Integrated Dropside Footstep for Stable Cargo Platform Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footstep arrangements for cargo platforms often extend into cargo space, potentially damaging goods and are unstable under user weight, causing the platform dropside to pivot and complicate access.
Innovation Solution
A sliding footstep arrangement where an elongated footstep member is received by a footstep receiving member, with a sufficient portion remaining inside to provide rotational stability and prevent deformation, using biasing members for secure positioning and friction-enhancing grooves for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pivotable footstep is attached to the inside surface of the closed platform dropside, then access to the platform is facilitated, but the footstep extends into the cargo space and may damage transported goods
Solution Approach 1:
The footstep function is extracted from the dropside structure and implemented as a separate, removable elongated member that can be independently positioned and secured, preventing it from protruding into cargo space while maintaining accessibility function
2Ease of operation
If a pivotable footstep is attached to the inside surface of the closed platform dropside, then access to the platform is facilitated, but the platform dropside is subject to rotational force when the footstep supports a person's weight
Solution Approach 1:
The footstep is segmented into a modular elongated member that can be independently secured to the dropside, allowing the support load to be distributed and the rotational stability to be maintained through separate securing mechanisms at different locations
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated footstep member is pre-secured to the dropside at multiple locations before use, ensuring rotational stability is established in advance before any load is applied, preventing unwanted pivoting when a person steps on it
3Ease of operation
If a pivotable pin is used for the footstep arrangement on the side of the dropside, then access is improved, but the arrangement is difficult to retrofit into an existing platform dropside
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is designed with universal applicability, using common fastening methods that can be adapted to various dropside structures, enabling both new installations and retrofits without requiring specialized components
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~4
AI summary
A footstep arrangement (100) is provided for mounting in an elongated channel (41) of a loading platform dropside (40), the footstep arrangement comprising a footstep receiving member (110) configured to be arranged in the elongated channel, the footstep receiving member extending along a longitudinal axis and an elongated footstep member (130) arranged to be received coaxially within the footstep receiving member, and to be slidable along the longitudinal axis. The elongated footstep member has a retracted position in which the elongated footstep member is substantially inserted into the footstep receiving member, and an extracted position in which a part of the elongated footstep member extends outside the footstep receiving member, thereby forming a footstep coaxial with the footstep receiving member, wherein, in the extracted position, the elongated footstep support a person's weight without rotating with respect to the footstep receiving member.