Modular Vehicle Running Board with Projections and Cavities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle running boards lack modularity, making it difficult to replace damaged parts and adjust for different vehicle models, complicating the manufacturing process and limiting product variability.
Innovation Solution
A modular vehicle running board design featuring a profile with projections and cavities for modular arrangement of components and trims, allowing for the attachment of a non-slip step and lighting points, facilitating easier assembly and adaptation across various models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional running board design is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different vehicle models is limited and manufacturing complexity increases when multiple models are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The running board profile incorporates a modular system with standardized attachment points, cavities, and slots that can accommodate multiple components (trims, steps, lighting) and adapt to different vehicle models using a single base profile design, eliminating the need for model-specific profiles
2Productivity
If a traditional running board design is used, then the manufacturing process is simple for single models, but the productivity decreases when multiple models need to be manufactured
Solution Approach 1:
The running board is divided into modular components (base profile, trims, steps, lighting) that can be manufactured separately and assembled through standardized attachment mechanisms, allowing parallel production and reducing overall manufacturing complexity across multiple models
3Ease of repair
If a traditional running board design is used, then the assembly process is straightforward, but the ease of repair and component replacement is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The running board components are segmented into independently attachable modules using standardized mechanical fastening systems, allowing damaged parts to be replaced without affecting other components while maintaining simple assembly through consistent attachment interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
Universal attachment points and standardized interfaces are implemented across all components, enabling any trim, step, or lighting element to be attached or removed from the base profile using the same mechanism, simplifying both assembly and repair operations
4Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional running board design is used, then the product has limited variability, but the device complexity for achieving variability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The running board system is segmented into interchangeable modular components (different trims, steps, lighting options) that can be combined in various configurations on a single base profile, achieving high product variability through simple combinatorial assembly rather than complex design variations
Data Source
AI summary
The modular vehicle running board, subject matter of the invention, comprises a profile (10) provided with projections (12) and cavities (14) and (15) for the modular arrangement of assembly components and trims (20), (40) and (41), allowing the arrangement of lighting points (36) and the attachment of a non-slip step (30), in order to optimize the assembly system and allow greater product variability in a single profile/chassis. The result is a modular vehicle running board endowed with new constructive characteristics facilitating manufacture and adaptation in different models.