Retractable Vehicle Step with Sliding Rail Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric steps for vehicles with high ground clearance, such as vans and SUVs, lack sufficient rigidity and are permanently exposed, causing appearance issues and safety hazards due to their fixed installation, which can lead to accidents and collisions when the vehicle is in motion.
Innovation Solution
An electric step apparatus with a sliding step body operated by a motor, integrated into the vehicle's frame, featuring sliding rails and gear mechanisms for controlled movement in sync with the vehicle's door operations, providing enhanced rigidity and retractability to prevent collisions and maintain vehicle appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed step is installed to help passengers get on or off the vehicle, then accessibility for children, the old and the infirm is improved, but the vehicle width increases causing collision hazards and appearance deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The step is designed as a movable component that can be retracted into the vehicle body and extended when needed. The driving mechanism moves the step between a retracted position (flush with vehicle body) and an extended position (protruding for use), allowing the step to dynamically change its state based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The step is discarded (retracted) during vehicle operation to eliminate collision hazards and improve appearance, and recovered (extended) when passengers need to get on or off the vehicle. This cyclic retraction and extension resolves the contradiction between safety and accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge pin mechanism is used to pivot the foot board, then the step can fold or unfold, but the rigidity against passenger weight is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional hinge pin mechanical connection is replaced with a driving mechanism consisting of a motor, drive shaft, and connecting rods. This mechanical substitution provides both the folding capability and the necessary rigidity to support passenger weight, as the driven connection is structurally stronger than a simple hinge pin.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot board transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic component that can be actively controlled. The driving mechanism allows the foot board to be extended or retracted as needed, providing adaptability while maintaining structural integrity through the driven connection rather than a passive hinge.
3Ease of operation
If the step is always exposed to the outside, then passengers can easily access the vehicle, but the vehicle appearance is deteriorated and it becomes an obstacle during running
Solution Approach 1:
The step is designed as a movable component that can be retracted into the vehicle body and extended when needed. The driving mechanism moves the step between a retracted position (flush with vehicle body) and an extended position (protruding for use), allowing the step to dynamically change its state based on operational requirements.
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 apparatus ensures safe and easy passenger access by retracting the step during vehicle operation, maintaining vehicle width, and preventing collisions, while the sliding mechanism and gear system enhance rigidity and reduce contact area to prevent freezing and improve response time.
Implementation Method 1
converting a rotation driving force of a driving motor into a linear movement
Implementation Method 2
retracting the step during vehicle operation, maintaining vehicle width, and preventing collisions, while the sliding mechanism and gear system enhance rigidity and reduce contact area to prevent freezing
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an electric step apparatus, which includes a step body 210 capable of moving forwards/rearwards between a foot board of a vehicle and the ground by a driving force of a driving motor 400 and being drawn outwards in linkage of an opening/closing operation of a door so that children, the old, the infirm, and the disabled may get on or off the vehicle easily and safely.