Sliding-Door Retractable Step Without Motorized Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotorcraft and vehicle designs face challenges with retractable steps that are either complex, energy-consuming, or cumbersome, particularly in requiring motorized installations that complicate integration with existing vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A non-motorized mechanical deployment system connected to a sliding door, which automatically moves the step between retracted and deployed positions using the energy from the door's operation, and includes a safety device to prevent door blocking, allowing for easy integration and reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motorized installation is used to move the step between retracted and deployed positions, then the step can be positioned accurately, but the device becomes complex and energy-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The step system uses the sliding door itself as the actuating mechanism. The door's movement directly drives the step deployment through a mechanical linkage system, eliminating the need for separate motors or power systems. The door opening action automatically deploys the step, and door closing automatically retracts it, making the system self-servicing without external power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding door serves dual functions: providing access to the vehicle interior and simultaneously actuating the step deployment mechanism. The mechanical linkage system allows the door to perform both its primary sealing function and the secondary function of controlling step position, reducing overall system complexity by combining multiple functions into existing components.
2Ease of operation
If a motorized installation is used to move the step, then the step can be deployed on demand, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures and utilizes the kinetic energy already present in the door opening/closing motion to drive the step deployment. No additional energy sources are required - the door's natural movement provides all the energy needed to extend or retract the step through the mechanical transmission system.
Solution Approach 2:
The step deployment occurs periodically in sync with door operations. Each door opening cycle deploys the step, and each closing cycle retracts it, creating a rhythmic, event-driven operation pattern that eliminates continuous energy consumption and activates the mechanism only when needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a retractable staircase with several steps is used, then ground clearance is accommodated, but the installation becomes cumbersome and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single multi-step staircase structure, the system uses a single step that deploys horizontally from the door. This segmented approach separates the access function (door) from the stepping function (single deployable step), eliminating the need for a heavy, multi-level staircase while still providing adequate ground clearance accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential stepping function from a traditional staircase, implementing a single lightweight step that extends from the door assembly. This removes the unnecessary weight of multiple steps, supports, and complex folding mechanisms while retaining the core functionality of bridging the gap to the ground.
4Reliability
If a fixed step is permanently deployed, then passenger support is always available, but aerodynamic impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The step transitions from a static, fixed position to a dynamic, movable one that can extend or retract based on operational conditions. During flight, the step remains retracted to minimize aerodynamic drag, and only deploys when the vehicle is on the ground and passenger access is required, optimizing both aerodynamic performance and functional availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The step's position parameter changes between two discrete states: retracted (aerodynamically optimized) and deployed (functionally optimized). This parameter switching allows the system to adapt to different operational phases - maintaining low drag during flight while providing full support functionality during ground operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a vehicle (1) equipped with a sliding door (5) and a step (10) activated by the door, the step (10) comprising a movable step (15) from a retracted position (POS1) to a deployed position (POS2) and vice versa. The step (10) includes a mechanical deployment system (30) connected to the step (15) and to the sliding door (5), said deployment system (30) being activated by a movement of said door (5) to move said step (15) between the deployed position (POS2) and the retracted position (POS1), said step (10) including a safety device (80) to disengage said door (5) and said step (15) in the event of said step (15) becoming blocked.