Two-Piece Running Board Extrusion for Easy Aperture Piercing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing running board designs, particularly those made of closed extruded aluminum, are difficult to pierce due to their profile configuration, making it infeasible to create necessary holes for components like step mats and end caps using a punch die.
Innovation Solution
A 2-piece extruded running board step design, split into upper and lower sections, allows for easy piercing of apertures at predetermined locations, with attachment features such as hooks, snaps, or adhesives to secure the sections together, enabling efficient assembly and attachment of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate parts are used to form the running board step, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the number of components increases and assembly complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate parts (side rails and intermediate webbing) into a single integrated extruded profile. The T-shaped cross-section integrates the side rail flanges and intermediate webbing as unified structural elements, eliminating the need for separate components while maintaining the flexible assembly capability through the integrated design.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single integrated piece is used for the running board step, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability and flexibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated extruded profile is designed with distinct functional zones corresponding to different original components. The T-shaped cross-section segments the structure into side rail portions (flanges) and intermediate webbing portions, allowing each zone to be optimized for its specific function while being manufactured as a single piece.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional separate part construction is used, then adaptability is improved, but structural strength and rigidity worsen due to multiple joints
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the side rails and intermediate webbing into a single continuously extruded profile, the invention eliminates weak joints between separate components. The integrated structure provides continuous load paths and uniform material properties throughout, enhancing overall structural strength while maintaining design flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A step board that is a multi-piece board including at least a first piece and a second piece that can be easily pierced at predetermined locations to create predetermined apertures for attaching step board assembly components, such as step mats, end caps, bracket attachments, and etc. The first and second pieces are then secured together.