Ford sees the “frunk” (front trunk) found in many electric vehicles as a new opportunity for technology, according to Ford Authority.
The company filed patents for a frunk projection screen, a frunk heating and cooling system (to keep groceries warm or cold) and a frunk lid cover that acts as a shade.
The projection screen might be used for tailgating in future electric vehicles (EVs), according to Ford Authority. It calls for a projection screen that mounts on the trunk back wall. It retracts from its own housing and it can be remotely controlled from either outside or inside the vehicle.
Ford also filed for a patent on a heating and cooling system for all or part of the frunk to turn it into a virtual ‘cooler” or food warmer, for tailgaiting or driving from the grocery store back home. The frunk can be divided into sections so some sections are cooled or heated and some aren’t. The application was published December 7, 2023 (series no 0391159, originally filed on September 21, 2022).
Another patent was filed for a shade that can be placed at the end of the frunk cover when it’s open to provide a mini roof or shade from the elements. The patent was filed on August 22nd, 2022, published on December 7th, 2023, and assigned serial number 0391268.
Source: Ford Authority
See also:
https://fordauthority.com/2023/12/future-ford-evs-could-get-climate-controlled-frunk/
https://fordauthority.com/2023/12/future-ford-evs-could-use-frunk-to-provide-shade/
