Cam Track Guided Vehicle Step for Ground Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles, such as pick-up trucks, present difficulties for individuals, especially older people, short individuals, and women, in entering or exiting due to their elevated configuration, and existing after-market solutions like running boards or fold-down steps either have fixed positions or reduce ground clearance, lacking durability and requiring maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A cam track guided step system that mounts between the chassis frame and body panel, allowing reciprocal movement from a stowed to an extended position, utilizing cam tracks and cam rods for guided movement, and a step latch for easy deployment, maintaining ground clearance and requiring minimal user maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed running board is placed under the vehicle, then it provides continuous support for ingress and egress, but it permanently reduces ground clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The running board is designed to be movable rather than fixed, transitioning between a stowed position (maintaining ground clearance) and a deployed position (providing ingress/egress assistance). The cam track mechanism enables this dynamic transformation, allowing the board to extend horizontally when needed and retract vertically when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The running board system is divided into separable components: the cam track frame mounted to the vehicle, the movable step assembly, and the cam rods providing guided motion. This segmentation allows the board to be deployed only when needed rather than permanently installed, resolving the conflict between providing assistance and maintaining ground clearance.
2Ease of operation
If a fold-down step is coupled to the vehicle body, then it can be moved to provide access, but it requires complex mounting and may reduce ground clearance in stowed position
Solution Approach 1:
The step assembly transitions from a stowed position against the vehicle body to a deployed horizontal position through controlled movement along cam tracks. This dynamic positioning provides access when needed while minimizing interference with ground clearance when stowed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam track frame acts as an intermediary structure mounted between the vehicle chassis and body panel, providing a guided pathway for the step assembly. This intermediary mechanism simplifies mounting by creating a dedicated interface that guides the folding motion without requiring complex attachment systems.
3Ease of operation
If an auxiliary step is mounted below the chassis frame, then it provides support for ingress and egress, but it reduces ground clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary step is positioned above the chassis frame and moves dynamically between a deployed position (providing support) and a stowed position (clearing the ground). This eliminates the permanent ground clearance reduction associated with steps mounted below the chassis while maintaining the support function when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting the step below the chassis (vertical dimension interference), the invention mounts it above the chassis and uses horizontal folding motion to provide access. This dimensional change allows the step to clear the ground when stowed while still providing effective support when deployed.
4Length of stationary object
If a movable step assembly is implemented, then ground clearance is maintained, but the mechanism requires durable construction with minimal maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The cam track mechanism is designed to be self-lubricating and self-aligning, with the cam rods naturally following the cam track geometry. This reduces the need for external maintenance while ensuring reliable operation of the movable step assembly over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlled dynamic movement along fixed cam tracks provides predictable motion paths that reduce wear and improve reliability. The guided reciprocal movement between stowed and deployed positions ensures consistent operation while maintaining ground clearance, with the mechanism designed for durability through proper material selection and construction.
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
Facilitates easy ingress and egress without reducing ground clearance, ensuring durability and low maintenance, while being cost-effective and suitable for broad market appeal.
Implementation Method 1
Each cam rod, extends through the first and second plates of the cam track frame. Each of the cam rods are configured to slidingly engage one of the first and second cam tracks. When the step assembly moves between the first and second plates, the step assembly is guided by the cam rods in the first and second cam tracks
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle step for access to a vehicle with the vehicle including a chassis frame and a body panel. The vehicle step includes a cam track frame, a step assembly configured for guided reciprocal movement between the first and second plates of the cam track frame. The step assembly includes a pair of cam rods with each cam rod coupled to the step frame and configured to slidingly engage a first and second cam track defined in the cam track frame to guide the step assembly. A step latch is disposed in the step frame of the step assembly with the step latch configured for one of retaining the step assembly in a stowed position and releasing the step assembly to an extended position.