Push-to-Release Retractable Side Step Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fixed running boards on motor vehicles are often impractically high for users, prone to dirt and mud accumulation, and reduce ground clearance, while retractable running boards with four-bar links are cumbersome and not user-friendly.
Innovation Solution
A step assembly with a mounting bracket, pivotally coupled arms, and a push-to-release mechanism that includes a drive shaft and latch assembly, allowing the step to move between retracted and extended positions using a drive shaft and latch hub mechanism, ensuring easy operation and reduced dirt accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed running boards are used, then users can access the vehicle, but the step height becomes impractically high and ground clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The running board is designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions through a four-bar linkage mechanism. When not in use, the step retracts underneath the vehicle body, maintaining full ground clearance. When needed, it extends to provide accessible stepping surface, thus dynamically adapting the step height rather than being fixed at an impractically high position.
Solution Approach 2:
The step assembly is designed to nest underneath the vehicle body when retracted. The mounting bracket and linkage mechanism allow the step to be stored within the space under the vehicle, similar to nested dolls, thereby preserving ground clearance while maintaining the capability to extend when needed for user access.
2Ease of operation
If fixed running boards are used, then users can access the vehicle, but dirt and mud accumulation occurs on the step
Solution Approach 1:
By making the running board movable rather than fixed, the step can be retracted underneath the vehicle body when not in use. This dynamic positioning keeps the stepping surface away from road-level contaminants, significantly reducing dirt and mud accumulation while maintaining accessibility when extended.
Solution Approach 2:
The step is extracted from its traditional fixed position near the wheel well and repositioned to a movable location that can be stored underneath the vehicle body. This extraction removes the step from the contamination zone, preventing dirt and mud accumulation while preserving the function of providing user access.
3Length of stationary object
If retractable running boards with four-bar links are used, then ground clearance is maintained, but the mechanism becomes cumbersome and not user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the position of the step. When the step is extended, the latch automatically locks to maintain position. When retracted, it automatically releases. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual operation, making the system user-friendly despite the complexity of the four-bar linkage.
Solution Approach 2:
A latch assembly acts as an intermediary between the user and the four-bar linkage mechanism. The latch provides a simple interface that automatically controls the complex linkage, translating user intent into automatic mechanism operation. This intermediary simplifies user interaction while maintaining the ground clearance benefits of the retractable design.
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 step assembly provides a practical, user-friendly, and clean solution for accessing vehicles by allowing the step to be easily extended and retracted, maintaining ground clearance and minimizing dirt accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
A drive shaft is rotatable relative to the mounting bracket
Implementation Method 2
The latch hub is movable between a locked position, in which the latch assembly maintains the step in the retracted position, and an unlocked position, in which the latch assembly allows for movement of the step
Implementation Method 3
first and second arms each having one end pivotal with respect to the mounting bracket and an opposing end pivotally coupled to the step for pivotally moving the step between a retracted position and an extended position
Data Source
AI summary
A step assembly includes a mounting bracket assembly adapted to be fixedly secured to a motor vehicle. A first arm includes one end pivotal with respect to the mounting bracket assembly and an opposing end. A second arm includes one end pivotal with respect to the mounting bracket assembly and an opposing end. A step pad assembly is pivotally coupled to the opposing end of each of the first and second arms. The step pad assembly includes a step movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A push to release mechanism is operably coupled to at least one of the first and second arms to release the step from one of the retracted and extended positions in response to a push action on the step.