Vehicle Side Step with Magnetic Reed Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current powered side steps on vehicles are unreliable in snowy or icy conditions due to debris accumulation, which affects touchless switching technologies, and require manual door opening for activation, lacking hands-free operation and being prone to unintentional activation.
Innovation Solution
An articulating step assembly with a weather-sealed non-contact reed switch activated by a change in magnetic field strength, allowing foot movement to deploy and stow the step without mechanical contact, using a motor and linkage system with minimal moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If touchless switching technologies are used for power side step activation, then hands-free operation is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to false sensing or no sensing caused by debris blockage in the sensing field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical touchless sensing systems (optical or capacitive sensors) with a magnetic field-based reed switch system. The reed switch is actuated by a magnet attached to the step assembly, creating a contactless but debris-resistant switching mechanism that maintains hands-free operation while eliminating susceptibility to debris blockage.
Solution Approach 2:
The reed switch is enclosed in a weather-sealed housing that protects it from environmental elements. This sealing approach creates a protected sensing zone that prevents debris, snow, and ice from interfering with the magnetic field interaction, thereby maintaining reliability in harsh winter conditions.
2Reliability
If mechanical moving components are used for switch activation, then reliable switching is achieved, but device complexity and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical moving components in the switching mechanism by using a reed switch that responds to magnetic field changes. The magnet moves with the step assembly, actuating the reed switch contactless, thereby achieving reliable switching without mechanical wear or complex moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary between the moving step assembly and the stationary reed switch. This magnetic coupling allows the switch to be actuated by the magnet's movement without direct mechanical contact, reducing wear and simplifying the mechanism while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If foot contact switching is used for step activation, then simple and reliable switching is achieved, but ergonomic quality deteriorates due to required contact force and potential contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct foot-contact mechanical switches with a magnetic field-based reed switch system. The magnet attached to the step assembly creates a magnetic field that actuates the reed switch without requiring physical contact, thereby maintaining reliability while improving ergonomics by eliminating the need for forceful foot contact and potential contamination.
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
Provides reliable, hands-free, and ergonomic activation of the powered side step under various environmental conditions, minimizing wear and preventing false triggering by debris, ensuring consistent operation even in snowy or icy conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A reed switch which has no moving parts that is activated by a change of magnetic field strength adjacent to the switch
Data Source
AI summary
An articulating step assembly for a vehicle which includes a mount for attachment to a vehicle, a step member and an articulating linkage connecting the mount and the step for stowing and deploying the step. A motor is attached to the linkage to provide raising and lowering of the step. A weather sealed non-contact switch located on the assembly for actuating the motor and linkage in response to movement of the step in a predetermined direction for deploying the step.