Retractable Running Board with Zero Backlash Gear Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing running board assemblies for motor vehicles lack a seamless transition between stowed, cab entry, and box side step positions, often resulting in a cluttered appearance and inadequate access to the vehicle's box, with existing solutions failing to provide a smooth, backlash-free operation and efficient user access.
Innovation Solution
A running board assembly with a housing assembly, gear assembly, and motor-driven mechanism that moves the running board between stowed, cab entry, and box side step positions, featuring a zero backlash gear assembly and electronic control unit to ensure precise positioning and backlash elimination, along with a drive arm and stops for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional running board assembly is used, then the structure is simple, but the transition between positions is not smooth and backlash occurs during operation
Solution Approach 1:
A worm gear assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the motor and the running board, providing precise positional control and eliminating backlash through its self-locking特性. The worm gear engages with a sector gear to create a rigid, backlash-free connection that ensures smooth transitions between stowed, cab entry, and box side step positions.
2Ease of operation
If the running board is positioned for cab entry, then user access to the cab is improved, but access to the box becomes inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The running board is designed as a dynamic component that can assume multiple discrete positions rather than remaining fixed. It transitions between a cab entry position (extending forward for passenger access) and a box side step position (extending rearward for cargo access), allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements and maximize ease of operation for both cab and box access.
3Ease of operation
If the running board is positioned for box side step access, then user access to the box is improved, but the appearance becomes cluttered
Solution Approach 1:
The running board operates dynamically, extending to the box side step position only when needed for cargo access. When not in use, it retracts to a stowed position tucked underneath the vehicle, maintaining a clean, integrated appearance. This on-demand deployment resolves the conflict between operational accessibility and aesthetic appearance.
4Measurement precision
If a motor-driven gear assembly is used, then positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The worm gear assembly serves as a precision intermediary that translates motor rotation into accurate running board positioning. The self-locking nature of the worm gear provides inherent positioning accuracy and prevents backdriving, ensuring the running board remains securely in each position (stowed, cab entry, or box side step) without requiring additional braking or holding mechanisms.
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 clean, integrated appearance, improved user access to the vehicle's cab and box, and a smooth, backlash-free operation, enhancing user experience and vehicle aesthetics while ensuring reliable movement between positions.
Implementation Method 1
The zero backlash gear assembly includes a biasing member biasing the upper gear into engagement with the worm member to eliminate backlash of the running board when the running board is in the cab entry position.
Data Source
AI summary
A running board assembly is provided for a motor vehicle having a passenger cab and a box. The running board assembly includes a housing assembly, a gear assembly disposed within the housing assembly, a running board operably coupled to the gear assembly and movable relative to the housing assembly between a stowed position tucked underneath the motor vehicle, a cab entry position generally outwardly from the motor vehicle to support a user entering or exiting the passenger cab, and a box side step disposed generally outwardly from the motor vehicle and rearward of the cab entry position to provide a user with side access to the box, and a motor operably coupled to the gear assembly for driving the gear assembly in opposing first and second directions to move the running board between the stowed position, the cab entry position, and the box side step position.