Retractable Box Step Lighting for Step and Ground Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retractable box steps on vehicles lack lighting, making it difficult for users to see the step at night and other areas of interest, such as the ground beneath and the hitch, and do not provide illumination as a signal to oncoming vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A box step lighting arrangement with a mount, linkage, motor, and light modules that project light onto the step and surrounding areas, including the ground and hitch, and can signal to oncoming vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If no lighting is provided on the box step, then the device complexity is reduced, but the visibility of the step and surrounding areas at night deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is integrated into the box step structure itself, merging the illumination function with the step structure. The light modules are incorporated into the step assembly, eliminating the need for separate external lighting systems and reducing overall device complexity while providing necessary illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting arrangement serves multiple functions: illuminating the step for user visibility, lighting up surrounding areas including the ground and hitch, and providing signal lights to alert oncoming vehicles. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive illumination benefits across multiple operational needs.
2Illumination intensity
If lighting is added to illuminate the step and surrounding areas, then the visibility and safety are improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system operates periodically rather than continuously, activating when the box step is deployed and deactivating when retracted. This periodic operation provides necessary illumination during use while minimizing energy consumption during non-use periods, balancing visibility needs with energy conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting arrangement provides localized illumination specifically where needed - on the step surface, surrounding ground areas, and hitch regions - rather than uniform lighting throughout. This targeted approach optimizes energy usage by concentrating light output in critical zones rather than wasting energy on unnecessary areas.
3Ease of operation
If the box step is made motorized for automated operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized operation system is integrated with the lighting control system, where the same motor that operates the step also triggers the lighting sequence. This merging of functions provides automated operation convenience while minimizing additional complexity by using existing motor control infrastructure for dual purposes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances visibility of the step and surrounding areas at night, providing safety and visibility to users and oncoming vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The light module has at least one light projection element that projects light onto the step member and the ground beneath the step member
Data Source
AI summary
A box step lighting arrangement for a vehicle which includes a mount for attachment to a vehicle. A step member and a linkage are connected to the mount, the linkage move the step member between a deployed position and retracted position. A motor is attached to the linkage to move the step between a deployed position and retracted position. Connected to the linkage is at least one light module. The light module has at least one light projection element that projects light onto the step member and the ground beneath the step member.