Ford Applies To Patent Stand-Up Driving System

Sit down, buckle up, and be quiet. I heard those words many times from my parents and have likely said them countless times to my own kids, but a recent patent from Ford may change how people ride in their vehicles – at least off-road.

Ford’s patent application, discovered by CarBuzz, is for an off-road driving system that allows the driver to stand while navigating tough terrain. The diagram accompanying the application shows a person standing in their Bronco, and Ford said the feature is meant for situations in which the driver is required to stand or lean out of the vehicle to keep it (and them) safe.

Some driver assistance systems and other functions don’t work when the driver isn’t in the seat, so this system would widen the “driving zone” to include different positions and prevent the safety systems from shutting down.

While this sounds like an invitation for some people to act foolishly, Ford said the system is only for use within defined boundaries. Acceleration and vehicle speed are limited, so it’s unlikely we’ll see people hanging out of a high-speed drifting Bronco anytime soon. The system would also incorporate sensors and data from the SUV’s drive modes to control vehicle speed, and Ford has a few ideas on how to install controls for remote vehicle operation. 

[Image: USPTO]

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from TheTruthAboutCars https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/cars/news-blog/ford-applies-to-patent-stand-up-driving-system-44501818?utm_medium=auto&utm_source=rss&utm_campaign=all_full