Adjustable Vehicle Step Assembly for Cross-Model Side Bar Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing step assemblies for vehicles require specific designs for each vehicle model due to size differences, limiting flexibility in installation and compatibility across various vehicle models.
Innovation Solution
A step assembly with one or more steps that can be attached to a side bar at various locations along its length, allowing for flexibility in positioning and compatibility with different vehicle models by using step attachment channels and couplers that allow for adjustable placement and height adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a specific step assembly design is used for each vehicle model, then proper alignment and positioning below vehicle doors is achieved, but flexibility and compatibility across various vehicle models is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The side bar is designed with multiple attachment channels positioned at different locations along its length, allowing a single step assembly to be universally attached to various vehicle models. The channels enable the step to be positioned at different heights and locations while maintaining proper alignment below vehicle doors across different vehicle sizes and styles.
Solution Approach 2:
The side bar is segmented into multiple attachment channels rather than having a single fixed attachment point. This segmentation allows the step assembly to be divided into configurable segments that can be positioned independently to achieve proper alignment for each specific vehicle model while using the same overall assembly design.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple specific step assembly designs are created for different vehicle models, then proper fit and alignment is achieved, but device complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating multiple specific step assembly designs for different vehicle models, the invention uses a universal side bar design with multiple attachment channels. This single multi-functional design replaces what would otherwise require multiple vehicle-model-specific designs, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining proper fit and alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The step assembly incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable attachment capabilities through multiple channels and movable components. This dynamic design allows the same assembly to be configured for different vehicle models without requiring multiple static designs, thereby reducing the number of parts and simplifying the overall system.
Data Source
AI summary
A step assembly that includes a side bar configured to be coupled to a vehicle; and a step that includes two step couplers that are spaced apart and configured to attach the step to the side bar, each of the step couplers comprising a ring that encircles the side bar. The step comprises a bridge connecting the two step couplers.