Pivoting Bumper End for Unobstructed Vehicle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with high ground clearance, such as trucks and SUVs, present difficulties in accessing the cabin, box, or bed due to elevated ground clearance, and existing steps are often obstructed by the tailgate when in the open position, limiting ease of access.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle step system where the end of the bumper is pivotally connected and can move between a closed and open position, with an actuator-operated mechanism to expose a step surface below the bumper, allowing for improved access without obstruction by the tailgate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed running board or foldaway step is used to provide ease of access, then access to the vehicle cabin or bed is improved, but the step surface is obstructed when the tailgate is in the open position
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper end is made movable between a closed position (flush with bumper) and an open position (providing step surface), allowing the step to dynamically appear or disappear based on tailgate position. This resolves the contradiction by making the step available only when needed (tailgate closed) and out of the way when tailgate is open.
2Ease of operation
If a step surface is provided on the bumper, then entry and exit convenience is improved, but the bumper appearance is compromised when the step is visible
Solution Approach 1:
The step surface is dynamically revealed only when the bumper end pivots to the open position. When closed, the step surface is hidden within the bumper profile, maintaining a clean appearance. When open, the step surface is exposed to provide entry assistance, resolving the appearance vs. functionality contradiction.
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 provides ergonomic and flexible access to the vehicle by creating a step surface that is not obstructed by the tailgate, enhancing entry and exit convenience while maintaining a clean and hidden step surface in the closed position.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator operates to move the end of the bumper between the first, closed position and the second, open position
Implementation Method 2
a latch operates to prevent movement of the end of the bumper
Implementation Method 3
the end of the bumper pivotally connects to the bottom of the bumper
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle step system and method incorporating an end of a vehicle bumper. The step system includes an end of the bumper movable between a first, closed position and a second, open position. When placed in the second, open position the end of the bumper includes a step surface. One example of the vehicle step system and method includes positioning the step surface below the top of the bumper. The end of the bumper may be pivotally connected at the bottom wherein an actuator operates to move the end of the bumper between the first, closed position and the second, open position. In an additional example, a latch operates to prevent movement of the end of the bumper.