Adjustable Assist Step for Vehicle Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing running boards on vehicles do not effectively address the need for drag reduction and ground clearance adjustment, limiting their aerodynamic performance and passenger accessibility.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable assist step assembly with a linkage system, an aerodynamic panel, and a controller that deploys and stows the panel based on vehicle conditions, allowing the assist step to change positions to reduce drag and maintain ground clearance, featuring a movement mechanism and linkage assembly to adjust the panel's orientation between stowed, passenger assistance, and aerodynamic positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed running board is installed to assist passenger ingress and egress, then passenger accessibility is improved, but vehicle drag increases and ground clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The running board is designed as a movable component that can dynamically change its position between a deployed state (providing passenger assistance) and a retracted state (reducing drag). The linkage assembly enables the running board to move between these positions based on vehicle operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and aerodynamic performance
2Ease of operation
If a running board is deployed to assist passengers, then ease of ingress and egress is improved, but ground clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The running board system transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one that can adjust its position. When retracted, the running board maintains full ground clearance; when deployed, it provides passenger assistance. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between accessibility and ground clearance
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an adjustable assist step is added to achieve aerodynamic improvement, then vehicle drag reduction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic panel and assist step are merged into a single integrated component that performs both functions. The same movable structure that provides passenger assistance when deployed also serves as an aerodynamic surface when retracted, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The assist step mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides passenger assistance during normal operation and serves as an aerodynamic drag-reducing component during high-speed travel. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby managing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An assist step assembly includes a linkage assembly including a first linkage member and a second linkage member, an assist step coupled to the linkage assembly and movable from a first assist step position to a second assist step position, an aerodynamic member coupled to the linkage assembly and movable from a first aerodynamic member position to a second aerodynamic member position, a movement mechanism coupled to the aerodynamic member and configured move the aerodynamic member from the first aerodynamic member position to the second aerodynamic member position, and a controller in electronic communication with the movement mechanism, the controller configured to determine an operating condition, determine a position of the assist step based on the operating condition, and generate one or more control signals to move the aerodynamic member from the first aerodynamic member position to the second aerodynamic member position.