Vehicle Running Board Torque Arm Synchronization Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable running boards in high ground clearance vehicles face issues with damage and malfunction due to rough road surfaces and vertical oscillating movements, which can lead to improper functioning and component damage.
Innovation Solution
A running board mechanism utilizing a torque arm connected to worm gears for synchronized horizontal and vertical movement, with a protective cover and stopper to limit rotation to 180°, ensuring parallel opening and closing, and a gear system to slow down high-speed rotation, protecting against road irregularities and environmental damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the running board performs vertical oscillating movement during opening/closing, then the running board can adapt to road surface irregularities, but the workspace increases and the step may get damaged or fail to function properly due to stones, bumps, etc. hitting the step
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional vertical oscillating movement approach by implementing horizontal movement instead. The running board assembly moves horizontally along the vehicle body rather than vertically oscillating, which eliminates the risk of damage from road debris while still providing adaptability to road surface conditions through the horizontal adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a motor assembly with actuator and linkage mechanism as an intermediary between the control system and the running board. This intermediary mechanism enables controlled horizontal movement and positioning, allowing the running board to adapt to road irregularities while maintaining reliability during operation through precise control
2Speed
If the running board acts/respond fast by performing rotational movement, then the opening/closing speed increases, but the mechanism may be vulnerable to damage from rough road surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic movement mechanism where the running board can perform both horizontal movement through the linkage system and vertical adjustment. The motor assembly provides controlled rotational movement for rapid deployment while the horizontal movement capability allows the system to respond dynamically to road conditions, maintaining both speed and reliability
3Reliability
If the running board remains unaffected by roughness of road surface through horizontal movement, then reliability improves, but the mechanism complexity increases due to additional linkage components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the linkage mechanism to serve multiple functions: it enables horizontal movement for road surface adaptation, provides vertical adjustment capability, and facilitates controlled deployment and retraction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving reliability through horizontal movement protection
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 mechanism provides a robust and durable solution for the running board system, ensuring synchronized and harmonious movement, protecting against road hazards and environmental factors, while maintaining a compact structure and easy installation.
Implementation Method 1
A torque arm connected to the two worm gears ensuring that the movement from the side with a driving member is transferred to the side without a driving member in a synchronized manner
Implementation Method 2
a gear system to slow down high-speed rotation
Implementation Method 3
a stopper having one end covered by rubber and placed onto a top bracket whereby rotational movement provided by driving member is limited to 180°
Implementation Method 4
a stopper having one end covered by rubber and placed onto a top bracket whereby rotational movement provided by driving member is limited to 180° such that noise and impact are dampened
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to a running board system for vehicles, which comprises at least two drive groups at each side of the running board system and a driving member, where said driving member is fixed onto a drive flange such that rotational motion provided by said driving member is transferred through to a worm gear. Said running board system further comprises a bracket gear whereby movement is transferred from worm gear to bracket gear and a middle bracket centered to bracket gear. Said running board system further comprises a torque arm whereby movement from the side with driving member is transferred to the side without driving member in a synchronized manner and thereby running board is opened and closed parallel to vehicle, and the running board is driven parallel to the ground in a horizontal and vertical opening-closing motion.