Locking Electric Step Structure for Telescoping Load Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric steps for automobiles lack a locking mechanism, leading to damage of the telescoping mechanism due to direct transmission of user stepping force, affecting durability and function.
Innovation Solution
An electric step with a locking device that includes a telescoping mechanism and a locking device configured to lock the step at various positions, using components like a connecting plate, limiting member, toggle member, and driving member to stabilize the step and prevent damage to internal parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no locking mechanism is installed, then the structure remains simple, but the telescoping mechanism is easily damaged due to direct transmission of user stepping force
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device acts as an intermediary between the user's stepping force and the telescoping mechanism. When the step is stepped on, the locking device engages to bear the load, preventing direct transmission of force to the telescoping mechanism's internal parts, thus protecting it from damage while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is pre-configured to automatically engage when the step is stepped on. This preliminary locking action occurs before the telescoping mechanism is subjected to damaging forces, ensuring the mechanism is protected in advance rather than requiring complex post-damage repairs or complex prevention systems
2Strength
If a locking mechanism is added, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device serves as a load-bearing intermediary that takes over the force transmission task when needed. It includes simple components like a locking block, cam, or detent mechanism that engage with corresponding features on the telescoping mechanism, providing enhanced load-bearing capacity without requiring a complete redesign of the entire step structure
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, dedicated component rather than being integrated into the telescoping mechanism itself. This allows the locking device to be designed independently with optimal load-bearing features while keeping the telescoping mechanism relatively simple and modular
Data Source
AI summary
An electric step with a locking function includes a step, a telescoping mechanism, and a locking device. The step is adapted to be mounted on a vehicle, and the telescoping mechanism is mounted on the vehicle and coupled to the step. The telescoping mechanism is configured to drive the step to move between a first position and a second position relative to the vehicle. When the step is in the first position, the step exhibits an extended state. When the step is in the second position, the step exhibits a retracted state. There is an angle between the first position and the second position. The locking device is arranged on the telescoping mechanism, and the locking device is configured to lock the step at the first position, the second position, or any position between the first position and the second position.