Ford has filed a flurry of new patents with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), showcasing a wave of factory-backed accessories designed for off-road enthusiasts. And beyond the detailed overlanding gear and modular cabin controls, the illustrations may have also provided a sneak peek at the next-generation Bronco, anticipated to arrive around 2030.
A first peek?
While patent drawings are notoriously vague, the vehicle depicted in the filings features a boxy evolution of the current Bronco with several distinct tweaks. The sketch sports an enlarged, Scout-esque front grille, slightly smaller wheel arches, vertical tow hooks integrated into a chunky front bumper and shrinking rear door openings.
Notably, the drawing illustrates a top-hinged liftgate rather than the current model’s side-swinging tailgate. These sketches are almost certainly merely serving as generic placeholders to showcase certain new features, but they may hint at a potential visual direction for the off-roader's future overhaul.
In-house overlanding and camping gear
One thing that’s certain is that Ford is taking direct aim at aftermarket suppliers by bringing overlanding accessories in-house with factory fit and finish. The patent filings detail several sleeping arrangements:
In-cabin sleeping platform - A fold-out platform transforms the rear cargo area into a flat sleeping floor. The front seatbacks can even fold to double as small nightstands.
Rooftop tents - Multiple elevated tent options are illustrated, including a large version supported by stabilizing legs anchored to the fenders or hood. Access is provided through the sunroof or a full-length roof opening fitted with a mesh mosquito screen.
Smart storage - Integrated stowage options use seat bottoms and backs to hide gear, complemented by a modular beam system in the cargo area designed to hold removed doors.
Wireless doors and modular dashboard controls
To make door-off driving less cumbersome, Ford patented a vehicle door power transfer system. Via the use of inductive coils instead of traditional wired harnesses, power is transmitted wirelessly to electrical components within the doors. This eliminates the need to unplug fussy wiring connectors when stripping the vehicle for trail duty.
Inside the cabin, Ford is exploring “modular programmable widgets”. This system features physical, plug-and-play cube controls that dock into channels along the dashboard, for example beneath the central screen, or elsewhere in the passenger compartment. Drivers could customize their setup with tactile dials and buttons for audio volume, trailer brakes, HVAC or auxiliary switches, effectively restoring physical controls to an otherwise screen-dominated interior.
Patents are worth what they’re worth, but they don’t happen for nothing. And if nothing else, the new filings underline Ford's desire to strengthen the Bronco's position as a premier, highly customizable off-road ecosystem.