Hinged Step Cover Magnetic Closure System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing delivery/cargo vehicle battery compartment access covers face alignment issues and trip hazards due to protruding mechanical securing means like wing nuts and straps, which complicate access and safety.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic closure system where the step cover is hinged and secured using magnets attached to the frame or door, eliminating the need for visible securing parts and providing a consistent compression seal, allowing for easy access without alignment problems or trip hazards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical securing means like wing nuts and straps are used to attach the step cover to the frame, then the cover can be secured in place, but alignment problems occur between the step cover and the frame and trip hazards are created due to protruding parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring the cover in placeVSAvoidalignment and access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical securing system (wing nuts, straps, bolts) with a magnetic securing system. Magnets are embedded in the frame and attract the step cover, eliminating the need for protruding mechanical fasteners. This substitution resolves the alignment problems and trip hazards while maintaining secure attachment of the cover.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the protruding mechanical securing elements (wing nuts, straps) from the system and replaces them with embedded magnets. The magnets are concealed within the frame structure, removing the harmful protruding parts that caused alignment issues and trip hazards while preserving the securing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If protruding mechanical securing means are used to attach the step cover, then the cover can be secured to the frame, but trip hazards are created due to extending parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring the coverVSAvoidtrip hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes protruding mechanical fasteners with embedded magnets that provide secure attachment without creating protruding parts. The magnetic field extends beyond the frame surface to attract the cover, but the physical securing elements remain concealed, eliminating trip hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnets as an intermediary between the frame and the step cover. The magnets are embedded in the frame and create an invisible magnetic field that secures the cover without requiring visible or protruding mechanical connections, thus eliminating trip hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If wing nuts and straps are used to secure the step cover, then the cover can be attached to the frame, but time is required to loosen or tighten the securing means

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment of coverVSAvoidtime to secure or release cover

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the time-consuming mechanical fastening system (tightening wing nuts, attaching straps) with an instantaneous magnetic attraction system. The step cover is secured simply by placing it over the frame, where magnets automatically hold it in position, eliminating the time required for mechanical fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic securing system is self-actuating - when the step cover is placed over the frame, the magnets automatically engage and secure it without requiring any manual tightening or fastening operations. To release, one simply lifts the cover away, eliminating all the time-consuming manual operations required by mechanical fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 magnetic closure system ensures secure and easy access to the battery compartment without alignment issues or trip hazards, providing a safe and efficient method for accessing vehicle components like batteries, engines, or storage areas.

Implementation Method 1

A magnetic closure system where the step cover is hinged and secured using magnets attached to the frame or door

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9796337B2Battery compartment cover

Publication Date: 2017.10.24 SHYFT GROUP INC

AI summary

Illustratively, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vehicle that includes an entrance to an interior compartment. A step assembly is located adjacent the entrance of the vehicle and includes at least one step and at least one riser. The at least one riser is attached to and substantially perpendicular to the at least one step. The step assembly also includes an opening that allows access behind the step assembly. A lid is provided that includes a hinge to allow selective movement of the lid between open and closed positions with respect to the opening in the step assembly. A securement is attached to the underside surface of the lid to hold the lid to the step assembly. This securement, however, does not extend upward from the top surface of the lid.