Pivoting Rock Rail Assembly With Shock-Absorbing Stow Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rock rail assemblies for vehicles lack efficient mechanisms to transition between stowed and deployed positions while providing adequate protection and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A rock rail assembly with a mounting assembly and a rail assembly that includes a shock absorption pad and is pivotably coupled, allowing the rail to move between a stowed position where it abuts the shock absorption pad and a deployed position where it is spaced apart, providing protection and serving as a running board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rail assembly is made pivotably coupled to move between stowed and deployed positions, then the functionality and convenience for users is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rail assembly is made dynamically movable through pivotal coupling, allowing it to transition between stowed and deployed positions. This dynamic configuration enables the rail to adapt between different functional states - protected during transport and accessible during use - resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by using a simple rotational mechanism rather than complex actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional components: the mounting assembly with shock absorption pads and the pivotably coupled rail assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the mounting assembly provides stable attachment and protection, while the rail assembly provides user functionality when needed, reducing overall system complexity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the rail abuts the shock absorption pad in stowed position, then the protection from external forces is improved, but the transition smoothness may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorption pad is positioned to abut the rail in the stowed position, providing beforehand cushioning against external forces such as impacts during transport. The pad's compliant material absorbs shock before it can damage the rail or mounting structure, while the pivotal coupling ensures smooth transition by allowing the rail to rotate freely into and out of the cushioned position without binding
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorption pad acts as an intermediary element between the rigid rail assembly and the mounting structure. This intermediary component absorbs mechanical shocks and facilitates smooth transitions by providing a compliant interface that allows the rail to pivot into the stowed position without harsh impacts, resolving the contradiction between protection and transition smoothness
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 enables smooth transition between stowed and deployed positions, providing protection to the vehicle from obstacles and serving as a convenient step for users, while preventing damage from external forces.
Implementation Method 1
a mounting assembly coupled to the vehicle and comprising a shock absorption pad
Data Source
AI summary
A rock rail assembly for a vehicle includes a mounting assembly coupled to the vehicle and comprising a shock absorption pad, and a rail assembly pivotably coupled to the mounting assembly and having a rail. The shock absorption pad is the vehicle-laterally-outboardmost portion of the mounting assembly. The rail assembly is operable to pivot relative to the mounting assembly to move the rail between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position of the rail, a portion of the rail abuts the shock absorption pad.