Front Step Arrangement With Pivoting Deformation for Pedestrian Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing step arrangements on taller vehicles require significant installation space and are not suitable for implementation in outer vehicle areas, especially when viewed in the transverse direction, and do not adequately address pedestrian protection requirements.
Innovation Solution
A front-mounted step arrangement with a support structure that allows for minimal installation space and includes deformation elements, enabling a rotational or pivoting movement upon impact to enhance pedestrian protection, utilizing longitudinal extension elements with low shear stiffness and relative mobility between support structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid step arrangement is provided to support body weight for reaching the upper windshield, then the step can bear load effectively, but it cannot deform sufficiently to meet pedestrian protection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The step assembly is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to pivot and deform during pedestrian impact. The connection between the step assembly and vehicle front end is configured to permit rotational movement, enabling the step to transition from a static load-bearing structure to a dynamic deformation element that absorbs impact energy while maintaining pedestrian protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The step assembly utilizes parameters such as pivot point positioning, connection flexibility, and structural geometry to achieve both load-bearing capability and deformation potential. By carefully selecting these parameters, the step can support body weight during normal use while deforming sufficiently during pedestrian impact to meet safety regulations.
2Reliability
If a step assembly with sufficient deformation capability is designed to meet pedestrian protection, then it can pivot and deform under impact, but it requires excessive vertical space that is unavailable in outer vehicle areas
Solution Approach 1:
The step assembly pivots around a horizontally positioned pivot point, utilizing horizontal rotation rather than vertical deformation to achieve the required deformation path. This dimensional change allows the step to meet pedestrian protection requirements without requiring excessive vertical space, enabling integration into outer vehicle areas where vertical clearance is limited.
Solution Approach 2:
The step assembly is designed with a pivot connection that enables rotational movement in the horizontal plane rather than vertical collapse. This dynamic pivot mechanism achieves the necessary deformation capability for pedestrian protection while maintaining a compact vertical profile suitable for integration within bumper cover openings and outer vehicle areas.
3Reliability
If the step assembly is designed to pivot and deform during impact, then it meets pedestrian protection standards, but it may appear less stable and rigid during normal use
Solution Approach 1:
The step assembly employs a pivot connection that provides rotational freedom for impact deformation while maintaining structural stability during normal use. The pivot point is positioned and constrained to allow movement only under impact loads, ensuring the step remains stable and rigid during everyday operations while enabling the required deformation for pedestrian protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The step assembly has different structural characteristics in different regions: the connection area is designed with pivot capability for deformation, while the step surface and support structures maintain rigidity for load-bearing. This local differentiation ensures stability during normal use while enabling deformation during impact to meet pedestrian protection standards.
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 provides a step arrangement that minimizes installation space and enhances pedestrian protection by allowing the step to move out of the impact area during collisions, absorbing energy effectively while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an impact force acting on the front support structure from the front in the vehicle's longitudinal direction results in a rotational or pivoting movement of the entire step assembly
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the elements is designed as a deformation structure such that an impact force acting on the front support structure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A vehicle according to the invention comprises a front-mounted step arrangement (20) comprising a front support structure (30) viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and a rear support structure (32) arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle behind the front support structure (30), as well as at least one longitudinal extension element (34) extending from the front support structure (30) to the rear support structure (32), wherein at least one of the elements is designed as a deformation structure such that an impact force acting from the front in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle on the front support structure (30) causes a rotational or pivoting movement of the entire step arrangement (20) and/or a relative movement between the front support structure (30) and the rear support structure (32).