Power Running Board Profile Control for Adult and Child Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicles lack the ability to selectively deploy power running boards based on user profiles, such as those of children or adults, to provide tailored access assistance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle power running board system that includes a controller to move between stowed and deployed positions based on user profiles, featuring adjustable steps for adults and children, controlled by a touchscreen interface or sensors, and actuators for deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the power running board is deployed to a fixed position, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different user heights (adults and children)
Solution Approach 1:
The power running board system employs multiple deployable positions with different step configurations that can dynamically adjust based on detected user profiles. The system transitions from a fixed-position running board to a multi-position deployable structure that adapts its configuration (single step for adults, dual steps for children) according to real-time user detection, thereby achieving adaptability without permanent structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The running board is divided into multiple deployable segments or steps that can be independently positioned. The system segments the running board into at least two distinct step configurations that can be selectively deployed, allowing the structure to accommodate different user heights while maintaining a relatively compact stowed position, thus managing complexity through modular segmentation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the power running board provides multiple deployable positions for different user profiles, then adaptability improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors (such as cameras, LIDAR, or weight sensors) that automatically detect user characteristics and trigger the appropriate running board configuration without requiring manual input. The controller autonomously processes sensor data to identify whether an adult or child is approaching and independently selects the correct deployment mode, enabling self-service operation that reduces the need for complex manual control interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor feedback loops to continuously monitor the approach of users and adjust running board deployment accordingly. The sensors provide real-time information about user presence and characteristics to the controller, which then feedback-adjusts the running board position and configuration, creating a closed-loop control system that manages complexity through automated feedback rather than complex pre-programmed sequences.
3Ease of operation
If the running board deploys lower steps for children, then ease of access improves, but the deployment mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The running board employs dynamic deployment mechanisms that adjust the height and position of steps based on detected user profiles. For children, the system dynamically configures lower steps that are easier to access, while for adults it deploys higher single steps. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same mechanical system to provide optimized ease of access for different user groups without requiring permanently complex mechanisms for all configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle having a passenger compartment, one or more doors to allow access to the passenger compartment, and a power running board located proximate to the one or more doors. The power running board is deployable to a first deployed position and a second deployed position. The vehicle also includes a controller configured to control the power running board to move the power running board between a stowed position and one of the first and second deployed positions based on a user profile.