Motorized Running Board Positioning for Uneven Vehicle Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional running boards in vehicles are often fixed or have limited adjustability, making it difficult for occupants with limited mobility or in uneven environments to comfortably enter or exit the vehicle, as they may be too high or too low, compromising comfort, safety, and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A motorized running board system connected to a vehicle via motors and an electronic control unit that detects the contextual environment using sensors, forms a localized map of environmental features, and adjusts its position to a preferred level based on the vehicle's position and occupant preferences, ensuring optimal accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fixed running boards are used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the accessibility for occupants with limited mobility or in uneven environments is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The running board system transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, motorized system that can adjust its position between retracted and deployed states, and between different height levels. This enables the running board to adapt to various environmental conditions and occupant needs, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the position parameter of the running board (height and extension level) based on detected environmental features such as potholes, curbs, or uneven terrain. By dynamically adjusting the position parameter, the system improves accessibility without requiring a completely complex redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If motorized adjustment mechanisms are added to running boards, then the adaptability to environmental features is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect environmental features (such as potholes, curbs, or uneven surfaces) and provide feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the motorized mechanism automatically adjusts the running board position, enabling environmental adaptability while keeping the control logic manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The running board system performs self-adjustment based on sensor detection of environmental conditions. The system automatically determines the appropriate position and adjusts itself without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving adaptability while minimizing the complexity of user interaction.
3Ease of operation
If the running board is positioned at fixed heights, then the mechanical structure is simple, but the comfort and safety for occupants with limited mobility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The running board implements dynamic height adjustment capability, allowing it to transition between multiple predetermined height levels. This dynamic positioning enables the system to optimize comfort for different occupant needs (such as seniors or those with limited mobility) while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure based on motorized actuation.
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 system enhances vehicle occupant accessibility by dynamically adjusting the running board's position to match the vehicle's environment, improving comfort and safety for occupants with limited mobility and addressing issues of uneven terrain or protrusions.
Implementation Method 1
a first motor (306a) attached to a first connection point (305) and a second motor (306b) attached to a second connection point (307) of the running board (304)
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for a running board. In particular, a motorized running board system that improves accessibility for vehicle occupants entering or exiting a vehicle. Certain embodiments of the motorized running board system may include a running board connected via at least one motor to a vehicle and an electronic control unit that detects a contextual environment, determines a preferred running board position from the contextual environment, and adjusts the running board to reach the preferred running board position.