Test drive: 2021 Ford Bronco
The 2021 Ford Bronco is the first model to wear the name in 25 years. Fox News Autos Editor Gary Gastelu travelled to Texas hill country to find out if it lives up to it.
Screen doors don't work on submarines, but Ford thinks they might on SUVs.
Ford has filed a patent for a system to put screen doors on an SUV. (Ford)
The automaker has filed a patent for a system of screens that could be equipped on vehicles like the Bronco that have removable doors and roof panels.
The design mounts power screens on tracks along the open door and roof sections. (Ford)
According to the submission, first uncovered by The Drive, the screens would be mounted on tracks and power-operated to close off the openings, which would create a barrier for bugs and debris while allowing fresh air and light to get in.
The screens could be used to keep out debris or set to deploy during a collision to help keep the arms and legs of passengers within the vehicle. (Ford)
Ford also describes how they can double as a safety system by using pyrotechnic devices, like those used in airbags, to instantly deploy the screens during an accident to help keep the arms and legs of passengers within the vehicle.
Several aftermarket companies offer mesh window cover accessories for vehicles like the Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, but a factory-installed system like this has never been available.
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As with all patents, there's no guarantee the screens will ever make it to production, but Ford already offers hundreds of accessories for the Bronco to help it battle the Wrangler and the brands are in a constant game of one-upsmanship in the open-air off-road SUV segment.