Experience the Future, Engineered by Ford: 401+ Patents

Jul 02, 2024
5 MIN READ
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At Ford, innovation is a key component of our DNA. Since 2014, our engineers in Mexico have registered 252 patents with the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI), contributing to a total of 401 patents registered in other countries and ranking Mexico as the Ford region the second-most registered patents.

This achievement reflects our belief that every great innovation starts with an idea. And while taking that idea from conception to implementation can be a 2–3-year journey, we're convinced that every step is worth it.

The journey to innovation

Imagine your idea as a seed. First, it needs time to germinate and incubate. For about three months, your idea has the opportunity to grow and develop before being presented to ANAQUA, our internal system for intellectual property protection. Here, any member of our Ford community can submit their ideas, which are carefully evaluated for another three months.

If your idea is approved, then the exciting process of generating a patent application, which can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, begins. Your idea is then submitted to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), where it will be analyzed and validated, a process that can take 1-3 years.

Patents are not only the fruit of your ingenuity and dedication, but they also bring multiple benefits to Ford. Mainly, they help reduce costs and improve the quality of our vehicles. A perfect example is the Mustang Mach E's front cargo compartment (Frunk), which not only generated significant savings in production, but also improved the quality of the entire vehicle. Other patents, such as the battery frame of the company's first electric vehicle or the opener in the rear of Ford Bronco Sport, are examples of how our Mexican innovations are having a considerable impact on the company.

But this patent process not only benefits Ford; it also benefits the person behind the idea, as this can lead to compensation. Although patents are owned by Ford, we value your contributions and make sure they are properly recognized.

Patents are tangible proof of our ability to stay at the forefront of technological and competitive innovation. Through this rigorous patent process, we not only protect our ideas, but also drive continuous improvement and innovation in the automotive industry.

At Ford, your ideas shine

If you need a little inspiration, let us introduce you to some stories of triumph. These are the stories of some Mexican engineers who have transcended borders with their ingenuity and dedication.

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Illustration 3: Adjustable headrest

Eduardo Aguilar

In 2015, Eduardo decided to venture into the field of innovation after attending several talks on the development of patents within Ford. He had personally experienced neck fatigue during long trips, and decided to look for a solution. His first innovation project was the modification of the headrest to make it more comfortable, developing a mechanism that allowed the side parts of the headrest to be adjusted to provide better support. This project earned him his first patent, opening the door to many more.

 

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Throughout his career, Eduardo has accumulated more than 30 patents, with 14 granted in the United States and the rest in other countries. Among his outstanding innovations are a removable seat for the Bronco that transforms into a bench to improve the user experience in outdoor activities. This project, developed with the Design Thinking model, was so successful that Ford used it as a reference in its innovation training materials.

Eduardo attributes much of his success to the collaboration and employment of Design Thinking. He has worked with people from various areas, which has not only enriched his projects, but has also expanded his network of contacts within the company. In addition, he has been an ardent advocate of using low-fidelity prototypes to refine and improve ideas, an approach he has taught others as a Design Thinking instructor. His passion for innovation, combined with his ability to integrate his personal interests with the company's goals, has kept him motivated and allowed him to continue developing creative and effective solutions.

Luis Blas

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    Luis Blas
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From the beginning of his career, just after completing his master's degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Luis has applied his knowledge of computer fluid dynamics (CFD) in the automotive industry. His technical role at Ford encompasses the evaluation of fuel, cooling and exhaust systems, contributing significantly to the development of more efficient and quieter vehicles.

Throughout his career, Luis has registered nine patents and protected a "trade secret." Their focus has always been on questioning and improving existing components. A prominent example is the patent "Vehicle Fuel-Storage Tank with Anti-Slosh Elements" which reduces the noise generated by the movement of fuel in vehicles. Another notable patent is "Methods and Systems for Thermoelectrically Recovering Waste Heat from Turbocharger Systems"), which converts the residual thermal energy of the turbo system into electrical energy, increasing the energy efficiency of the vehicle.

Luis emphasizes the importance of teamwork to develop strong patents. From a vague idea to a detailed solution, the process involves collaboration, state-of-the-art research, and thorough documentation. Adapting to changes in the industry and solving pressing problems in production have been key challenges in his career.

Luis Blas is an example of how curiosity, innovation and collaboration can lead to great achievements in the automotive industry. His contributions have not only improved efficiency and the user experience in Ford vehicles, but have also laid the groundwork for future innovations. 

Fernando Paisano

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    Fernando Palsano
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From his childhood, Fernando showed a great interest in the subjects of Physics and Chemistry, using the scientific method to turn abstract concepts into tangible realities. This interest led him to study mechanical engineering at the University of the Americas in Puebla and to obtain a master's degree in design in the United Kingdom.

His career began in the oil industry, but his passion for automotive design led him to work at an injection mold company before joining Ford. Here, Fernando has been a constant innovator, registering patents that have significantly improved the design and production processes.

Some of these have streamlined design and production processes at Ford. The first patent, called W-shaped winged spring clip, introduces molded geometry in plastic parts that eliminates the need for metal clips or screws, allowing them to be installed directly into the vehicle structure and reducing costs, weight and production time. The second focuses on a solution molded directly into the plastic part, making it easy to install immediately without additional fasteners, which is especially useful on interior components. These patents have not only improved production efficiency and economics, but have also led to the development of several other patents with specific modifications for different types of loads and parts, creating a reproducible and efficient process. In addition, Fernando participated in the development and launch of Mustang Mach-E and Bronco Sport, projects that demonstrated his ability to lead teams and overcome challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For young engineers, Fernando advises maintaining a solid foundation in their discipline and developing effective communication skills. His story is a testament to how passion, technical knowledge, and collaboration can lead to great achievements in the automotive industry.

The future is yours!

At Ford, we believe in the power of collaboration and innovation. If you have a brilliant idea, feel free to share it! Our patent process is open to all members of the Ford family, no matter what area they work in. They will guide and support you every step of the way, from the conception of your idea to its implementation.

Contact:

Mary González

Product Development Manager

mgonza70@ford.com

Are you ready to innovate?