Hitch-Mounted Collapsible Stairs for Vehicle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle beds, such as those in pick-up trucks, SUVs, and vans, are often elevated, making it difficult for humans and pets to access them safely and easily, as existing solutions do not provide a practical and adjustable means for step access.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible stair assembly that can be removably mounted to a vehicle's trailer hitch, featuring a mounting subassembly and a collapsible step subassembly with adjustable height and position, allowing for easy installation and removal, and accommodating various vehicle types and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If vehicle beds are elevated off the ground, then cargo security and vehicle stability are improved, but user access to the vehicle bed becomes difficult and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The stair assembly is divided into multiple individual steps (typically 3-4 steps) that can be independently positioned. Each step provides a separate landing point, breaking down the single large height barrier into manageable segments that are safe and easy to climb
Solution Approach 2:
The stair assembly incorporates movable and adjustable components including telescoping side rails, pivotable steps, and height-adjustable mounting. This allows the stairs to adapt to different vehicle bed heights and user needs, transforming from a static obstacle into a dynamic access solution
2Ease of operation
If fixed stairs are installed on vehicles, then user access is improved, but device complexity and installation permanence increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stair assembly is designed to be universally compatible with multiple vehicle types (pickup trucks, SUVs, vans, commercial vehicles) through adjustable mounting mechanisms that accommodate different hitch receivers and bed heights. The same basic design serves multiple functions across different applications
Solution Approach 2:
The stairs feature collapsible and telescoping components that allow easy installation and removal. The side rails can extend or retract, and the entire assembly can be folded for storage, providing flexibility without requiring permanent installation
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable stair assemblies are provided, then adaptability to different vehicles is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system uses standard hitch receivers that are common across most vehicles, and the adjustable height mechanism accommodates different bed heights without requiring vehicle-specific customization. This universal design approach achieves adaptability while controlling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The stair assembly features nested components where steps are positioned within the side rail structure, and adjustment mechanisms are integrated into the existing framework. This nesting minimizes the overall complexity by combining multiple functions into a compact integrated design
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch-mountable, collapsible stair assembly is disclosed for use in assisting mounting into a raised vehicle bed. The steps rotate between a generally vertical stowed position and a generally horizontal in-use position. The height of the steps above the ground is adjustable. The lower step can also be extended for ease of use.