In a bid to revolutionize automobile safety, Ford has patented a cutting-edge floor-mounted airbag system. This innovation underscores the ongoing transformation in the automotive industry, which has shifted from mechanical advancements to technological upgrades and advanced safety features.
The patented floor-mounted airbag system features a C-shaped airbag curtain designed to deploy between the rear passenger seats and the cargo bay. In the unfortunate event of a collision, there is a risk of items in the cargo bay impacting rear passengers. Currently, there are limited safeguards to address this concern, with the seats themselves acting as a barrier. However, Ford’s novel airbag system is poised to play a crucial role in safeguarding occupants.
This innovation is especially relevant for vehicles with ample space between the rear seat and the roof. The airbag functions similarly to standard airbags, with sensors triggering inflation upon collision. Simultaneously, a tether and retractor system hoists the airbag, forming a protective C-shaped barrier that effectively prevents cargo from reaching rear passengers. In another configuration, the airbag extends over the rear seatback, adding an extra layer of protection.
While Ford’s floor-mounted airbag curtain initially appears suitable for cargo vans and similar vehicles, it remains to be seen if pickup trucks, including those produced by Ford, will adopt this technology. Pickup trucks typically have a physical separation between the load bay and the passenger cabin. However, some exceptions, like the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Force Gurkha Pickup, lack this separation and could benefit from Ford’s airbag innovation.
Ford’s floor-mounted airbag system addresses a currently unregulated aspect of passenger safety—protection from cargo in the event of a collision. Ford’s proactive approach to enhancing occupant safety could pave the way for future applications of this technology, not only in the automotive sector but also in other industries.
