Foldable Running Board with Rotating Intermediate Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional running boards are rigid and require more packaging materials, leading to increased transporting and packaging costs due to their size and weight, making them inconvenient for vehicles with higher chassis levels like pick-ups and SUVs.
Innovation Solution
A foldable running board design featuring an intermediate connector with rotating shafts and mounting members allows the running board bodies to fold side-to-side, reducing overall volume during transport and installation, thereby minimizing costs and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid running board body is used, then the running board provides stable support and protection, but it occupies more transporting space and increases packaging costs
Solution Approach 1:
The running board body is divided into multiple segments (first running board body and second running board body) that can rotate relative to each other around a rotation axis. This segmentation allows the running board to be folded during transport, reducing occupying space, while maintaining stability when deployed for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The running board transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure with rotation capability. The first and second running board bodies can rotate relative to each other around the rotation axis, enabling the running board to change its configuration between deployed and folded states, thus adapting to different operational and transport requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid running board body is used, then the running board provides consistent protection, but it increases packaging materials and transporting costs
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the running board into rotatable segments, the overall structure becomes more compact when folded, reducing the volume that needs to be packaged and transported. This decreases the quantity of packaging materials required while maintaining the protective function when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic folding capability allows the running board to occupy less space during transport, thereby reducing packaging material requirements. When deployed, the running board maintains its structural integrity and protective function against vehicle body collisions.
3Ease of operation
If the running board is designed for higher chassis vehicles, then it provides adequate step height, but it occupies more space during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design with rotation capability allows the running board to achieve the necessary step height for higher chassis vehicles when deployed, while folding into a compact configuration during transport, thus reducing occupying space without compromising boarding convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic rotation mechanism enables the running board to extend to the appropriate height for vehicles with higher chassis, improving boarding convenience. When not in use, the running board can be folded to minimize occupying space during transport.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a running board and a vehicle comprising the same. The running board includes an intermediate connector, a first running board body, and the second running board body. The intermediate connector includes a first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft, a first mounting member, and a second mounting member. The first rotating shaft is connected to the second rotating shaft. The first rotating shaft is inserted into the first mounting member, and the first mounting member rotates about the first rotating shaft. The second rotating shaft is inserted into the second mounting member, and the second mounting member rotates about the second rotating shaft. The first running board body and the second running board body are foldable side-to-side through the intermediate connector.