Rotating Vehicle Step With Retainer Lock for Compact Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles often have areas that are difficult to reach, leading to potential contact with the exterior, which can result in dirt transfer or scratching of clothing and the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A movable vehicle step with a base that rotates between extended and retracted positions, controlled by a retainer mechanism and biased by springs, allowing easy deployment and stowage under the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed step is provided to assist access to vehicle areas, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases and space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The step is designed as a movable component that can rotate between an extended position (providing access assistance) and a retracted position (stowed under the vehicle). This dynamic configuration allows the step to adapt between providing support and being compact, eliminating the need for a permanent fixed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The step base is designed to nest under the vehicle body when retracted, with the mount structure allowing the step to be stored within the vehicle's undercarriage space. This nesting approach minimizes the space occupied when the step is not in use.
2Ease of operation
If the step is always extended to provide access, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time for deployment is eliminated, however space occupation increases and stability during movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The step utilizes a rotatable mount with a defined axis of rotation, allowing smooth transition between extended and retracted positions. The dynamic movement enables the step to be deployed only when needed, optimizing space utilization while maintaining accessibility functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The step transitions from a two-dimensional plane (when extended) to a three-dimensional stowed configuration (when retracted under the vehicle). This dimensional change allows the step to occupy minimal space when not in use while providing full functionality when deployed.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a retainer mechanism is added to control step movement, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer mechanism is designed to automatically engage with the step base when the step rotates to the retracted position, holding it in place without requiring manual intervention. The mechanism self-activates through the rotational movement itself, reducing the need for additional control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer acts as an intermediary component between the step base and the vehicle mount, providing a simple engagement interface that secures the step in the retracted position without requiring complex locking mechanisms or additional actuation systems.
4Volume of moving object
If the step is made movable to save space, then volume of moving object is reduced, but reliability of position maintenance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable mount provides a defined axis of rotation that guides the step's movement, ensuring predictable and controlled transitions between positions. The mechanical guidance inherent in the rotation system maintains reliability while enabling space-saving retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer mechanism automatically engages to maintain the step in the retracted position, providing reliable position maintenance without requiring external control systems. The self-activating nature of the retainer ensures consistent positioning reliability.
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
Provides safe and clean access to vehicle areas by keeping users away from the exterior, preventing contact and dirt transfer, while maintaining stability during use.
Implementation Method 1
a spring that yieldably biases the base toward the extended position
Implementation Method 2
a link having a pivot about which the link rotates
Implementation Method 3
the retainer includes a latch that is coupled to the link by a pivot and which has a free end that extends outwardly from the link and into the path of travel of the base
Data Source
AI summary
In at least some implementations, a movable step for a vehicle includes a base having an upper surface and a mount adapted to be coupled to a vehicle and defining an axis of rotation of the base that is perpendicular to the upper surface of the base. The base rotates about the axis of rotation between an extended position and a retracted position. A retainer has a first position in which the retainer overlaps the base in a path of rotation of the base to prevent rotation of the base from the retracted position to the extended position, and the retainer has a second position in which the retainer does not overlap the base in the path of rotation of the base so that the base is rotatable from the retracted position to the extended position wherein the upper surface is exposed for use as a step.