Retractable Bumper Step Pad With Covered Storage Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatically deployable vehicle steps integrated into stationary bumpers restrict the utility of the storage compartment due to an opening on the anterior surface, leading to potential content loss and jamming during rotation, and are functional only in the deployed position.
Innovation Solution
A step assist mechanism with pivot mechanisms that eccentrically rotate a step pad between stowed and deployed positions, enclosing the storage compartment opening in the stowed position and providing access in the deployed position, using motor-driven mechanisms for automatic repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the storage compartment opening is on the anterior surface of the stationary bumper, then the storage compartment is accessible, but contents may fall out during step rotation and may prevent rotation back to stowed position
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is relocated from the anterior surface (horizontal plane) to the top wall (vertical plane) of the stationary bumper. This dimensional change allows gravity to retain contents within the storage compartment during step rotation, eliminating the risk of contents falling out or jamming the rotation mechanism, while maintaining accessibility when the step is in deployed position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the step pad is rotated between stowed and deployed positions, then the step provides functional access, but the storage compartment opening becomes exposed or blocked depending on position
Solution Approach 1:
The step pad is designed to dynamically assume different functional roles based on its position: when deployed, it serves as a functional step for vehicle access; when stowed, it automatically becomes a cover for the storage compartment opening. This dynamic multi-functionality ensures continuous utility of the step mechanism while maintaining storage compartment accessibility throughout the rotation cycle.
3Shape
If the step pad forms an anterior surface of the stationary bumper when stowed, then aesthetics are maintained, but the step can only function when deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The step pad is designed with universal functionality to serve dual purposes: it maintains the aesthetic appearance of the bumper anterior surface when stowed, and simultaneously functions as both a storage compartment cover and a functional step. This multi-functionality eliminates the limitation of being usable only in deployed position while preserving aesthetic continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
A step assist has a step pad operatively coupled to a stationary bumper for a vehicle that is automatically repositionable between a stowed position and a deployed position. An upper surface of the step pad forms a functional step in both the stowed position and the deployed position. The stationary bumper includes a storage compartment having an opening in a top wall of the stationary bumper providing access to the storage compartment. First and second pivot mechanisms are operatively coupled between the stationary bumper and respective distal ends of the step pad. The first and second pivot mechanisms are configured to eccentrically-rotate the step pad between the stowed position wherein a lower surface of the step pad encloses the opening of the storage compartment and the deployed position wherein the step pad is spaced apart from the opening of the storage compartment providing access to the storage compartment.