Ford’s Fantastic Frunk Is A Universal Toolbox And High-Tech Workspace

Following a patent for by-wire steering and braking systems this morning, CarBuzz has unearthed another Ford innovation, this time a multipurpose frunk that takes the accessory cramming philosophy of Rivian’s fancy Camp Kitchen onto the job site. The document, filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, describes a retractable drawer, multi-function worktop, and stabilized platform filled with useful stuff.

Ford has been developing new innovations specifically for trucks with increasing frequency of late, and as the mention of a frunk suggests, the truck in this patent is electrified, either as an all-electric vehicle or as a hybrid with a very small range extender/generator hidden behind the front storage compartment.

The idea is that the frunk is filled with a powered drawer that extends out of the front of the truck when the frunk lid is open. As it does so, it creates a large space upon which a two-part panel slots into place. This creates the basic worktop, and these panels can be replaced when they wear out due to weather, sawing, welding, or whatever other damage may occur over time. Below these tops would be storage cubbies in which one could store tools, supplies, and charging cables, for example.

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However, another embodiment sees the space where these cubbies are filled by a made-to-size fitted toolbox with front-opening drawers. The patent suggests making this platform even more high-tech by having the tops contain a wireless charging pad, several power outlets of various sorts (120V, 240V, USB-C, et cetera), and rubber surfaces with markings for various measurement scales (inches, feet, yards, and so on). Naturally, the entire platform/tool space could be deployed and retracted using a controller such as an app on your smartphone or the in-cabin touchscreen. This is way better than the basic refrigerated frunk Ford came up with a year ago, but there’s more to the new patent still.

How Illuminating

Ford adds that it could add a mode that locks the suspension in place in an effort to minimize shuffles and vibrations during the operation of the workbench, ensuring the carpenter cuts a neat piece of 4×8 and the plumber gets the perfect length of half-inch piping. In addition, should the workforce need to work overtime, the lightbar on the front of the vehicle is specifically noted as a rotatable unit that can direct light toward the work surface. Alternatively, a cheaper solution would be to add a lens that angles the light down when the frunk is open.

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Ford Converts F-150 Lightning Frunk Into Mobile Cinema

This is just one of three patents that we’ve uncovered showing how Ford aims to make the Mega Frunk even more useful.

Ford has been working overtime on highly practical features for the trucks of tomorrow, maximizing every available inch. At the front, you could have a multipurpose toolbox with lighting; in the middle, you could have a 3D printer in the bed, and at the back of the truck, you could have the most versatile tailgate Ford can think of. One day, perhaps these ideas will come to fruition in a super truck complete with 6×6 axles. Until then, we’ll keep bringing you a taste of what the Blue Oval is cooking.