Fender Step for Dually Pickup Cargo Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increased ride height of dually pickup trucks makes it difficult for individuals to access the cargo area, as existing rear steps primarily aid climbing onto the tailgate rather than providing side access to the cargo box.
Innovation Solution
A foot-step is integrated into the fender assembly, which extends outward from the cargo box, providing easier access to the cargo bed by being attachable to the vehicle's structural members for support and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the ride height is increased to increase payload and towing capacity, then the payload and towing capacity are improved, but the accessibility to the cargo area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle side access system is segmented into multiple components: the fender structure, the footstep assembly, and the mounting brackets. This segmentation allows the footstep to be positioned independently at the optimal height and location to bridge the gap created by increased ride height, providing accessible entry to the cargo area without compromising payload capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The footstep assembly acts as an intermediary element between the ground and the cargo box. It provides a intermediate platform that users can step on to reach the cargo area, effectively mediating the accessibility problem caused by increased ride height while allowing the vehicle to maintain its high payload and towing capacity
2Ease of operation
If a foot-step is added to provide side access, then the accessibility to cargo area is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The footstep assembly is merged with the existing fender structure. The footstep utilizes the fender as part of its support system, and the mounting brackets attach to both the fender and the cargo box sidewall. This merging approach integrates the new accessibility feature into the existing vehicle structure rather than adding completely separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The fender structure serves multiple functions: it continues to protect the wheel assembly from debris and damage, maintains its structural role in the vehicle body, and now also serves as a mounting structure for the footstep assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components
3Ease of operation
If the foot-step is attached to the fender, then the accessibility is improved, but the risk of damage to the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting brackets are designed with reinforcement features and are attached to structurally sound portions of the fender and cargo box sidewall. This beforehand strengthening ensures that the attachment points can withstand the loads imposed by user weight without causing damage to the vehicle structure
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting function is extracted from the fender structure itself and implemented through separate, dedicated mounting brackets. These brackets are specifically designed for attaching the footstep and are removed from the fender's primary protective function, isolating the load-bearing role to specialized components that can be optimized for strength without compromising the fender's debris protection function
Data Source
AI summary
A dually pickup truck includes a rear axle having a dual-wheel assembly on an end of the axle and a fender positioned over a portion the dual-wheel assembly. A foot-step is in cooperation with the fender providing a user easier access to a cargo bed of the truck.