Future Ford Vehicles Could Get Center Of Gravity Estimation Tech

Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for center of gravity estimation technology that may be used in future Ford vehicles, Ford Authority has learned.

The patent was filed on February 8^th, 2023, published on August 8^th, 2024, and assigned serial number 0262374.

The Ford Authority Take

With trucks remaining the proverbial apple of Americans’ eyes, Ford continues to file patents aimed at innovating in that particular space. Many of these patents revolve around hauling and towing, with ideas such as a measurement system for cargo, load loss detection capability, various types of cargo management systems, and water generation estimation technology, to name just a few. Now, this newly filed patent keeps that trend going by presenting us with an idea for center of gravity estimation technology that may be used in future Ford vehicles, too.

The concept of this particular patent is quite similar to some earlier ones in that it aims to help users estimate load distribution in a vehicle, which is important for safety purposes. It would accomplish this by using a system capable of measuring loads, the objects in a vehicle’s bed or cargo area, and a controller that can estimate the dimensions of those items, then calculate an estimated center of gravity of that load.

The idea here is to ensure that a vehicle’s center of gravity isn’t upset by a load to the point where it can cause unsafe conditions, such as awkward vehicle handling characteristics that could lead to a crash. It’s an important topic regardless, given the fact that many people who use things like trucks to haul heavy loads may not be properly versed in doing so safely, which is precisely what has driven a surge in towing technology in recent years, too.

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.