Ford is always striving to enhance the driving experience and improve vehicle safety. One of their latest endeavors involves the development of a new zone lighting system. Currently, Ford offers a zone lighting system that enables drivers to control their exterior lights remotely using a dedicated app. However, it seems that Ford engineers are considering making some tweaks to this system.
In a patent application published on September 5, Ford discusses the possibility of using dedicated roof-mounted lights instead of repurposing other lighting elements like the headlights and taillights. According to the application, these lights would be sandwiched between the roof panel and the tops of the doors, windshield, and rear window, creating a ring of lights around the vehicle’s roof.
The potential uses for this innovative lighting system are vast. Ford suggests that these lights could serve as daytime running lamps, meeting the necessary requirements for such lighting. Additionally, in autonomous vehicles, the lights could be illuminated at a lower intensity, allowing them to be visible to both drivers and pedestrians without providing unnecessary illumination for the road ahead.
One of the main benefits of the proposed roof-mounted lighting system is its versatility. Different lighting patterns could convey various types of information to both the driver and others on the road. For example, in an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid, the lights could blink while the vehicle is charging and remain illuminated once the charging process is complete. This serves as a more elaborate version of the charging-indicator lights already found on some EV dashboards.
Beyond charging indicators, the lights could also be used to provide additional functionality. For instance, Ford suggests that the lights could emit pulses when the driver approaches the vehicle with the key fob, providing a convenient way to locate the vehicle in a crowded parking lot. Furthermore, the lights could mimic the blinking patterns of hazards lights to enhance the visibility of a vehicle in certain situations.
While it is important to note that patent applications do not guarantee that a specific technology will be integrated into production vehicles, this proposed lighting system seems more feasible and practical than some of the other ideas presented in recent Ford patents. For example, Ford recently filed a patent application for an extendable cargo bed for pickup trucks, which may not be as easily implemented as the roof-mounted lighting system.
In conclusion, Ford’s exploration of a dedicated roof-mounted lighting system demonstrates their commitment to improving vehicle lighting and safety features. From serving as daytime running lamps to conveying important information and providing additional functionality, this innovative system has the potential to enhance the driving experience. While it remains to be seen whether this concept will be brought to market, it is exciting to see automakers like Ford continuously pushing the boundaries of technology to create safer and more convenient vehicles for consumers.
