Motorized Vehicle Step with Retractable Door Guard
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-clearance motor vehicles pose difficulties in entry due to elevated running boards that collect dirt, mud, snow, and ice, and existing step-up devices do not effectively address the need for vehicle protection from damage and theft.
Innovation Solution
A motorized step device with a linear actuator and hollow tube mechanism that can be deployed as a step, retract to block the vehicle door, and impede potential damage from adjacent vehicles, powered by the vehicle's battery and controlled remotely or by the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If running boards are placed high to reduce ground clearance issues, then vehicle ground clearance is improved, but entry difficulty increases and dirt/mud/snow/ice accumulation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The running board is transformed from a static structure to a dynamic, motorized step that can extend and retract. The step arm rotates between a retracted position (below the door) and an extended position (providing step-up assistance), allowing the system to adapt its height and position based on operational needs rather than being fixed at a high clearance position
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized step device serves multiple functions: it provides step-up assistance for easy entry, acts as a door protection device when retracted, and can function as a security device by blocking the door. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same structure beneficial for both entry ease and ground clearance maintenance
2Length of stationary object
If running boards are placed high to maintain ground clearance, then ground clearance is improved, but dirt and mud collection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The step retracts below the door level when not in use, positioning it away from the wheel well area where dirt and mud are thrown during driving. This dynamic retraction eliminates the stationary high-positioned surface that would otherwise collect and track contaminants into the vehicle
3Device complexity
If a single arm mechanism is used for step retraction, then device complexity is reduced, but protection capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The step arm is nested within a hollow tube structure, with the distal end of the step arm inserted into the hollow tube. This nested configuration provides structural support and protection while maintaining a compact design. The hollow tube acts as a protective enclosure that enhances the reliability of the mechanism without significantly increasing external complexity
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
Enhances vehicle accessibility while providing security by preventing unauthorized access and shielding against 'ding' damage from adjacent vehicles, ensuring safe and secure entry and exit.
Implementation Method 1
a linear actuator, a hollow tube having a first helix and a second helix; a step arm connected at a distal end to the linear actuator such that when the linear actuator applies a linear force to the step arm
Implementation Method 2
a hollow tube having a first helix and a second helix; when the linear actuator applies a linear force to the step arm, the step arm rotates
Data Source
AI summary
A device for a high-clearance motor vehicle is provided. Preferably, the device comprises a linear actuator, a hollow tube having a first helix and a second helix; a step arm connected at a distal end to the linear actuator such that when the linear actuator applies a linear force to the step arm, the step arm rotates. A first end portion of a distal end of the step arm inserted in the hollow tube extends through the first helix and a second end portion of the distal end of the step arm inserted in the hollow tube extends through the second helix. When the device is operated, depending on user selection, the device can serve as a vehicle step, protect the vehicle door(s), or be in a retracted position.