EV entrance trunks, or frunks, present helpful space for storing, however a latest Ford patent submitting factors to a strategy to make them much more helpful.
The submitting in query outlines giving frunks local weather management. It was revealed by the US Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) on March 19 however initially filed by Ford in 2022—roughly the identical timeframe as many different frunk-related patent filings from the automaker.
Ford climate-controlled frunk patent picture
On this case, Ford particularly describes climate-controlled trunks that may hold groceries or different temperature-sensitive gadgets from getting too scorching or too chilly. One choice mentioned by Ford is having a thermal loop department off the primary climate-control loop used for the passenger cabin. However Ford additionally suggests giving the frunk its personal mini climate-control system, with the identical {hardware} used for the system liable for the car’s inside.
As a result of clients would possibly need to hold drinks cool with out turning all the frunk into an icebox, Ford additionally discusses some methods of moderating the temperature in particular components of the frunk. Dividers may very well be used to separate heated and cooled zones, or low-temperature air may very well be directed at a detachable cooler secured within the frunk, based on the appliance.
Ford climate-controlled frunk patent picture
This is not the primary time frunk local weather management has cropped up in a Ford patent software. It is also one of many options described in a sequence of patent purposes from the automaker that surfaced in late 2023, overlaying all kinds of concepts starting from in-frunk wi-fi system charging to cellular office setups.
Not all patented concepts make it to manufacturing. But when Ford ever decides to repeat its stunt of filling a Mustang Mach-E frunk with shrimp, because it did to accompany a press launch in regards to the frunk’s measurement in 2020, local weather management may not less than reduce the probability of meals poisoning.
