Deployable Vehicle Footstep Assembly for Low-Access Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks and buses, often have footsteps that are too high, making it difficult for passengers with small stature or physical disabilities to access the vehicle, and installing permanent ladders reduces ground clearance and aerodynamics.
Innovation Solution
A footstep assembly with a main frame attached to the vehicle's chassis, featuring an articulated mechanism that allows a step to fold under an existing sidestep in a storage position and extend downward for easier access, controlled by an actuator and controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If permanent ladders are installed to provide lower access steps, then accessibility is improved, but ground clearance is reduced and aerodynamics are negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The footstep assembly is designed to be movable between a retracted position (aligned with the sidestep) and a deployed position (extending downward to provide lower access). This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements: when deployed, it provides improved accessibility for passengers; when retracted, it maintains ground clearance and aerodynamic performance. The movable nature of the assembly resolves the contradiction between needing low steps for access and maintaining high ground clearance for vehicle performance.
2Ease of operation
If permanent ladders are installed to provide lower access steps, then accessibility is improved, but aerodynamics are negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The footstep assembly can be dynamically positioned to be flush with the vehicle body when not in use, minimizing aerodynamic disruption. When deployed, it provides the necessary lower access steps. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to provide improved accessibility only when needed, while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency during normal vehicle operation, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and aerodynamic performance.
3Ease of operation
If the step is positioned lower for easier access, then accessibility is improved, but ground clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a movable footstep assembly that can be positioned at different vertical levels. When deployed, the step extends downward to provide easier access for passengers with mobility challenges. When retracted, it aligns with the existing sidestep, maintaining the vehicle's ground clearance and avoiding interference with the vehicle's undercarriage. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between providing low steps for accessibility and maintaining adequate ground clearance for reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A footstep assembly for a vehicle, such as a truck, comprising a main frame configured to be coupled on a chassis of the vehicle; a fastening device adapted to fasten the main frame to the chassis of the vehicle, preferably directly below an existing sidestep of the vehicle; at least one step hingedly connected to the main frame through an articulated mechanism, the articulated mechanism having a folded state, in which the at least one step is in a storage position, in which it is aligned in a first horizontal plane, and an unfolded state, in which the at least one step is in an operative position, in which it is aligned in second horizontal plane that is below the first horizontal plane and vertically offset therefrom; an actuator configured to switch the articulated mechanism between its folded state and unfolded state; and a controller adapted to control the actuator.