Retractable Vehicle Step With Cam Biasing for Tailgate Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle stepping assists often require custom installation and are not easily adaptable to different vehicle configurations, leading to increased costs and installation time, and lack efficient mechanisms for transitioning between retracted and extended positions.
Innovation Solution
A retractable vehicle step with a biasing mechanism that includes a cam surface and retaining surface, allowing the stepping member to move laterally between retracted and extended positions using existing vehicle connection members, and can be configured into multiple arrangements for versatile attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed position stepping assist is used to allow access to the cargo bed, then cargo bed access is facilitated, but tailgate clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stepping member is designed to be movable between retracted and extended positions through a biasing mechanism with cam surfaces. This dynamic configuration allows the step to provide cargo bed access when needed while retracting to maintain tailgate clearance, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and space occupation.
2Ease of operation
If retractable stepping assists are used to provide cargo bed access, then cargo bed access is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components including the stepping member, biasing mechanism with cam surfaces, and mounting brackets. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing and installation while maintaining the retractable functionality for cargo bed access.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the stepping member and mounting structure, providing automatic extension and retraction without requiring complex actuators or power sources. This reduces installation complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Productivity
If a biasing mechanism is used to transition between retracted and extended positions, then operation efficiency is improved, but mechanism protection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism is designed with inherent cushioning through the cam surface geometry that controls the transition speed. The cam surfaces provide a controlled ramp-up and ramp-down of forces during extension and retraction, protecting the mechanism from shock loads while maintaining efficient operation.
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
The solution provides efficient access to vehicle cargo areas while minimizing installation costs and time, offering adaptable configurations for different vehicle setups and ensuring reliable operation through a protected biasing mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the biasing member generally comprises a moveable retaining surface and a cam surface such that in the retracted position the cam surface contacts the retaining surface and urges the stepping member toward the retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle or truck. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold, interior, or roof of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step may provide clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Advantageously, the vehicle step may be pulled out from under the vehicle by the foot of a user. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time. Finally, the vehicle step may be configured into at least two different arrangements for attachment to a vehicle utilizing the same components.