Retracting Step System for Car-Carrying Vehicle Deck
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users of car-carrying vehicles face a lack of convenience and safety when climbing onto or off the tilted deck, as there is no efficient or automatic means to access the deck in a tilted state.
Innovation Solution
An automatically extending and retracting step system is integrated into the vehicle, which extends laterally from beneath the deck when it is tilted and retracts when the deck returns to a level state, utilizing a spring-loaded mechanism and linkage system to provide a visible and accessible step for users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the deck is tilted and extended to a ramp state for receiving cargo, then cargo loading capability is improved, but user access safety and convenience deteriorates due to lack of steps
Solution Approach 1:
The step system transitions from a static retracted position to a dynamic extended position based on the deck's state. When the deck tilts to a ramp state, the step automatically extends laterally outward to provide user access. When the deck returns to a level payload state, the step automatically retracts beneath the deck. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing steps only when the deck is in the ramp state.
Solution Approach 2:
The step system is self-actuating through a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically extends the step when the deck tilts and automatically retracts it when the deck levels. The spring mechanism stores energy during deck tilting and releases it to extend the step, then automatically reverses to retract the step when the deck returns to level position, eliminating the need for manual operation.
2Ease of operation
If a step system is always extended for user access, then user access convenience is improved, but device complexity and space occupation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than a permanently extended step system, the invention employs a dynamic step that automatically extends and retracts based on deck position. This reduces the need for complex support structures and allows the step to be compact when retracted, simplifying the overall device while maintaining user access convenience when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The step system nests within the deck structure when retracted, with the step carriage positioned beneath the deck and the step itself stored within the carriage. This nesting arrangement minimizes space occupation and reduces visible complexity when the step is not in use, while still providing full step functionality when extended.
3Device complexity
If the step system is manually operated, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and user convenience worsen due to manual intervention required
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mechanism automatically detects deck position changes and actuates the step extension and retraction without manual intervention. The spring stores energy during deck tilting and automatically releases it to extend the step, then automatically reverses to retract the step when the deck returns to level position, eliminating manual operation while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The step system incorporates passive feedback through the spring mechanism that responds to deck position changes. As the deck tilts, the spring is compressed or extended, automatically triggering step extension. When the deck levels, the spring returns to its neutral state, automatically triggering step retraction. This feedback mechanism enables automatic operation without complex sensors or actuators.
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 provides a convenient and safe means for users to access the deck in both tilted and level states, enhancing usability and safety by automatically extending and retracting the step as the deck transitions between these states.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mounted to the chassis of the car-carrying vehicle and the linkage plate
Implementation Method 2
a linkage plate, a rotatable actuation lever mounted to the chassis of the car-carrying vehicle and the linkage plate
Data Source
AI summary
An automatically extending and retracting step system according to the solution may reside in a retracted state when the deck of a car-carrying vehicle is substantially horizontal to the ground, i.e. when the deck is in a payload state. Advantageously, when the deck is tilted and extended to a ramp state for receiving cargo, the step system according to the solution extends laterally outward from beneath the deck, thereby providing a convenient and visible step for a user to use in getting down from the deck. When the deck is returned from the ramp state to its payload state, the step automatically retracts to a travel state beneath the deck.