Retractable Vehicle Step with Lateral Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle stepping assists often require customized retrofitting and incur high installation costs and time, and they do not effectively provide clearance for tailgates, limiting access to cargo beds.
Innovation Solution
A retractable vehicle step with a biasing mechanism that moves laterally between retracted and extended positions, utilizing existing vehicle connection members for attachment, providing clearance and eliminating the need for custom installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed position stepping assist is used, then access to cargo bed is facilitated, but tailgate clearance is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The stepping assist is designed to be retractable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between extended (providing step function) and retracted (clearing tailgate path) states. This resolves the contradiction by making the step assist movable so it can provide cargo bed access when needed while clearing the tailgate area when not in use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If customized retrofitting is performed for installation, then the stepping assist can be attached to the vehicle, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stepping assist is designed with universal mounting capabilities that utilize existing vehicle connection members (such as trailer hitch receivers) rather than requiring custom fabrication. This allows the same basic device to be installed on multiple vehicle types using standard hardware, eliminating the need for customized retrofitting and significantly reducing installation time and cost.
3Device complexity
If the biasing mechanism is exposed, then the structure is simpler, but durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism is nested within a protective housing or cover structure. The housing encloses the spring or cam mechanism while providing access points for operation. This nesting approach protects the mechanical components from environmental damage, debris, and accidental damage while maintaining the necessary operational functionality, thus improving durability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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 vehicle step facilitates easy access to cargo beds while minimizing installation costs and time, offering enhanced tailgate clearance and durability through a protected biasing mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the biasing mechanism is operably coupled to the stepping member... the biasing member generally comprises a moveable retaining surface and a cam surface such that in the retracted position the cam surface contacts the retaining surface and urges the stepping member toward the retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a rear portion of a vehicle or truck. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step provides clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time.