Adjustable Vehicle Side Step Assembly with Sliding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional side step assemblies for vehicles do not offer adjustable step placement, making them less suitable for users of varying heights, as the step position is fixed and cannot be customized to meet individual user needs.
Innovation Solution
A side step assembly with a side bar that includes a step attachment channel, allowing the step to slide and be tightened at any desired position along the side bar, enabling customizable placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the step position is fixed in conventional side step assemblies, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to different user heights is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed step position into an adjustable one. The step can be moved along the side bar to different positions and secured at any desired location, making the structure dynamic rather than static. This allows the side step assembly to adapt to different user heights while maintaining structural integrity through the sliding and securing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a side step assembly that can serve multiple users of different heights. The adjustable positioning mechanism allows a single assembly to function for various user requirements, making the device universal rather than user-specific. The side bar with multiple positioning options enables one assembly to replace what would otherwise require multiple fixed-position assemblies.
2Ease of operation
If the step position is fixed, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the ease of operation for different users is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The step positioning mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable during operation. Users can easily move the step along the side bar and secure it at the desired position without complex tools or procedures. This dynamic adjustment capability significantly improves ease of operation for different user heights while adding only moderate manufacturing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the step can be adjusted to any position, then the adaptability is maximized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete components: the side bar with positioning features, the step with coupling elements, and securing mechanisms. This segmentation allows for continuous variable adjustment capability while keeping each component relatively simple. The modular nature of the segmented design enables adaptability without requiring a completely complex integrated system.
Data Source
AI summary
A side step assembly includes a side bar configured to be coupled to a vehicle and a step. The step is configured to interlock with the side bar such that the step can selectively translate along the side bar while remaining coupled thereto.