Modular Trailer Step Assembly for Adjustable Vehicle Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional trailer steps have limited adjustability, failing to accommodate boats or vehicles of different sizes and heights, and do not provide optimal positioning for safe and comfortable access.
Innovation Solution
A modular stepping device with a main tube, base mounting plate, and adjustable steps, allowing for customizable attachment through fastener openings, enabling flexible positioning and angle adjustment to fit various vehicle configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed configuration steps are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to different boat sizes and heights is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The step assembly is divided into separate modular components: individual step units that can be independently positioned, a main tube with multiple fastener openings, and a base mounting plate. This segmentation allows the steps to be reconfigured for different boat sizes and heights while keeping each component relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The step assembly transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamically adjustable structure. The steps can be repositioned along the main tube by removing and reattaching them at different fastener openings, allowing the system to adapt to various boat configurations while maintaining structural integrity through standardized coupling mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If fixed steps are used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the positioning flexibility for safe and comfortable boarding is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The main tube and base mounting plate serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable step positioning at various heights, and offer multiple attachment points for different step configurations. The standardized fastener openings allow the same components to accommodate different step arrangements, reducing the need for multiple specialized parts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular adjustable steps are implemented, then the versatility for different trailer configurations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows for parameter changes in step position and configuration by utilizing multiple fastener openings at different locations on the main tube. Users can adjust the vertical and horizontal positioning of steps to match different trailer and boat configurations, while the standardized component interfaces keep the overall system relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include a device for providing access to a vehicle. The device includes a main tube, a base mounting plate, and steps. The main tube has first and second ends. A surface of the main tube defines a plurality of main tube fastener openings spaced apart from each other lengthwise. The base mounting plate is coupled to the first end and defines base mounting plate apertures. The device includes first and second steps each including a step platform and a step support gusset coupled thereto. Each step support gusset defines gusset fastener openings. The gusset fastener openings of each step are each alignable with a different one of the main tube fastener openings such that a fastener can extend through the gusset fastener openings and the respective aligned main tube fastener opening to couple the first step and the second step to the main tube.