The gullwing door originated with the Mercedes-Benz 300SL however has been copied a number of instances. This time it is Ford that’s considering gullwing doorways for future autos.
First noticed by Motor1, a Ford patent software title “facet door for a car” was revealed by america Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) Apr. 20, 2023 after being filed in October 2021. It describes a brand new form of gullwing door design, with an SUV used for instance it.
Ford gullwing door patent picture
The Tesla Mannequin X options the automaker’s personal model of gullwing doorways, which it calls falcon doorways, however Ford’s idea is a bit completely different. The place the Mannequin X has typical entrance doorways and rear falcon doorways, the patent software reveals one large gullwing door for the passenger’s facet of the car, with a traditional door for the driving force.
This uneven association seems to be a consequence of the door’s form. The Mannequin X has a number of hinged sections that enable its doorways to open roughly straight up. Ford’s model solely hinges alongside the roof centerline, making a clamshell form that comes with a part of the roof into the door.
Ford gullwing door patent picture
One potential good thing about a gullwing door design for SUVs is an even bigger opening, making it simpler for passengers to get out and in. The drawings additionally seem to point out the movable in-vehicle desk from one other current Ford patent submitting, a mix that might make for an excellent tailgating setup.
As with all patent purposes, although, there is no such thing as a assure that this gullwing door design will attain manufacturing. If nothing else, the {hardware} for such a door would in all probability be fairly advanced, which might trigger reliability points. That is one thing Tesla came upon the arduous approach with its setup (which could clarify why they have been restricted to the Mannequin X), as did DeLorean and Bricklin with their gullwing sports activities vehicles earlier than it.
