Deployable Running Board Curb Interference Avoidance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with high ground clearance, such as SUVs, present difficulties for users entering and exiting due to the elevated floor, and existing deployable running boards do not effectively adjust their position based on external structures like curbs, which can interfere with deployment or door opening.
Innovation Solution
A deployable running board system equipped with a sensor device, typically an ultrasonic sensor, that detects the location of external structures and adjusts its deployed position relative to the vehicle, allowing optimal positioning for user access and avoiding interference with curbs or other obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the running board is deployed to assist user entry and exit, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of interference with external structures like curbs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device detects the location of external structures (curbs, obstacles) before the running board is deployed. This preliminary detection allows the control system to pre-calculate the safe deployment position and adjust the running board's deployment extent accordingly, preventing interference with external structures before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The running board's deployed position is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system continuously monitors the environment using sensor devices and adjusts the running board's deployment position in real-time based on detected external structures, allowing optimal assistance for user entry/exit while avoiding obstacles
2Ease of operation
If the running board is positioned closer to the vehicle body for better support, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of damage from high curbs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device provides continuous feedback about the distance to external structures. The control system uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the running board's deployment position, maintaining optimal support quality while preventing contact with curbs or obstacles that could cause damage
3Device complexity
If a fixed deployment position is used for the running board, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different external structures decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting external structures using sensor devices and autonomously adjusting the running board's deployment position without requiring manual user input. This maintains operational simplicity while achieving high adaptability to different environmental conditions
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
Facilitates easier entry and exit by dynamically adjusting the running board's position based on external structures, ensuring safe and effective use while preventing potential damage from high curbs or interference with vehicle doors.
Implementation Method 1
A deployable running board system equipped with a sensor device, typically an ultrasonic sensor, that detects the location of external structures
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a sensor device that detects a location of a structure outside a vehicle, a running board moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The deployed position is adjusted relative to the vehicle based on the location of the structure detected by the sensor. An exemplary running board deploying method includes, among other things, detecting a location of a structure outside a vehicle, and transitioning a running board from a stowed position to a deployed position. The deployed position is adjusted relative to the vehicle based on the location of the structure.