Removable Step Running Board Rail for Off-Road Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing running boards for vehicles lack impact absorption and ground clearance, particularly during off-roading and uneven terrain travel, and do not offer sufficient protection to the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A running board design featuring a rail with removable steps and internal supports for increased rigidity, where the steps are configured for toolless connection and disconnection, and the rail includes a symmetrical, irregular hexagonal cross-section with internal passages to enhance protection and absorption of impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed steps are used in running boards, then passenger assistance during entry and exit is provided, but impact absorption and ground clearance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The running board is divided into modular components: a rail structure and separate steps that can be independently positioned or removed. This segmentation allows the steps to be detached when impact absorption or ground clearance is needed, resolving the contradiction between providing assistance and withstanding impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The steps transition from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic removable configuration. This dynamic capability allows the running board to adapt between providing passenger assistance (when steps are attached) and absorbing impacts or maintaining ground clearance (when steps are removed).
2Ease of operation
If traditional running board design is used, then basic passenger support is provided, but vehicle protection during off-roading is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the steps from the rail structure, the design allows the rail to independently absorb off-road impacts while the steps can be removed to prevent damage during off-roading activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground clearance parameter can be dynamically adjusted by removing steps, allowing the running board to adapt to off-road conditions and protect the vehicle from damage.
3Strength
If removable steps are implemented, then ground clearance and impact absorption are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rail structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, absorbs impacts, and serves as a mounting mechanism for the removable steps. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex components, offsetting the added complexity of removability.
4Strength
If reinforced rails with internal supports are added, then rigidity and impact absorption are increased, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The internal supports are integrated into the rail structure as a unified component rather than separate attachments. This merging of functions into a single manufactured piece reduces assembly complexity and streamlines the manufacturing process while maintaining the required rigidity and impact absorption.
Data Source
AI summary
Running boards for vehicles are disclosed that each include a rail with one or more steps. The step(s) are releasably connectable to (supported by) the rail (e.g., via a plurality of removable mechanical fasteners) to allow for removal of the step(s) when additional ground clearance is necessary and/or desirable, such as, for example, during off-road use of the vehicle. The rail of each running board is connectable to an underside of the vehicle (e.g., via brackets) such that the rails are positioned to absorb impact from external objects, such as, for example, rocks, boulders, stumps, etc., traversed during travel across uneven ground, and thereby protect the vehicle. In certain embodiments, the rails may include internal supports (e.g., stiffening ribs) to increase the strength and/or the rigidity of the rail, and, thus, increase the protection to the vehicle provided by the running boards.