Integral Wheel Spoke Step for Cargo Bed Access

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for accessing the cargo bed of a motor vehicle, such as portable steps and hinged wheel hub steps, are bulky, inconvenient, aesthetically unpleasing, prone to dirt accumulation, and can cause wheel imbalance due to moving parts.

Innovation Solution

A wheel with integral spokes featuring a slip resistant surface, including options like a raised lip, skid resistant liner, or corrugations, which provides increased friction and airflow direction for improved access without moving parts or imbalance issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a portable step is mounted to the wheel of a stationary vehicle, then access to the cargo bed is improved, but the step is bulky and must be stored in the vehicle when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to cargo bedVSAvoidstep storage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The step is integrated directly into the wheel spoke structure, merging the step function with the wheel assembly. This eliminates the need for a separate portable step that requires storage space, as the step becomes a permanent, built-in component of the wheel itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wheel spoke serves multiple functions: structural support for the wheel and integrated step for accessing the cargo bed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated storage space for separate step components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a hinged step is used in the wheel hub, then access to the cargo bed is improved, but the mechanism has moving parts that are subject to failure and create wheel rotational imbalance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to cargo bedVSAvoidmechanism failure resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hinged mechanism and moving parts are completely removed from the design. Instead of a hinged step that flips down for use, the step is integrated directly into the spoke structure, eliminating the problematic hinge mechanism while maintaining the step function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having a step that moves from a stored position to a usable position via hinges, the design inverts this by having the step permanently integrated into the spoke structure, requiring no movement or articulation to function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If a hinged step is used in the wheel hub, then access to the cargo bed is improved, but the mechanism creates wheel rotational imbalance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to cargo bedVSAvoidwheel rotational balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The hinged mechanism and moving parts are completely removed from the design. Instead of a hinged step that flips down for use, the step is integrated directly into the spoke structure, eliminating the problematic hinge mechanism while maintaining the step function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having a step that moves from a stored position to a usable position via hinges, the design inverts this by having the step permanently integrated into the spoke structure, requiring no movement or articulation to function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Ease of operation

If a vehicle hub step is used, then access to the cargo bed is improved, but the device is unsightly and collects dirt and debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to cargo bedVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The step is merged with the spoke design itself, so the step structure becomes part of the wheel's aesthetic form. Rather than adding a separate hub step device that looks unsightly, the step function is integrated into the existing spoke geometry, maintaining visual coherence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The step surface incorporates specific local features (corrugations, raised patterns) that provide slip resistance while maintaining aesthetic appeal. These localized surface treatments enhance both function and appearance without compromising the overall design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 wheel design offers convenient, aesthetically pleasing, and reliable access to cargo beds or rooftops, maintaining balance and self-cleaning as it eliminates the need for moving parts, preventing dirt accumulation and rotational imbalances.

Implementation Method 1

That slip resistant surface yields an increased coefficient of friction with the sole of a shoe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

those corrugations include a plurality of channels that direct airflow toward a vehicle brake assembly adjacent the wheel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow direction: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS10807411B2Wheel with spokes including integral step providing improved access to a cargo bed of a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A wheel is provided for a motor vehicle. The wheel includes a hub, a rim and a plurality of spokes that extend between the hub and the rim. At least one of the spokes includes an integral step having a slip resistant surface.