Compact Power Running Board Linkage for Low-Profile SUV Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power running boards for automotive applications are bulky and heavy, making them unsuitable for smaller vehicles like sport utility vehicles (SUVs) due to their large package size and high internal stresses, which require larger housings and increased weight.
Innovation Solution
A compact running board assembly with a low height profile, featuring a housing assembly, rotary actuator, linkage, mounting bracket, and electronic control unit, which reduces the overall size and weight by optimizing the pivot shaft and bushing arrangement, allowing for balanced force conditions and reduced reaction forces, enabling movement between stowed and deployed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If parallel swing arms are connected on the outside of housings to pivot shaft ends, then the running board can be moved between stowed and deployed positions, but the overall height of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot shaft is positioned inside the housing rather than outside, with the swing arm connected to the pivot shaft end that extends through the housing. This nesting arrangement reduces the overall height of the assembly while maintaining the movement functionality between stowed and deployed positions.
2Strength
If a cantilever structure is used to avoid high internal forces and stresses, then the structure can support the running board, but a larger housing is required which increases the weight of the assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The cantilever structure is designed with pre-calculated attachment locations on the housing that optimize the distribution of internal forces and stresses. By carefully positioning the swing arm attachment point and the pivot shaft location, the structure achieves adequate strength support with a smaller, lighter housing.
3Length of moving object
If a compact structure with reduced height is designed, then the running board assembly becomes suitable for smaller vehicles, but the housing size must be reduced which may compromise structural strength
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with localized reinforcement at critical areas such as the pivot shaft mounting locations and swing arm attachment points. This allows the overall housing size to be reduced for compactness while maintaining structural strength where it is most needed to support the running board in both stowed and deployed positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A compact deployable/retractable running board assembly for a motor vehicle including a running board, linkage coupled to the running board, and a motor assembly coupled to an actuator, the running board moveable between at least one stowed position and at least one deployed position. The linkage includes a drive arm connected to a pivot shaft within a housing at a location on the pivot shaft between two bushings that are coupled to the pivot shaft within the housing. The linkage also includes an idler arm connected to a pivot shaft within an idler housing. The actuator is operably coupled to the linkage to cause rotation of the linkage to move the running board between the at least one stowed position generally under the motor vehicle and at least one deployed position to provide a step surface for a user.