Removable Door Latch Step for Vehicle Roof Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals, especially those of shorter stature or when dealing with taller vehicles, face difficulty accessing items placed on the roof of a vehicle without a suitable elevation.
Innovation Solution
A step apparatus that removably couples to a door latch element of a vehicle, providing a load-supporting step structure with an elongate support element that anchors to the latch element, allowing for easy access to the vehicle's roof.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If items are placed on the roof of a vehicle, then storage capacity is improved, but accessibility for short individuals or taller vehicles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The step apparatus is divided into separate components: a step structure with horizontal surfaces and an elongate support element with a coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows the step to be removably coupled to the vehicle door well, providing temporary elevation access without permanently modifying the vehicle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The step apparatus acts as an intermediary structure between the ground and the vehicle roof. By coupling to the door latch element and providing horizontal step surfaces at intermediate heights, it creates a transitional pathway that enables individuals to safely reach the roof without direct lifting or climbing.
2Ease of operation
If a step apparatus is added to provide access, then accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The step apparatus is designed to be universally applicable by coupling to standard vehicle door latch elements. The elongate support element with its coupling mechanism can attach to various vehicle types without custom modification, making the device multi-functional across different vehicle platforms while maintaining relatively simple construction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the step apparatus is made adjustable for various vehicle heights, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The step apparatus incorporates dynamic characteristics through its removably coupleable design. The coupling mechanism allows the step to be easily attached and detached from the door latch element, and the horizontal step surfaces can be positioned at different heights by adjusting the coupling point, enabling adaptation to various vehicle heights without complex adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Step apparatuses that removably couple to a door latch element (e.g., a U-shaped striker element) of a vehicle are described. A step apparatus may include a hook element that enables the step apparatus to hang from a door latch element in a vehicle door well. A step apparatus may also be able to extend through a door latch element such that the step apparatus may couple to the door latch element in an upright position. A step apparatus may include one or more than one step structure.