mounted sound exciter.
As was the case in the previously-filed patent for a similar type of idea, Ford calls this apparatus an exciter – rather than a speaker, which is what it is. Otherwise, the concept here is quite simple – it would consist of a speaker mounted inside of a vehicle’s external-mounted spare tire – but not necessarily for the reasons one might think. In fact, rather than providing owners with a more party-ready vehicle or a way to annoy those around us with loud externally-emitted music, this apparatus would instead be used as a warning system of sorts.
In fact, this speaker would emit sounds designed to warn pedestrians and others around that vehicle to its presence in a more compact and cost effective manner. The speaker would integrate neatly into the spare tire area, ensuring that it’s stealthy and not at all obvious to those around it – all while helping to ensure that people nearby are aware of a vehicle’s presence.
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 continuous Ford news coverage.
No Comments yet