Self-Powered Vehicle Step With Wireless Control and Compact Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steps are not practical, require significant wiring, have large footprints, and are costly and difficult to install, often necessitating external power sources and components.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle step with a movable platform powered by an integrated battery and renewable energy source, housed within the step's footprint, and controlled wirelessly, eliminating external connections and optimizing space and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motor and wiring mechanism are used to power the step, then the step can be automatically moved between positions, but the overall footprint increases and installation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source (battery) from external vehicle connections and integrates it directly into the step unit itself. This removes the need for extensive wiring harnesses and external power connections, thereby reducing the overall footprint and simplifying installation while maintaining automatic operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The step system is segmented into self-contained modular units, each with its own power source and control electronics. This segmentation allows the step to operate independently without requiring centralized vehicle power connections, reducing wiring complexity and installation difficulty
2Power
If wired connection with vehicle service battery is used, then the motor can be powered, but the wiring is in the way inside the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery power source from the vehicle's centralized electrical system and relocates it directly into the step assembly. This eliminates the need for power wires running through the vehicle interior, removing the obstruction problem while maintaining sufficient power delivery to the motor
Solution Approach 2:
The step unit becomes self-sufficient by incorporating its own battery power source, eliminating dependence on external vehicle power connections. This self-service approach removes wiring obstructions inside the vehicle while maintaining motor power supply capability
3Ease of operation
If pins and arms mechanism is used to guide the platform, then the platform can be moved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pin-and-arms guidance mechanisms with alternative actuation systems such as linear actuators or track-based guidance. This substitution maintains the platform's ability to move between positions while significantly reducing the number of mechanical components and overall system complexity
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 provides a compact, easy-to-install, and reliable step that minimizes wiring, ensures energy independence, and enhances vehicle habitability by reducing the need for external components and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The step 1 includes a battery 6 for powering the motor 5
Implementation Method 2
Advantageously, the means 7 for transforming renewable energy includes a photovoltaic cell
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A step (1) of a vehicle, comprising a fixed portion (2) suitable for permanently connecting to said vehicle, at least one platform (3) movable, extendablebetween a retracted position, wherein said movable platform (3) is collected in proximity to said fixed portion (2) to an extracted position, wherein said movable platform (3) projects outside said fixed portion (2), a motor (5) for driving said connecting and movement means (4), a battery (6) for supplying said motor (5), and a source (7) of renewable energy connected to said power supply battery (6).