Heated Running Board with Conductive Polymer Deck
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with high ground clearance, such as SUVs and trucks, face challenges in accessing the roof due to elevated floors, and existing running boards do not effectively address the issue of snow and ice accumulation, which can hinder user access.
Innovation Solution
A heated running board assembly with thermally conductive polymer raised sections and embedded electrically conductive elements, such as nichrome wires, that allow for efficient heat distribution to melt snow and ice, combined with a temperature control system using a current source, temperature sensor, and thermistor to regulate heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a running board is used to provide access to the vehicle roof, then user accessibility is improved, but snow and ice accumulation on the running board surface creates a harmful effect that hinders safe access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies Joule heating by passing electrical current through resistive heating elements embedded in the running board deck. The electrical energy is converted to thermal energy, generating heat that actively melts snow and ice accumulation on the running board surface, transforming the harmful cold environment into a controlled heating process that ensures safe user access
2Object-affected harmful factors
If heating elements are added to the running board to melt snow and ice, then snow and ice removal capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates heating elements directly into the running board deck structure during the molding process. The heating elements are embedded within the deck material, merging the structural function of the running board with the thermal function of snow and ice removal. This integration eliminates separate heating assemblies and reduces overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the electrical resistivity parameter of the heating elements to generate heat through Joule heating. By controlling the electrical current flow and the resistive properties of the heating elements, the system achieves effective snow and ice melting without requiring complex mechanical or thermal 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
The solution provides safe and efficient heat delivery to the running board surface, effectively melting snow and ice, improving user access in cold conditions while being cost-effective and manufactured using efficient methods like coextrusion.
Implementation Method 1
The raised sections include an electrically conductive element configured to allow electric current to flow through the raised sections
Implementation Method 2
The raised sections are made of a thermally conductive polymer
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary running board assembly includes a running board with a deck having a plurality of spaced-apart raised sections. The raised sections are made of a thermally conductive polymer and include an electrically conductive element configured to allow electric current to flow through the raised sections.