Retractable Tailgate Side Step with Sliding Stop Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tailgate access solutions for pickup trucks are often bulky and difficult to deploy, creating a high step to access the cargo bed, which complicates loading and unloading cargo.
Innovation Solution
A retractable side step assembly with a rail that extends from a housing within the tailgate, featuring a sliding stop device and locking mechanism, allowing for easy deployment and stowage, and a bumper stop pad for added safety and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ladders or steps are attached to the tailgate to assist access to the cargo bed, then access to the cargo bed is improved, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to deploy
Solution Approach 1:
The side step assembly is nested within a housing that is integrated into the tailgate structure. When not in use, the side step is completely retracted into the housing, making it compact and unobtrusive. When needed, the side step extends outward from the housing to provide access assistance, eliminating the bulkiness problem of traditional attached ladders or steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The side step transitions from a static attached structure to a dynamic retractable component. The assembly can move between retracted and extended positions via a sliding mechanism guided by rails, allowing easy deployment and stowage. This dynamic capability resolves the deployment difficulty issue while maintaining ease of operation when accessed.
2Ease of operation
If a retractable side step assembly is implemented, then the high step problem is solved and cargo access is facilitated, but the mechanism requires additional components such as sliding stop devices and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding stop device uses a spring-biased movable arm that automatically engages with the housing opening to limit the retraction distance of the side step. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for complex external stopping mechanisms while ensuring the side step remains safely positioned during use. The spring bias provides automatic reset functionality, reducing the need for additional control components.
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 retractable side step assembly provides a convenient and safe means to access the cargo bed by extending a step from the tailgate, facilitating easier loading and unloading while being compactly storable, thus addressing the bulkiness and deployment issues of existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a movable arm located in the tubular member that is biased to extend outward from the aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A step assembly for a tailgate of a vehicle, which includes a retractable rail secured to a housing located within the tailgate. The retractable rail is configured to extend from the housing and the tailgate when in a deployed state, and be entirely received within the housing and the tailgate when in a non-deployed state. A sliding stop device is positioned within the housing and connected to an end of the retractable rail. The stop device includes a tubular member having an aperture formed therein, and a movable arm located in the tubular member that is biased to extend outward from the aperture such that as the retractable rail is moved to the deployed state, the aperture of the sliding stop device is aligned with the opening of the housing, and the movable arm is engaged with the opening.