Power Running Board Deployment Control for Collision Avoidance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power running boards on vehicles lack advanced operational capabilities beyond simple extension and retraction, failing to address safety, theft deterrence, and environmental interactions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A deployable power running board system that operates based on sensor data to adjust deployment and retraction speed and distance, using motors, linear actuators, and pyrotechnics to avoid collisions, prevent rollovers, and deter theft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the power running board is deployed at high speed to quickly provide access to the vehicle, then productivity is improved, but the risk of collision with objects or persons increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power running board system dynamically adjusts its deployment speed based on real-time sensor data. When obstacles are detected, the deployment speed is reduced or the board is retracted to avoid collision. When no obstacles are present, the board deploys at high speed for quick access. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between fast deployment and collision avoidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the environment around the power running board during deployment. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information about obstacles, allowing the control system to adjust deployment parameters dynamically. The feedback loop enables the system to maintain high productivity when safe while preventing harmful collisions when obstacles are detected.
2Device complexity
If the power running board uses simple extension and retraction mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to address safety and environmental interactions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power running board system performs multiple functions beyond simple extension and retraction. It includes obstacle detection, adaptive speed control, collision avoidance, and theft deterrence capabilities. By integrating these multiple functions into a single system, the patent achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing mechanical complexity, as many functions are implemented through software control and sensor integration rather than additional mechanical components.
3Reliability
If the power running board deploys at full speed to deter theft, then the deterrent effect is maximized, but the risk of harm to persons increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts deployment behavior based on whether theft deterrence or safety is the priority. When theft is suspected and no obstacles are detected, the board deploys at full speed for maximum deterrent effect. When persons or obstacles are detected, the system switches to slow deployment or retraction mode to prevent harm. This dynamic behavioral adaptation resolves the contradiction between theft deterrence effectiveness and harm prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a deployable power running board of a vehicle is provided. The method includes receiving sensor data from the vehicle, the sensor data indicating a distance between the power running board and an object, an approaching angle of the object approaching the power running board, and/or a vehicle position status, calculating a distance and/or speed of deployment or retraction of the power running board based on the sensor data, and deploying or retracting the power running board based on the calculated distance and/or speed of deployment or retraction.