Overhead space: the final frontier - WIP

Automotive Design & Production, Jan, 2004

Chances are, unless you have a vehicle with a sunroof, there isn't a heck of a lot going on in that real estate above your head. One vehicle that is taking advantage of that space is the '04 F-150. Four trim levels of that truck are fitted with the "Railport Vehicle Personalization System." Railport is built by Johnson Controls (www.jci.com). Essentially, it is a set of rails that run parallel to each other from the front to the rear of the vehicle down the center of the headliner. The "system" part includes a series of modules that are fitted onto the rails. Although the modules can be replaced, there is not, explains L. Robert Hamelink, chief engineer, Overhead Product Development, JCI, the facility to slide the modules from one row of seats to another, as there are crash issues that need to be taken into account.

At the recent Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, JCI announced that it is working with several consumer products companies on developing additional Railport modules:

* Master Lock. Three concepts are being developed. One is a locking subsystem for modules that can be used to hold small things like CDs and DVDs. Another is a safe. The third is a module that holds the Master Lock Python security cable (which can be removed and used to secure various objects).

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

* Black & Decker. One module will contain the firm's Snake Light flashlight. Another is a 75-W DC to AC power converter.

* Case Logic. Nylon inserts for various storage bins (e.g., for CDs, cell phones, PDAs, tissues, sunglasses, etc.).

JCI has a variety of its own Railport modules, such as its AutoVision DVD system. The rails aren't electrified; wires are run through the channels so that electrical devices can be powered at predetermined positions along the rails. According to Hamelink, JCI is working with other vehicle manufacturers in addition to Ford for future Railport applications.--GSV