Vehicle Step Guide Rail Free Running Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing step devices for vehicles that couple a movable step with a sliding door increase the force required to open and close the sliding door, especially near the fully closed position, due to the load put on the sliding door.
Innovation Solution
A step device with a movable step that is supported under the door opening and a coupling member engaging with the sliding door, featuring a guide rail with a closing-side free running zone where the coupling member does not press the side walls, reducing the load on the sliding door during opening and closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a movable step is coupled to a sliding door through a guide member and coupling member, then the movable step can move in conjunction with opening and closing of the sliding door, but the force required to open and close the sliding door increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail is divided into multiple zones: a first region where the coupling member presses the side wall to move the movable step, a second region (closing-side free running zone) where the coupling member does not press either side wall, and a third region where the coupling member presses the side wall again. This segmentation allows the system to reduce force requirements in specific zones while maintaining functionality in others.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member dynamically changes its interaction with the guide rail side walls based on position. In the closing-side free running zone, the coupling member is positioned such that it does not press either side wall, creating a dynamic state where the movable step does not load the sliding door during opening/closing operations in this region.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the movable step is coupled to the sliding door, then the movable step can be moved to deployed and retracted positions, but the load on the sliding door increases especially near the fully closed position
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the guide rail have different functional qualities. The first and third regions provide coupling and load transfer, while the second region (closing-side free running zone) provides a load-free passage. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain adaptability while reducing load in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail is pre-configured with the closing-side free running zone positioned at the terminal end region on the closing side. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the sliding door approaches the fully closed position, the coupling member automatically enters the load-free zone, reducing the load before the door completes its closing action.
3Ease of operation
If the coupling member presses the side wall of the guide rail to move the movable step, then the movable step moves in conjunction with sliding door opening and closing, but the force required to open and close the sliding door increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail is divided into multiple zones: a first region where the coupling member presses the side wall to move the movable step, a second region (closing-side free running zone) where the coupling member does not press either side wall, and a third region where the coupling member presses the side wall again. This segmentation allows the system to reduce force requirements in specific zones while maintaining functionality in others.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member dynamically changes its interaction with the guide rail side walls based on position. In the closing-side free running zone, the coupling member is positioned such that it does not press either side wall, creating a dynamic state where the movable step does not load the sliding door during opening/closing operations in this region.
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
This configuration reduces the force needed to open and close the sliding door by eliminating the load on the sliding door during the terminal end region of the guide rail, enhancing the operational ease and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling member causes the movable step to move from a retracted position to a deployed position as the engaging part comes into sliding contact with a side wall of the guide rail that is located on an outer side in the vehicle width direction and, while pressing the side wall, moves inside the guide rail in a direction of opening the sliding door
Data Source
AI summary
A step device for a vehicle includes a movable step and a coupling member. The movable step includes a guide rail. The coupling member is configured to cause the movable step to move from a deployed position to a retracted position as a engaging part comes into sliding contact with a side wall of the guide rail that is located on an inner side in a vehicle width direction and, while pressing the side wall, moves inside the guide rail in a direction of closing a sliding door. The guide rail is configured such that a terminal end region on a closing side including a terminal end position at which the engaging part is located when the sliding door is fully closed constitutes a closing-side free running zone in which the engaging part does not press either of the side walls.