Multi-Piece Running Board Assembly for Easier Forming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional running boards are difficult and costly to manufacture due to their elongated design, often requiring large forming equipment and resulting in heavy structures.

Innovation Solution

The running board assembly is formed by multiple separate body parts, including a center body part and end body parts, which are connected to form a seamless exterior surface, allowing for easier and less expensive manufacturing and assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a single elongated body is used for the running board, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing difficulty and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The running board body is divided into multiple separate body parts (first body part, second body part, third body part) that are formed independently and then connected together. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured separately using smaller, more accessible forming equipment, reducing manufacturing difficulty and cost while maintaining the overall structural integrity through proper connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If a single elongated body is used for the running board, then the structural integrity is improved, but the equipment size required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidforming equipment size
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the running board into multiple separate body parts, each part can be formed in smaller forming equipment that is more readily available and requires less factory space. The separate parts are then assembled to create the complete running board structure, achieving the same functional result without requiring large-scale forming equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If a single elongated body is used for the running board, then the structural integrity is improved, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidrunning board weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The running board is divided into multiple separate body parts that can be optimized individually for weight efficiency. Each segment can be designed with appropriate material distribution and thickness to provide necessary strength while minimizing weight. The overall structure achieves structural integrity through the connection of these optimized segments rather than requiring a uniformly heavy single-piece construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate body parts are used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The running board is divided into multiple body parts that can be manufactured independently using cost-effective processes and smaller equipment. The segmentation enables production in smaller batches and reduces tooling costs. The assembly complexity is managed through designed connection interfaces between parts that facilitate straightforward joining while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12576786B2Running board assemblies formed by multi-piece bodies
Publication Date: 2026.03.17 DEE ZEE INC
  • US12576786B2 patent drawing
  • US12576786B2 patent drawing
  • US12576786B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A running board assembly includes a board body having an elongated length that extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The board body includes a center body part having a first exterior facing surface that defines a stepping area and an end body part having a second exterior facing surface adjacent the first exterior facing surface. The center and end body parts formed as separate parts and connected together at end surfaces forming a seam that extends in a widthwise direction of the board body.