Spring-Adjusted Running Board Positioning Under Occupied Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing running boards on waste collection vehicles lack precise mechanisms to determine and adjust occupied and unoccupied positions, leading to restrictions in driving operations due to susceptibility to contamination, wear, and tampering.
Innovation Solution
A running board with a pivotable movable part and a spring element that ensures precise positioning by pivoting between open, occupied, and closed states, utilizing a rotary encoder and adjustable spring elements to prevent unintended position changes under varying loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a switch is used to detect the running board position, then the detection function is achieved, but the system becomes susceptible to dirt, wear, and tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with a rotary encoder that uses optical or magnetic fields to detect the running board position. This substitution eliminates direct mechanical contact between detection components, making the system resistant to dirt and wear while maintaining reliable position detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism (rotary encoder) that indirectly measures position through rotational movement rather than direct contact with the running board. This intermediary approach allows accurate position detection without exposing sensitive components to harsh environmental conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the running board position is precisely adjusted using mechanical means, then position accuracy is improved, but the system becomes susceptible to unintended position changes under varying loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the rotary encoder continuously monitors the running board position and provides signals to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback information and can actively adjust or correct position deviations caused by varying loads, ensuring stable and accurate position maintenance throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical position adjustment mechanisms with an electromechanical system that uses the rotary encoder for precise position sensing and electronic control for active stabilization. This substitution enables dynamic compensation for load variations while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Ease of operation
If the running board is designed to pivot freely for easy operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to precisely determine occupied and unoccupied positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the rotary encoder to provide continuous feedback on the running board's angular position during pivoting. This feedback enables the control system to precisely identify transition points between occupied and unoccupied positions, maintaining measurement precision even while allowing free pivoting motion for ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the rotary encoder as an intermediary measurement device that accurately tracks position changes during free pivoting. This intermediary enables precise position determination without restricting the natural pivoting motion, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving accurate measurement.
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
Enables precise and repeatable determination of running board positions, ensuring safety by preventing unauthorized changes in driving operations and maintaining operational restrictions based on accurate load detection.
Implementation Method 1
wherein a first spring element is provided with which the movable part comes into direct or indirect contact in the open position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a running board (1), in particular for a refuse collection vehicle, comprising a holder (2) and a movable part (3) with a platform (4), wherein the movable part (3) can be brought into a closed, an open and an occupied position by being pivotable relative to the holder (2), wherein a first spring element (9) is provided with which the movable part (3) comes into contact with the holder (2) either directly or indirectly. This allows the positions of the running board (1) to be precisely adjusted and determined.Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for adjusting such a footboard (1), wherein the movable part (3) is attached to the holder (2), the first spring element (9) is attached so that the first spring element (9) is set to a predetermined initial length LA, an angular range α is checked by which the platform (4) pivots between the open and occupied positions under a predetermined load, and the length L of the first spring element (9) is readjusted so that the movable part (3) pivots by a predetermined angular range α under a predetermined load on the platform (4).