Retractable Stair System with Adjustable Foot Pads for Uneven Ground
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stair systems for vehicles lack adjustable height and stable ground contact on uneven surfaces, often requiring additional support and compromising safety due to fixed or variably adjustable designs.
Innovation Solution
A retractable stair system with an extensible-retractable scissors assembly, individually adjustable foot pads, and a latching system that allows precise elevation control, enabling secure and even support on uneven ground without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art stair structures are used with fixed or limited adjustment, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to uneven ground and height adjustment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The stair system employs individually adjustable support pads on each side that can be independently positioned to adapt to uneven ground conditions. The scissors assembly allows dynamic height adjustment while maintaining structural integrity, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adaptable system.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is segmented into individually adjustable support pads on each side of the stairs, rather than a single fixed support mechanism. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each support point to accommodate uneven terrain while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
2Measurement precision
If prior art stair structures are used with fixed height, then the manufacturing is simple, but the precision of elevation control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The scissors assembly provides a mechanical mechanism for precise height adjustment through controlled extension and retraction. This dynamic adjustment capability allows precise elevation control while using standard manufacturing processes for the individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the height parameter of the stairs through the scissors assembly mechanism, allowing precise control of elevation without requiring complex manufacturing. The support pads can be independently positioned to achieve precise ground contact.
3Reliability
If prior art stair structures are used with non-uniform adjustment, then the device is simple, but the stability on uneven ground is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate, individually adjustable support pads on each side of the stairs. This segmentation allows each support point to be independently adjusted to achieve uniform stability on uneven ground without requiring a complex overall mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Each support pad has local adjustability to accommodate specific ground conditions at its location. This local quality adjustment ensures that each contact point with the ground can be optimized independently, providing overall stability without complex global adjustment mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If prior art stair structures require additional support components, then the basic structure is simple, but the ease of operation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanisms for height and ground contact are merged into the scissors assembly and support pad structure itself, rather than requiring separate additional components. This integration allows easy operation while avoiding an excessive number of discrete parts.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable stair system for vehicles. The apparatus includes stairs which are retractable into a frame, or extendable to provide a set of stairs with relatively uniform height therebetween. Indexing plates with locking notches and companion latches with latch tongues to fit in the notches enable adjustment of the height of a top step S1 in a set of steps in an extensible-retractable stairs assembly. Extensible legs are provided which are individually vertically adjustable to provide secure engagement with an uneven substrate such as rocky ground or a sloping surface. Foot pads are pivotally attached to the extensible legs. The combination of vertical adjustability, the selection of a desired number of stairs, and individual top stair height adjustability, make the unit adaptable for use in a variety of vehicles.