Ground-Sensing Power Running Board for Variable Step Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional running boards with pre-determined spacing are inadequate for vehicles with varying ground clearance during off-roading, leading to potential fall or trip hazards due to inconsistent ground conditions.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable running board system with sensors and actuators that detect ground clearance and adjust the spacing between steps to ensure equidistant deployment, preventing safety hazards by determining the optimal position based on detected data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional running boards with pre-determined spacing are used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the running board cannot adapt to varying ground clearance during off-roading, creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The running board system transitions from a static structure with fixed step spacing to a dynamic system where the support bar can be positioned at different deployed positions. The controller adjusts the deployed position of the support bar based on sensor data detecting ground clearance, allowing the running board to adapt its configuration to match varying ground conditions during off-roading activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the support bar to adapt to different ground clearance conditions. By adjusting the deployed position parameter of the support bar based on detected ground clearance measurements, the running board maintains appropriate step spacing relative to the ground despite variations in vehicle ride height and terrain conditions.
2Reliability
If sensors and actuators are added to adjust running board position, then adaptability to ground clearance improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback control loop where sensors detect ground clearance conditions and provide data to the controller. The controller processes this sensor data and adjusts the deployed position of the support bar accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that continuously adapts the running board configuration to maintain safety during ingress and egress operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The running board system operates autonomously by using sensors to self-detect ground clearance conditions and automatically adjusting the support bar position without requiring manual intervention. The controller receives sensor data and independently determines the appropriate deployed position, enabling the system to serve itself in adapting to varying terrain conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, a system, and a method for providing a smart multi-tier power running board (PRB) with ground sensing technologies. The apparatus includes one or more support bars, one or more steps, an actuator connected to one end of each support bar of the one or more support bars, one or more sensors, and a controller coupled to the actuator and the one or more sensors. The controller is configured to: obtain data indicative of a request to move the one or more support bars from a stowed position to a deployed position; determine, based on sensor data detected by the one or more sensors, the deployed position for moving the one or more support bars; and control, based on the determined deployed position, the actuator to move the one or more support bars from the stowed position to the deployed position.