Vehicle Running Board Insert With Retainers And Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing running boards for vehicles lack a means to enhance their appearance and visibility of decorative elements, such as logos, and do not effectively prevent incorrect insertion of inserts.

Innovation Solution

A running board design featuring a body with retainers defining a receiving space for an insert, where the insert is secured via deformable ribs and fasteners, and optionally includes a light source for illumination, ensuring correct orientation and enhanced visibility of decorative elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If an insert is added to enhance appearance and visibility of decorative elements, then the aesthetic value and visibility are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of decorative elementsVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insert is positioned within the receiving space formed by retainers attached to the running board body, creating a nested structure where the insert fits into the existing running board framework. This nesting approach allows the insert to enhance appearance without requiring a complete redesign of the running board structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The running board is segmented into functional components: the main body with decorative openings, separate retainers that define the receiving space, and a removable insert. This segmentation allows the insert to be independently designed for aesthetic enhancement while maintaining structural simplicity through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If retainers are used to define a receiving space for the insert, then the insert can be securely positioned, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsert positioning stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The retainers are pre-attached to the running board body to form the receiving space before the insert is installed. This preliminary action ensures that the receiving space is already properly positioned and shaped, making the subsequent insert installation straightforward and ensuring reliable positioning without requiring complex integrated manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Illumination intensity

If a light source is added to illuminate the insert, then the visibility and aesthetic appeal are enhanced, but the energy consumption and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of insertVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The insert itself serves as a visual enhancement element that can be designed with reflective, translucent, or colored properties to enhance visibility and aesthetic appeal without requiring active illumination. This passive optical approach improves appearance while avoiding the energy consumption associated with active light sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

4Ease of operation

If the insert is made removable via friction fit with deformable ribs, then ease of customization and removal is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of removal and installationVSAvoidfriction fit precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The ribs are designed with deformable properties that allow them to change shape during insertion, enabling the insert to be easily installed and removed. The deformability parameter of the ribs provides a tolerance buffer that reduces the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while still ensuring reliable friction fit engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution enhances the appearance and visibility of decorative elements on running boards by securely fastening inserts with a friction fit and optional illumination, preventing incorrect insertion and allowing for easy removal and customization.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one rib may include a deformable material such that the at least one rib is deformed upon insertion of the insert into the receiving space to thereby frictionally secure the insert in the receiving space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11135978B2Vehicle running board and insert

Publication Date: 2021.10.05 NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A running board for a vehicle is disclosed that includes: a body; a plurality of retainers that are connected to the body so as to collectively define a receiving space; and an insert that is configured for insertion into the receiving space. The body of the running board includes: a deck; an outer flange that extends downwardly from the deck; and an inner flange that extends downwardly from the deck in generally parallel relation to the outer flange. The outer flange includes at least one opening forming a decorative element, and the insert is configured for engagement with the plurality of retainers to thereby secure the insert in generally parallel relation to the outer flange adjacent to the decorative element.