Box Side Step Support Assembly Nested Within Cargo Panel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support assemblies for box side steps in motor vehicles often protrude beyond the outer panel of the cargo box, compromising their compactness and stability, and lack efficient load transfer mechanisms to the cargo box.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly for a box side step with a base that lies in a plane parallel to the ground surface, featuring vertical supports and reinforcement brackets that connect the base to the inner and outer panels of the cargo box, allowing for compact design and effective load transfer without protruding beyond the outer panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the base projects beyond the outer panel to provide support, then the stability is improved, but the compactness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base is nested within the cargo box's outer panel boundary, with vertical supports extending inward to connect to the inner panel. This nesting approach provides stable support while maintaining a compact appearance that does not protrude beyond the outer panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a horizontal projection (which would increase volume) to a vertical arrangement (connecting inner and outer panels). By utilizing the vertical dimension within the existing horizontal footprint, stability is achieved without compromising compactness.
2Volume of moving object
If the base does not project beyond the outer panel, then the compactness is improved, but the stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is segmented into multiple components: a base connected to the outer panel, vertical supports extending inward, and connections to the inner panel. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve stability through distributed support points while maintaining a compact overall form.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical supports are configured with curved or angled geometries that optimize load distribution and structural stability within the constrained space, allowing the base to remain compact while providing adequate support.
3Strength
If vertical supports and reinforcement brackets are added, then the load transfer efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical supports and reinforcement brackets are merged into an integrated support assembly that connects the base to both the inner and outer panels. This consolidation provides efficient load transfer while minimizing the number of separate components and assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical supports serve multiple functions: they provide structural connection between panels, transfer loads from the base to the cargo box, and reinforce the overall assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a support assembly for a box side step of a motor vehicle, such as a pickup truck. An example vehicle includes a cargo box including a side wall, a box side step, and a support assembly for the box side step including a base that does not project beyond an outer panel of the side wall.