Composite Running Board with Integrated Mounting and Ribs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing running boards for automotive vehicles lack structural rigidity and design flexibility while relying on separate metal mounting brackets, which are costly and heavy, and recent plastic molded steps still require these brackets for attachment.

Innovation Solution

A composite running board with a step portion integrally molded with a mounting portion and support ribs, eliminating the need for separate brackets by providing structural rigidity and aesthetic design through a sandwich construction of a top deck, bottom cover, and vertically and horizontally oriented mounting plates with embedded support ribs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate metal mounting brackets are used to attach the running board, then the running board can be securely mounted to the vehicle, but the overall weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoidrunning board weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting brackets are integrated into the running board as a single molded component rather than separate attachable parts. The running board includes a molded mounting bracket formed as one piece with the running board body, eliminating the need for separate metal mounting brackets while maintaining secure attachment capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The running board is constructed from composite materials (polymer matrix with reinforcing fibers) that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing the integrated mounting bracket to achieve the same structural performance as metal brackets while significantly reducing weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If separate metal mounting brackets are used to attach the running board, then the running board can be securely mounted to the vehicle, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated mounting bracket is molded in a contrasting color (e.g., black or dark gray) compared to the main running board body, allowing visual differentiation and aesthetic appeal while maintaining structural integrity and reducing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Weight of moving object

If a plastic molded step portion is used instead of steel, then weight and cost are reduced, but structural rigidity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverunning board weightVSAvoidstructural rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Reinforcing ribs are strategically positioned in specific areas of the running board where structural support is most needed, such as beneath the mounting bracket and along the longitudinal edges, providing localized strength enhancement without adding unnecessary weight throughout the entire structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Weight of moving object

If a plastic molded step portion is used instead of steel, then weight and cost are reduced, but design flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverunning board weightVSAvoiddesign flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP3131784B1Composite running board

Publication Date: 2018.12.12 TIERCON CORP

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Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A composite running board for use with an automotive vehicle. The running board includes a step portion formed by a top deck and an aerodynamic bottom cover. A mounting portion is formed integrally with the step portion and includes a vertical mounting plate and a horizontal mounting plate for attaching the running board to the vehicle. A plurality of support ribs are sandwiched between the top deck and the bottom cover and connected to the mounting portion to provide structural rigidity to the running board.