Ford patents retractable exhaust tips.

Exhaust system design typically focuses on integrating sound and exhaust systems, but Ford is trying a different angle. The automaker recently filed a patent for a retractable exhaust system.

First spotted by CarBuzz, the retractable exhaust system is designed to improve off-road performance. The tailpipe hangs quite low, making it vulnerable to damage during off-road driving. In its patent application, Ford notes that the tailpipes can rub and deform when overcoming inclines, which is far from ideal.

Ford's proposed solution is to separate the exhaust tip from the rest of the system and attach it to what the automaker calls an "exhaust tip storage module." Powered by an attached electric motor, the exhaust tip can be moved back and forth. The module also restricts the movement so that the exhaust tip does not slide too far in either direction.

The idea seems to be that when faced with a steep incline, the driver can retract the exhaust tip to add clearance and extend it for normal driving.

Ford already has several off-road models that could be candidates for a retractable exhaust system. The list includes the Bronco, Bronco Sport, Tremor version of the Ranger, F-150, Super Duty pickup, and F-150 Raptor. Ford also sells the Ranger Raptor outside the U.S. and plans to introduce the Bronco Raptor in 2022.

CarBuzz noted that patent applications have been filed in both the US and Germany, indicating plans to use retractable exhaust systems in vehicles sold in both the US and Europe. However, as with other patent applications, it is possible that Ford is simply trying to protect an idea that it does not plan to use. Automakers often patent ideas that, for one reason or another, do not make it into production.