Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for interchangeable trim attachments that may be used in future Ford vehicles, Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on May 17th, 2022, published on December 24th, 2024, and assigned serial number 12172586.
The Ford Authority Take
Just last month, Ford filed a patent for a body panel mounting system that would include a locking mount, which can be attached to the surface of a vehicle using a structural patch of sorts. From there, all kinds of things could be theoretically attached to that mount – including sound exciters, or speakers, as they’re otherwise known. Now, this newly published patent explores a similar idea for the interiors of future Ford vehicles, which may come equipped with interchangeable trim attachments as well, if it ultimately comes to fruition.
The idea here is to equip various vehicle interior trim pieces with different types of surfaces including retaining members and connectors or engagement plates, so that they could fasten together if desired. There would also be locking arms attached to trim pieces to secure those parts together, which could open a literal world of possibilities when it comes to interior customization, really.
If such a system does become a reality in future Ford vehicles, the possibilities are seemingly endless – one could use these special trim pieces to attach any kind of accessory imaginable, whether it be a trash can, camera mount, storage bin, or any other number of items. It’s somewhat similar to Ford’s existing FITS system, which allows users to 3D-print parts or purchase accessories from the automaker that then fit in pre-made slots in certain vehicles, which is quite ingenious. Of course, it’s unclear if this type of system will ever become a reality, but the possibilities are certain enticing, if it does in fact make it to production eventually.
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