Pop-Up Vehicle Step Handle for Low-Drag Side Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing retractable vehicle steps impose aerodynamic drag, affect vehicle styling, and require clearance underneath the vehicle, while lacking integrated handles that are comfortable and safe for user access.

Innovation Solution

A retractable vehicle step system with a main shaft that rotates around a vertical axis and integrates a pop-up handle, allowing for deployment without requiring clearance underneath the vehicle and providing a comfortable and safe grab point, along with multiple rotating steps for easy access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a retractable vehicle step is placed below the vehicle body and rotates out for use, then the step provides access to the vehicle, but it requires clearance underneath the vehicle and imposes aerodynamic drag

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle accessVSAvoidaerodynamic drag

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The step system transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic retractable configuration that can rotate between retracted and deployed positions. The main shaft enables rotational movement around a vertical axis, allowing the step to adapt its position based on operational needs while minimizing aerodynamic drag when retracted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The step mechanism changes from rotating around a longitudinal or lateral axis (traditional approach) to rotating around a vertical axis. This dimensional change allows the step to deploy outward from the vehicle body without requiring clearance underneath the vehicle, resolving the spatial constraint while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If a retractable vehicle step is placed below the vehicle body and rotates out for use, then the step provides access to the vehicle, but it requires clearance underneath the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle accessVSAvoidclearance space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If traditional retractable steps are used without integrated handles, then the structure is simpler, but users must grab vehicle parts which may be unsafe or uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestructureVSAvoiduser safety and comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle and step structures are merged into a single integrated unit. The handle shaft is coupled to the main shaft, allowing the handle to deploy simultaneously with the step. This combination provides both structural support and a safe gripping surface without requiring separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle shaft serves multiple functions: it provides a gripping surface for user safety, acts as a structural support element, and integrates with the main shaft mechanism for deployment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate handle components while enhancing user interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250289371A1Vehicle step with an integrated pop-up handle

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 TOYOTA MOTOR ENG & MFG NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

Systems and methods described herein relate to using multimodal foundation models. In one embodiment, a method includes adjusting a height of a handle shaft by rotation of a main shaft, wherein an upper portion of the main shaft is rotatably coupled to the handle shaft and rotating a step member providing a stepping surface between a retracted position and an extended position by the rotation of the main shaft, wherein the step member is connected to a lower portion of the main shaft.