Flexible Vehicle Step Joint for Obstacle-Triggered Upward Tilt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle side steps, particularly those on off-road vehicles, face interference with ground obstacles, leading to potential damage of mounts and linkages due to variable loads, especially in automated running board systems with motors and expensive hardware.
Innovation Solution
A flexible joint system with a load-bearing adapter and lost motion connecting assembly allows the step to tilt upward when encountering obstacles, distributing loads through the vehicle's frame instead of the linkages, maintaining rigidity for downward stepping loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the step is rigidly connected to the vehicle frame, then the stepping functionality is maintained, but the mounting hardware and linkages are vulnerable to damage from upward loads caused by ground obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener assembly incorporates a spring element that allows the step to dynamically adjust its position. Under normal conditions, the spring maintains rigid connection for stepping support. When upward load is applied from obstacles, the spring compresses, allowing the step to tilt upward and relieve the load from the linkage, thus protecting the mounting hardware while maintaining structural integrity during normal use
Solution Approach 2:
The connection stiffness parameter is made variable through the spring-loaded fastener assembly. The system transitions between a rigid state (when spring is uncompressed) providing strong stepping support, and a compliant state (when spring compresses) allowing upward movement to avoid obstacles. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different loading conditions
2Reliability
If the step is allowed to flex upward to avoid obstacles, then the mounting hardware is protected from damage, but the connection rigidity may be compromised for normal stepping loads
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded fastener creates a dynamic connection that adapts to loading conditions. The pre-loaded spring maintains constant contact and rigid connection during normal stepping, while allowing controlled movement when upward forces exceed the spring force, thus protecting the linkage without compromising normal stability
3Adaptability or versatility
If a lost motion connecting assembly is used to allow upward movement, then the step can avoid obstacles, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element acts as an intermediary between the step and the vehicle frame. It mediates the force transmission, providing rigid connection when needed and allowing movement when needed, without requiring complex mechanisms. The spring absorbs the complexity of force management, simplifying the overall design compared to active control systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Protects mounting hardware and linkages by absorbing upward forces, preventing damage while maintaining stepping functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A first fastener assembly is provided for moveably fastening the first flange to the inboard flange of the first vertical flange, the fastener including a biasing spring for providing biasing toward the outside and providing lost motion
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system for a step of a vehicle. A step portion having a connecting flange. A load bearing adapter connected to the connecting flange via a lost motion connecting assembly for allowing substantially rigid connection when the step portion has a normal stepping load and allows tilting of the step when an obstacle is encountered which provides a load on the step in an upward direction. Wherein an upward force on the step portion allows upward movement of the step and returning it to the step position.