Elastically Deformable Connecting Rod for Step Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional self-locking drive devices for folding steps in transport vehicles face issues where the step protrudes outside the vehicle's dimensions when locked, reducing passenger space and requiring intermediate positions for secure locking.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating elastically deformable means into the transmission assembly allows the step to be directly locked in its extreme high position without protruding, using a connecting rod with spring washers or compression springs to maintain stability and prevent untimely movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the step is locked in its retracted position using a conventional rigid connecting rod, then the step is securely locked, but the step protrudes beyond the vehicle's dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting rod is made elastically deformable rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically change its effective length during the locking process. The rod deflects elastically to absorb the overtravel motion while maintaining the step at the correct retracted position, resolving the contradiction between reliable locking and proper dimensional alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the connecting rod changes from rigid to elastically deformable. This parameter change allows the rod to undergo controlled deflection during locking, enabling the step to reach the precise retracted position without protruding, while still achieving secure locking through the elastic restraint.
2Reliability
If the step is locked by moving the connecting rod axis below the line connecting motor axis and linkage pivot axis, then the step is locked reliably, but the step must be moved downward from its extreme high position
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic means are pre-configured in the connecting rod to automatically engage and lock the step at its extreme high position. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for additional downward movement to achieve locking, as the elastic restraint is already positioned to engage at the desired locking point.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deformable means allow the step to directly reach and lock at its extreme high position without needing to pass through intermediate positions or perform additional downward movement. The elastic rod absorbs the locking motion directly, enabling the system to skip unnecessary movement steps and achieve locking more efficiently.
3Length of moving object
If the connecting rod is made elastically deformable to prevent protrusion, then the step remains within vehicle dimensions, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic locking function is merged directly into the connecting rod itself rather than being a separate component. The spring washers or compression springs are integrated within the connecting rod structure, combining the transmission and locking functions into a single unified component, thereby minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic means within the connecting rod automatically perform the locking function without requiring external control mechanisms. The spring washers or compression springs self-engage and self-restrain the step at the correct position, eliminating the need for additional actuators, sensors, or control systems that would increase complexity.
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
Ensures the step remains within the vehicle's dimensions while providing reliable locking and enhanced safety, overcoming the angular overtravel issues of prior art by allowing direct access to a locked position without intermediate steps.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting rod (30) comprises elastic means (72) which are capable of storing energy and of restraining movement of the step (100)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
This drive device comprises a rotary motor (10) and a transmission assembly (20, 30, 80) capable of being moved by the rotation of the motor (10) and of activating the movement of the step. According to the invention, the transmission assembly is equipped with elastically deformable means (72), enabling this transmission assembly to occupy a locked position when the step is in its highest position, this locked position not requiring any prior angular overtravel of the step. The invention provides that, through the use of elastically deformable means equipping the transmission assembly, the step can be reliably locked in its highest position. Consequently, this step does not protrude beyond the overall dimensions of the vehicle, while ensuring satisfactory safety.The invention thus eliminates the need for the prior angular overtravel of the gait, which is required by the prior art. By comparison, the invention allows direct access to a locked extreme high position, through the use of deformable means, without having to adopt an intermediate position.