Retractable Step and Side Bar Assembly for Raised Vehicle Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Raised vehicles present challenges in accessing the vehicle due to increased height, and existing side bars often sit too high, creating an awkward ingress/egress and potential damage from debris, while also lacking the structural support of nerf bars.
Innovation Solution
A combination side bar and vehicle step assembly that allows for a lower deployed position of the step while maintaining aesthetics, featuring a side bar mounted with an extendable vehicle step that moves between stored and deployed positions, with the step being partially hidden by the side bar in the stowed position to improve aesthetics and provide necessary ground clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If side bars are mounted high on the vehicle to maintain ground clearance and aesthetics, then the vehicle aesthetics and ground clearance are improved, but the stepping height becomes too high creating awkward ingress/egress
Solution Approach 1:
The side bar assembly is made dynamic by incorporating a retractable step mechanism that allows the stepping surface to move between a retracted position (flush with the side bar) and an extended position (protruding downward). This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt its effective height: when retracted, it maintains high mounting for aesthetics and clearance; when extended, it provides a lower stepping surface for easier access.
Solution Approach 2:
The side bar assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the main side bar structure mounted high on the vehicle, and a separate retractable step mechanism that can extend downward. This segmentation allows the side bar to remain mounted at its optimal high position for aesthetics and ground clearance, while the step component independently provides the necessary low stepping surface when deployed.
2Ease of operation
If standard deployable running boards are used on extremely lifted vehicles, then the stepping function is provided, but the linkage packaging prevents the step from being deployed low enough
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves the packaging constraint by changing the dimensional arrangement of the linkage mechanism. Instead of using a conventional compact linkage that limits deployment range, the design employs a linkage configuration that utilizes the vertical dimension more effectively, allowing the step to extend lower while still fitting within the available space between the side bar mounting point and the ground.
3Strength
If nerf bars are used to provide structural support, then the structural support function is improved, but the aesthetic appeal and ground clearance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the structural support function from the traditional nerf bar configuration. By mounting the side bar high on the vehicle body and using a retractable step mechanism, the system eliminates the need for long, low-profile nerf bars that compromise aesthetics and ground clearance. The structural support is provided by the high-mounted side bar assembly rather than by a continuous low bar along the vehicle side.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable step and side bar assembly that can be used for raised vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow for a user to enter the raised vehicle. Further, in the stowed position the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance.