Motorized Retractable Step Direct Drive Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motorized retractable steps are unreliable and prone to breaking due to their complex mechanisms, which are designed to withstand repeated use but end up being overly complicated.
Innovation Solution
A motorized retractable step apparatus with a direct drive assembly where power is transferred from a motor to a drive member through rotational motion, eliminating complexity and incorporating a gear set for torque and gear ratio control, along with an electrically activated brake for safety and a step made of extruded aluminum for structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used to drive step movement, then the steps can withstand repeated use, but the device becomes overly complicated and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the linear motion conversion mechanism from conventional designs, extracting only the essential rotational motion function. The motor assembly directly rotates the drive member without intermediate linear motion transformations, simplifying the mechanism while maintaining durability for repeated use.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of converting rotational motor motion to linear motion and back to rotation (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using direct rotational motion from the motor to rotate the drive member, eliminating unnecessary conversion steps and reducing mechanical complexity.
2Device complexity
If simple mechanisms are used to drive step movement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor assembly and gear set into an integrated unit that directly powers the drive member. This merging eliminates the need for separate linear motion conversion mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the reliability needed for withstanding repeated use over years.
3Device complexity
If linear motion transformations are eliminated, then the mechanism is simplified, but torque control may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using direct rotational motion from the motor to drive the drive member. The gear set is specifically configured to provide the necessary torque multiplication and gear ratio control directly through rotational engagement, eliminating the need for linear motion transformations while maintaining adequate torque output for step operation.
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 solution simplifies the mechanism, enhances reliability, and provides a robust structure for the steps, ensuring reliable and efficient deployment and retraction without the need for complex linear motion transformations, thus reducing the likelihood of mechanical failure.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor that drives rotation of the drive member
Implementation Method 2
a gear set that is used to set the gear ratio and torque output of the motor assembly. The gear set directly engages the drive member to power movement of the step
Implementation Method 3
The brake can be electrically activated and it can engage the drive shaft of the electric motor to prevent it from moving
Data Source
AI summary
A motorized retractable step apparatus includes one or more steps that move between a retracted position and a deployed position. The step apparatus includes a drive member that spans the length of the step apparatus and rotates to retract or deploy the steps. The step apparatus uses a direct drive configuration to transfer power from an electric motor to the drive member. The step apparatus can also includes a brake coupled to the electric motor and/or extruded aluminum steps. These features simplify construction of the step apparatus and make it more reliable than conventional motorized steps.