Ford has filed a patent application for electrically operated doors that open automatically when a person approaches the vehicle.
In the application, published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on March 19 and originally filed on December 3, 2021, Ford discusses the use of electric motors to open and close doors and cameras to identify an authorized . user trying to enter the vehicle.
Ford automatic door patent image
The cameras would use facial recognition to determine a person’s identity and whether they are trying to enter the vehicle. The latter would be carried out by visually analyzing a person’s gait and comparing it to acceleration data from a phone or key fob the person carries.
The same concept can also be applied to an EV trunk, tailgate or trunk. Again, the cameras would confirm a person’s identity and whether they are trying to access the vehicle, and then automatically open the trunk, trunk, or hatch. This wouldn’t be that significant, as it’s not far from the motion-activated rear doors that are already a common feature on SUVs from mainstream brands.
Ford automatic door patent image
Ford doesn’t go into detail about why it’s trying to patent automated doors, but convenience would likely be a factor. Such a system would be the next step up from the button-closing doors already available in some luxury cars.
So if this system reaches production, it could make more sense for a future Lincoln than something from Ford’s flagship brand. Lincoln is currently in the middle of reducing its dealer network to increase profitability and is scheduled to start moving to EVs next year, with the aim of making fully electric models represent almost 90% of its sales volume by 2030.