Curved-Link Running Board Assembly for Multi-Height Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing running board assemblies for vehicles with high ground clearance do not effectively accommodate users of varying heights and fail to provide optimal cargo access, limiting their functionality and usability.
Innovation Solution
A running board assembly with a linkage system comprising a first and second link, where the second link is curved, allowing for multiple deployed positions at different heights, controlled by a motor and sensor system to adjust the deck's position based on user height or cargo access commands, ensuring user accessibility and cargo access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional running board assembly with straight links is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate users of varying heights and provides limited cargo access
Solution Approach 1:
The running board assembly is designed with a motor-driven linkage system that enables dynamic adjustment between multiple deployed positions (first, second, and third positions). The linkage assembly includes movable links that can change the deck's position relative to the vehicle body, allowing adaptation to different user heights and cargo access requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage assembly is divided into multiple independent links (first link, second link, third link) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complex motion patterns and multiple deployed positions while maintaining manageable individual component complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a motor-driven adjustable linkage system is implemented, then multiple deployed positions at different heights are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven linkage system serves multiple functions: it adjusts the running board to different heights for various user sizes, enables cargo access by raising the deck to the third position, and can be controlled through multiple interfaces (switch, sensor-based automatic detection). This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect user height and provide feedback to the control system. This automatic feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual positioning and reduces the complexity of user interaction, as the system self-adjusts based on detected parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the second link is curved with a concave contour, then the linkage geometry enables multiple deployed positions, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second link is designed with a curved contour having a concave shape when viewed from the deck. This curvature is specifically engineered to guide the linkage through precise geometric paths that enable the running board to achieve multiple deployed positions at different heights while maintaining proper alignment and motion control throughout the range of movement.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a running board for a motor vehicle, and in particular relates to a linkage assembly for the running board and a corresponding method of using the same. An example running board assembly includes a deck and a linkage assembly configured to guide movement of the deck. The linkage assembly includes a first link and a second link further from the deck than the first link. The second link is curved such that the second link exhibits a concave contour from a perspective of the deck.