Retractable Power Step Remote Drive for Vehicle Space Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
The packaging constraints in vehicles, particularly for rear-mounted bumper type retractable step devices, limit the ability to directly mount a motor drive arrangement due to space restrictions in longitudinal, cross-car, and vertical directions, restricting the size and orientation of the motor.
Innovation Solution
A foldable step assembly with a remote drive mechanism that allows the motor to be located in a more suitable area, utilizing available space and attachment provisions, by employing different drive mechanisms such as bell crank, remote motor torque transfer shaft, remote motor flex shaft, and remote motor push/pull cable types to transfer rotational force from the motor to the drive shaft, enabling the step to articulate between deployed and stowed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the motor is directly mounted to the hinge link mechanism, then the drive system is simple and lower cost, but the packaging size envelope is constrained due to location and orientation of the motor
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is divided into two separate segments: the motor assembly and the hinge link mechanism. The motor is positioned remotely from the hinge mechanism, connected through a drive shaft and linkage system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its function while accommodating packaging constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
A drive shaft and linkage mechanism serve as intermediaries between the motor and the hinge link. These intermediary components transmit rotational force from the remotely positioned motor to the hinge mechanism, enabling the motor to be located in a more suitable packaging position without directly mounting to the hinge.
2Area of stationary object
If the motor is positioned remotely from the step assembly, then available space and attachment provisions in the vehicle are utilized, but the drive mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into the motor assembly, drive shaft, and linkage mechanism. This allows the motor to be positioned remotely in an area with available space and proper attachment provisions, while the drive shaft and linkage bridge the gap between the remote motor and the step assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive shaft and linkage act as intermediary components that connect the remotely positioned motor to the step assembly's hinge mechanism. These intermediaries enable force transmission over a distance, allowing the motor to be located where space and mounting provisions are available without increasing overall system complexity significantly.
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
This solution effectively addresses the space constraints by allowing the motor to be mounted remotely, freeing up space near the drive shaft and enabling the step assembly to be mounted in various locations, offering flexibility in cost and complexity while maintaining simplicity and lower costs for the drive system.
Implementation Method 1
A bell crank, remote motor torque transfer shaft, remote motor flex shaft, or remote motor push/pull cable type drive mechanism is provided.
Implementation Method 2
A bell crank, remote motor torque transfer shaft, remote motor flex shaft, or remote motor push/pull cable type drive mechanism is provided.
Implementation Method 3
A bell crank, remote motor torque transfer shaft, remote motor flex shaft, or remote motor push/pull cable type drive mechanism is provided.
Implementation Method 4
A bell crank, remote motor torque transfer shaft, remote motor flex shaft, or remote motor push/pull cable type drive mechanism is provided.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a foldable step assembly for a vehicle. The step assembly includes a linkage arrangement for connection to a vehicle and articulating a step assembly from a deployed position to a stowed position. A drive mechanism is positioned remotely from the step assembly and is operatively in communication with the linkage arrangement for articulating said step assembly between the deployed position to the stowed position.