Collapsible Step Platform Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Platform or step attachments for receiver-type hitches on pickup trucks and SUVs extend rearwardly and are the first point of impact in rear-end collisions, lacking effective force absorption mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible step platform with oblique cross members and a receiver post featuring angled cylinders designed to collapse and absorb impact forces during collisions, providing a mechanism to mitigate the force of rear-end impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a platform or step attachment is attached to the hitch to provide a raised platform for accessing the truck bed, then accessibility to the truck bed is improved, but the platform becomes the first point of impact in rear-end collisions, increasing impact force on the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The step platform transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure. The oblique cross members are designed to collapse forward upon impact, allowing the platform to dynamically absorb collision forces while maintaining its load-bearing function during normal use. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by making the structure adaptable to different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful impact force from rear-end collisions is converted into a beneficial force that triggers the controlled collapse of oblique cross members. This collapse mechanism absorbs impact energy, protecting the vehicle and occupants. The harm (impact force) is transformed into a protective function through the engineered failure mode of the cross members.
2Strength
If a rigid platform structure is used to ensure structural strength and stability, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but the structure cannot absorb impact forces from rear-end collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The platform structure is segmented into functional components: vertical support members that maintain load-bearing capacity, horizontal top and bottom panels that provide structural integrity, and oblique cross members that serve as sacrificial impact-absorbing elements. This segmentation allows different parts to fulfill different functions - strength during normal use and impact absorption during collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural parameters of the platform are optimized to exhibit different mechanical behaviors under different loading conditions. The oblique cross members are designed with specific geometric parameters (angle, length, thickness) that allow them to remain rigid under vertical loads but collapse controllably under horizontal impact forces, changing the effective stiffness parameter based on the applied load direction.
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 collapsible design effectively absorbs and distributes the force of rear-end collisions, enhancing safety by reducing the impact on the vehicle and its occupants.
Implementation Method 1
The oblique cross members are adapted to collapse in a forward direction when the force of an impact is applied to the exterior of the rear panel
Implementation Method 2
The support structures are adapted to collapse upon impact, thereby absorbing the force from the impact
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible step platform and receiver post are adapted to be attached to a vehicle hitch receiver. Oblique cross members of the step body provide additional protection in the event of a rear-end collision.