Rotatable Box Step for Multi-Position Pickup Bed Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current designs for pickup truck bed access steps are limited, as they typically only allow access at one location, and the rear bumper height can be too high for comfortable access, especially when the tailgate is closed, and the available step area is obstructed when the tailgate is open.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable box step system mounted to the vehicle's underside, driven by a motor and pivot assembly, allowing movement between a stowed position, rear position, corner position, and side entry position, providing multiple access points to the truck bed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed step is used for bed access, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability is limited to one access location
Solution Approach 1:
The step is designed to be movable rather than fixed, capable of rotating between a stowed position and multiple deployed positions (rear, corner, side entry). This dynamic configuration allows the step to adapt to different access locations while maintaining a compact form when not in use, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A single step mechanism serves multiple functions by providing access to different locations (rear bumper, corner, side entry) and can be positioned in multiple configurations. This multi-functionality achieves adaptability across various access points without requiring multiple separate step devices.
2Strength
If the rear bumper height is increased for structural reasons, then the vehicle strength is improved, but the ease of access becomes difficult for many individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The step acts as an intermediary element between the ground and the elevated truck bed. By providing a separate stepping surface at an intermediate height, it mediates the height difference without requiring the rear bumper to be lowered, thus preserving structural strength while improving accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A box step for allowing a user to access the rear bed or box of a vehicle such as a pickup truck. The pivotable box step includes a housing that is mounted to the underside of the vehicle. The box step moves between a stowed position tucked underneath the vehicle, a rear position at the rear of the vehicle, a corner position at the rear corner of the vehicle and a side entry position at the side of the vehicle, forward from the corner entry position. The motor drives the drive assembly in opposing first and second directions to move the box step between the stowed position, the rear position, the corner position and the side entry position.