Three-Step Cab Access Fairing for Easier Vehicle Entry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access assemblies for cab over engine vehicles typically have only two steps, making egress and ingress difficult for older drivers or those with physical impairments, such as arthritis, due to the increased difficulty in ascending and descending.

Innovation Solution

A step fairing with three fixed steps, configured to be mounted on the side of a vehicle, featuring slip-resistant grated tread rungs and sturdy side panels and risers, designed to facilitate easier access to the vehicle cab, with dimensions optimized for comfort and load-bearing capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If two-step access assembly is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates for older drivers or physically impaired individuals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of egress and ingressVSAvoidnumber of steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The access assembly is segmented into three distinct steps instead of two, dividing the total height into smaller, more manageable increments. Each step provides a resting platform, reducing the effort required for each individual movement and making the overall task easier for older drivers or physically impaired individuals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If three fixed steps are added, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of egress and ingressVSAvoidstructure of step fairing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The step fairing combines three steps, side panels, and fairing elements into a single integrated structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby managing device complexity while still providing the benefits of three steps for improved ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If slip-resistant grated tread rungs are used, then safety is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslip resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing of tread rungs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The tread rungs are made with a grated or porous structure that provides slip resistance. This design allows foot penetration and grip while maintaining structural integrity. The grated pattern can be manufactured using standard metalworking techniques, balancing safety requirements with manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

4Ease of operation

If three steps are provided, then ease of operation improves, but load-bearing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to cabVSAvoidload-bearing capacity of step fairing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The step fairing utilizes composite construction with side panels and support structures designed to distribute and bear the increased loads. The combination of materials and structural design ensures that the three-step configuration can support required loads while maintaining ease of operation for all users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS11851025B2Vehicle cab access assembly

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 SCHNEIDER KENT

AI summary

A vehicle cab access assembly for easier and safer egress and ingress includes a step fairing, which is mountable to a respective side of a vehicle, such as a cab over engine vehicle, so that the step fairing is positioned below a door positioned in a cab of the vehicle. The step fairing comprises three steps and facilitates egress and ingress to the cab of the vehicle.