Retractable Vehicle Step with Biasing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle steps are often subjected to damage during impacts, such as when a vehicle is struck from behind or backs into an object, and retractable steps are not always conveniently stored, posing a usability and damage mitigation issue.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle step system with a slidable step component and a biasing component that maintains the step in an extended position until an impact occurs, allowing it to retract into the vehicle's bumper to mitigate damage and automatically return to the use position afterward, utilizing a bracket for installation on the vehicle and a biasing force to manage the retraction and extension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the step is made retractable to mitigate impact damage, then damage resistance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenient storage and deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The step transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic retractable position through a slide mechanism. The step component can move along the bracket between an extended use position and a retracted storage position, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs versus impact protection needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing component automatically returns the step to its extended use position after retraction during impact, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system self-regulates by using the biasing force to restore the step to its functional position after being pushed back during a collision event.
2Ease of operation
If the step is fixed in position for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but damage resistance deteriorates during vehicle impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The step is designed with movable capability through the slide mechanism, allowing it to transition from a fixed appearance during normal use to a dynamically retractable position during impact. The bracket and slide mechanism enable the step to move rearward along the bracket when subjected to impact forces from the front.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing component is pre-configured to provide a restoring force that cushions the step against permanent damage. When impact pushes the step rearward, the biasing component compresses and stores energy, then automatically propels the step back to its original position, preventing damage accumulation from minor impacts.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If retractable steps are added for damage mitigation, then device complexity increases, but this is offset by the automatic return function
Solution Approach 1:
The slide mechanism and biasing component are integrated into a unified assembly where the step component, bracket, and biasing element work together as a single functional unit. The biasing component is positioned within the bracket structure, and the slide mechanism connects the step to the bracket, creating a compact integrated system rather than separate complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic return function eliminates the need for motors, sensors, or control systems that would significantly increase complexity. The biasing component passively provides the restoring force through mechanical means, allowing the system to self-regulate and return to its operational state without external intervention or complex control logic.
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 system effectively reduces damage to the step and surrounding components by retracting during impacts and efficiently returns to the operational position, enhancing both safety and convenience by maintaining accessibility while minimizing damage from potential collisions.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing component that is fixedly engaged with the step component at a first end and engaged with the bracket at a second end. In this implementation, the biasing component can apply a biasing force to the step component and the bracket
Data Source
AI summary
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a device that can be used as a step on a vehicle. A vehicle step device and system can provide a vehicle step in a use disposition, and can retract and automatically return to the use disposition when impacted. Such a device and system can comprise a bracket that is fixed to a vehicle, such as at the bumper, and a step component that is slidably engaged with the bracket. A biasing component can be coupled between the step component and bracket, to apply a biasing force between the two, thereby keeping the step component in a sue position. Upon impact, the step can retract into the bracket, such as into the bumper, and after impact, the biasing component can return the step to the use position.