Ford Patent Reveals Future F-150 Sliding Bed Floor
New Find Sheds Light on Innovative Design that Aims to Make Loading Easier
If there’s one thing we know about Ford, it’s that the Blue Oval is constantly innovating to stay ahead of the competition. Every year or two we see new convenience features on the F-150 designed to make everyday tasks easier. And the latest Ford patent filing reveals one feature that aims to make loading the bed of the Ford F-150 a snap.
They hope to accomplish this with the use of a sliding platform assembly mounted to the bed floor. Powered by an electric motor, the assembly is mounted on rails and slides with the touch of a button. To operate the platform, the driver must first place the truck in park or neutral, with the emergency brake set.
Having a powered sliding floor is a potential game changer. It makes perfect sense for the upcoming F-150 hybrid, which Ford says is capable of providing auxiliary power from its electric motor.
Finessing the F-150: Familiar bed is getting an overhaul.
The platform also features a proximity sensor that automatically stops it from retracting or extending if it’s about to bump into something. And according to the patent, it’s strong enough to handle heavy loads and even work on an incline. When extended or stowed away, the platform uses an actuator-driven pin to lock it in place.
The whole idea is one of those “why didn’t I think of that” kind of deals. For too long, we’ve had to either push and slide cargo into the bed or climb up in it. Having a powered sliding floor is a potential game changer. And it makes perfect sense for the upcoming F-150 hybrid, which Ford says is capable of providing auxiliary power from its electric motor.
