Deployable Running Board Integrated With Rock Guard Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with lifted suspensions for off-road use present challenges in accessing the vehicle due to elevated running boards, which are also vulnerable to damage from obstacles like rocks, necessitating a robust yet deployable solution for both protection and ease of entry/exit.
Innovation Solution
A combination step and obstacle side guard featuring a hollow housing with a deployable running board and drive linkage mechanism that stows within a robust rock guard, allowing automated deployment for stepping and protection from obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the running board is made robust to withstand rock impacts, then protection capability is improved, but the step height increases making vehicle entry/exit difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The running board is designed to be deployable rather than fixed, allowing it to change position between a lowered entry aid configuration and a raised protection configuration. The automated deployment mechanism enables the board to dynamically adjust its function based on whether ease of entry or rock protection is the primary requirement at any given moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The running board system is divided into separate functional components: a robust housing structure for protection, a deployable step portion for entry assistance, and an automated drive mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
2Ease of operation
If the running board is lowered to facilitate easy entry/exit, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to rock damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the running board's position and protection level based on operational needs. When lowered for easy entry, the automated mechanism can quickly deploy the robust housing to provide protection, and when raised, it offers both entry assistance and rock guard functionality simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The running board system performs multiple functions: it serves as an entry aid when lowered, as a rock guard when raised, and can provide both functions simultaneously in certain configurations. The robust housing structure itself serves dual purposes as both protection barrier and structural support.
3Strength
If a robust housing structure is added for rock protection, then protection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure that provides rock protection is merged with the structural support framework of the running board system. The same robust housing that protects against rocks also serves as the mounting structure for the automated deployment mechanism, eliminating the need for separate protective enclosures.
Solution Approach 2:
The robust housing structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides rock protection, serves as the structural framework for the deployable mechanism, and acts as the enclosure for internal components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination step and obstacle side guard for a vehicle has a first hollow housing portion including an outer robust housing which has a top surface step and bottom obstacle guard surface and a side surface. The side surface including outer edges and forming an inset cavity. An automated deployable running board which has a step portion which is stowed in the inset cavity. A drive linkage mechanism is situated within and protected by said hollow portion of said first hollow housing portion for driving the step between a stowed position in the inset cavity and a deployed step position wherein the step portion can be used for stepping into the vehicle.