Vehicle Running Board Bracket with T-Shaped Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing running board bracket systems for vehicles require multiple fasteners for installation, increasing labor and material costs and complexity, while also lacking a secure mechanical engagement with the vehicle's structural panels.
Innovation Solution
A bracket system with a T-shaped interlock structure and mount element that mechanically engages with the vehicle's lower flange, allowing for secure fastening to a structural panel using fewer fasteners, and featuring a support surface for the running board, enabling easier installation and enhanced load support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used for bracket installation, then the mechanical engagement with vehicle structural panels is secure, but the installation complexity and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated bracket design. The bracket incorporates both the mounting interface and running board support structure as one unified component, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and simplifying installation while maintaining secure mechanical engagement with the vehicle frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, mechanical engagement with the vehicle frame, and running board mounting. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single part, reducing the number of fasteners needed and lowering installation complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used for bracket installation, then the mechanical engagement with vehicle structural panels is secure, but the material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated bracket design. The bracket incorporates both the mounting interface and running board support structure as one unified component, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and simplifying installation while maintaining secure mechanical engagement with the vehicle frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, mechanical engagement with the vehicle frame, and running board mounting. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single part, reducing the number of fasteners needed and lowering installation complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple bracket design is used, then the manufacturing costs are low, but the load support capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with segmented functional zones: a mounting portion for attachment to the vehicle frame, a support portion for bearing the running board load, and an interlocking portion for securing the running board. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket employs local quality variations with thicker material sections at high-stress mounting points and thinner sections in low-stress areas. This non-uniform thickness distribution provides enhanced load support capability where needed while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and reducing overall material usage in less critical areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket for mounting a running board to a vehicle. The bracket comprising a main body comprising a support surface, an interlock structure and a mount element. The support surface provides a surface for supporting the running board. The interlock structure provides a mechanical engagement with a lower flange of the vehicle. The mount element cooperates with a fastener for fastening the bracket to a structural panel of the vehicle.