Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for air flow-adjusting wheels that may be used in future Ford vehicles, Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on November 29th, 2021, published on May 20th, 2025, and assigned serial number 12304423.
The Ford Authority Take
Back in 2023, Ford published a patent for an active air dam notification system, which would create an alert for users letting them know that the air dam is transitioning from a lowered position to a raised position, or vice versa. These days, active aero is becoming more prevalent in new vehicles – not just ones that are focused on track performance – and if this newly published Blue Oval patent comes to life, we may soon see that sort of tech present on the wheels of future Ford vehicles, too.
This new patent filing for air flow-adjusting wheels would work in much the same way as existing active aero tech does, as it would utilize a cover that could move along the wheel body, with one simple purpose in mind – to either prevent air from flowing into the wheel body, or allow it to happen. This would occur automatically depending on a variety of factors – for example, the cover could remain in a closed position when efficiency is desired, or open up and allow air to cool brakes when they get hot, such as in more spirited driving situations.
“Submitting patent applications is a normal part of any strong business as the process protects new ideas and helps us build a robust portfolio of intellectual property,” Ford said in a statement. “The ideas described within a patent application should not be viewed as an indication of our business or product plans. No matter what the patent application outlines, we will always put the customer first in the decision-making behind the development and marketing of new products and services.”
Comments
I have thought of this for years, once drawing myself a cartoon to illustrate (long since lost) and the implications of mono directive airflow enhanced wheels (forget about moving body panels for a moment) and the scenario of half the wheels on the wrong side with all enhanced airflow in the same direction. Hit a certain speed and airflow overcomes traction and shoves the vehicle sideways.
Scoff, you must, but enhanced air movement can increase traction like the “hoover” Chapparals or put a vehicle in zero contact with the ground as in a hovercraft.
Interesting thought, however, and an application that would quickly be banned would be NASCAR where any additional artificial airflow from left to right could prevent a vehicle from earning a Darlington stripe.
Can’t read the articles because of distracting, flashing, rolling, unremovable ads.
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In the err of ever increasing prices for all your vehicle’s; THIS IS YET ANPTHER USELESS PRICE INCREASE FOR ALL DRIVERS !!!!!!!
YOU GUY’S BETTER START GETTING PATENTS FOR LOWERING PRICES AND NOT RAISING ANY OF THEM !!!!!