Opening the doors of a Ford Bronco isn't too challenging, and it's a great way to enhance off-road experiences. However, cruising at high speeds on the highway isn't always smooth sailing, and while users can install tube doors for some open-air driving, achieving a safer outdoor driving experience requires more work. According to reports from foreign media, Ford seems to be exploring ways to improve this experience with a recently disclosed expandable door screen patent.
The patent was initially submitted in October 2020, shortly after the debut of the Bronco with removable doors. The new patent is a network of screens that can deploy automatically or upon the driver's command. Motors move the screens into place, and they're not limited to just doors. The patent also mentions screens for removable roof panels, although Ford isn't sure why anyone would prefer a roof over a clear, unobstructed sky.
Opening the screens on the doors can provide more safety for drivers and passengers concerned about falling, but Ford also hints at greater security with this patent. The screens extend and retract via electric motors but can also be deployed explosively with pyrotechnics if an impact event is detected. Sensors are speculated to confirm that arms, legs, or fingers aren't in the opening before triggering. It's unclear how quickly the screens need to deploy to be effective.
In summary, Ford has secured a patent for electrically expandable, explosively deployable door screens. Will this feature appear in future vehicles? As usual, many patent applications are just to protect unrealized ideas. However, expandable screens seem like a promising concept for cabin safety.
