Integrated Roof Step Stowage in a Vehicle Door Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals face difficulties in accessing the roof of vehicles, particularly higher profile ones, to secure or retrieve items without resorting to unsafe methods or damaging the vehicle, as existing solutions lack sufficient reach and stability.
Innovation Solution
An integrated step apparatus is provided, featuring a support member that can be deployed and stowed within a socket in the vehicle's door frame, allowing users to access the roof without external devices and minimizing risk of damage to the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a support member is deployed to provide roof access, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is integrated into the door frame structure, merging the access function with the existing door assembly. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation, as the support member becomes part of the vehicle's existing structure rather than a separate external device.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is designed to be movable between deployed and stowed positions, allowing it to adapt to different operational needs. When not in use, it can be retracted into the door frame, minimizing its impact on the vehicle's appearance and functionality while providing easy access when needed.
2Reliability
If a support member is integrated into the door frame, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated support system is divided into separate components including the support member, mounting mechanism, and integration features within the door frame. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining reliability through proper assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support member is movable between deployed and stowed positions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the support member permanently extended, the design inverts the approach by having it retracted into the door frame when not in use. This provides adaptability by allowing the support member to be deployed only when needed, reducing its visual impact and potential interference with door operations while maintaining ease of access when required.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated roof step to enable an individual to access the roof of a vehicle. The integrated roof step includes a support member configured to support an object; a socket configured to be disposed in a door frame of a vehicle body, wherein the socket is configured to at least partially receive the support member such that a door of the vehicle is closable without the support member interfering with the vehicle door; and a mount configured to movably secure a portion of the support member to the socket.