Vehicle Cargo Step Height Control for Uneven Ground Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicles with cargo areas, such as vans, often lack an efficient mechanism to adjust the step height automatically to provide a consistent and convenient access point between the vehicle floor and the groundscape, requiring user intervention or manual adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle system that includes a step with a guide assembly and a motor to adjust its position, utilizing sensors to determine the height difference between the deck and the groundscape, and a controller to automatically set the step halfway between the two, ensuring even step heights with minimal user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the step position is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different ground heights is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The step assembly is made dynamically adjustable through a motor-driven guide assembly that moves the step between a stowed position (flush with rear bumper) and a deployed position (extended outward). The system dynamically adapts to different ground heights by using sensors to detect the groundscape and automatically adjusting the step position, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, adaptive component.
Solution Approach 2:
The step assembly performs self-service by automatically detecting the groundscape height using sensors and autonomously adjusting its position without requiring manual user intervention. The motor-driven guide assembly self-regulates the step deployment based on sensor feedback, enabling the system to adapt to varying ground conditions independently.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The step assembly performs self-service by automatically detecting the groundscape height using sensors and autonomously adjusting its position without requiring manual user intervention. The motor-driven guide assembly self-regulates the step deployment based on sensor feedback, enabling the system to adapt to varying ground conditions independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by using sensors to detect the groundscape height and providing this information to the motor-driven guide assembly, which automatically adjusts the step position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the step is always positioned optimally for user access, enhancing ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the step is always deployed, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time for vehicle maneuvers is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The step assembly is made dynamically adjustable through a motor-driven guide assembly that moves the step between a stowed position (flush with rear bumper) and a deployed position (extended outward). The system dynamically adapts to different ground heights by using sensors to detect the groundscape and automatically adjusting the step position, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, adaptive component.
4Ease of operation
If automatic adjustment is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the use of energy is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven guide assembly operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when the system detects a need to adjust the step position. The sensor-based detection system triggers motor operation only when ground height variations are detected, and the step automatically retracts when not in use, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, including: a cargo area including a floor; a step including a deck; a guide assembly configured to guide movement of the step; a motor configured to move the guide assembly to adjust a position of the step; at least one sensor configured to obtain information indicative of a height of the deck relative to a groundscape adjacent the motor vehicle; and a controller configured to interpret the information from the at least one sensor to determine the height of the deck relative to the groundscape and the floor, and wherein the controller is configured to instruct the motor to adjust the position of the deck to be substantially halfway between the groundscape and the floor.