New driving technology holds promise for future cross-platform roll-outs.
Future Crowd
Ford's F-150 recently joined the Hummer and Silverado in their ability to scuttle sideways—at least on paper. A patent filed for 'Crawl Operations for Four-Wheel Steering Vehicle,' is the latest in a suite of proposed assisted driving technology aimed at the off-road crowd. With EV-specific applications in mind, the new design holds promise for future cross-platform rollouts.
Top Concerns
Ford's proposed four-wheel steering system builds on its own 'Trail Turn Assist,' already available with the Bronco. The all-wheel steering design emulates aspects of the 'Tank Turn,' a concept introduced by Rivian Automotive for the R1T in 2019. Utilizing an electrical quad-motor platform, the R1T can spin like a top. However, implementation has been delayed due to safety and control concerns.
System Glance
Ford initially filed its design with the United States Patent and Trademark Office in late September 2020, but it was only published on March 31, 2022. The documents feature illustrations of the proposed four-corner steering system fitted to an F-150 Raptor. At first glance, the proposal seems a little bit bizarre and possibly only applicable to EVs.
Serious Parade
According to the patent, all the wheels would be capable of steering in sync, and even independently, in a sort of 'snowplow' configuration. The whole concept conjures up farcical images of spinning Shriner parade cars that can be driven from both ends, but Ford is serious about the technology. They state it could help get “unstuck in the worst kind of off-road situation.”
Decoupled Steering
Ford's proposed system appears to be far less of a carnival ride than the Rivian's 'Tank Turn,' but does bear a striking similarity to the 'Crab Walk' system from General Motors that allows a truck to drive diagonally. Yet, Ford wants to take the idea to a whole new level, where it seems directional input would be totally decoupled from the steering wheel itself.
Practical Addition
Four-wheel steering, or 4WS, is not a new concept. In the early 1980s, Porsche, Nissan, and Honda experimented with all-wheel directional input systems. Adding expense with only limited results, 4WS got a lukewarm reception from car buyers. In the early 2000s, General Motors introduced 'Quadrasteer' on its full-size trucks—an extremely practical, but costly addition that was also met with limited up-take.
Drone Data
Ford's proposed four-wheel steering system is the latest in a series of patents that have included retractable exhaust tips and heated seat belts, although not everything makes it into production. In what seems a bit like science-fiction, the Motor Company recently re-filed for a deployable drone that would work with a truck's GPS data and onboard sensors to help it navigate off-road terrain.
Unique Options
In a more grounded approach, Ford has also filed patents for muscle-powered off-road add-ons. Dubbed the 'recovery board,' integrated sand ladders would double as the truck's running boards. Getting right down to the dirt, removable front fenders might also double as tool storage. Of note is the inclusion of a shovel, presumably for when the unique four-wheel steering system options are exhausted.
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