Truck Sub-Frame Step Assembly for Bed Access and Frame Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tow trucks and commercial trucks lack a step for accessing the bed, a toolbox for storage, and have unstable frames due to frame flexing.
Innovation Solution
A sub-frame and step assembly is installed on the truck's chassis, featuring lateral and longitudinal beams forming a channel, with a step and optional toolbox, providing stable access to the bed and attachment points for additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a step assembly is added to provide access to the truck bed, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The step assembly is divided into separate components including the sub-frame, step structure, and mounting brackets that can be independently manufactured and then assembled together. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and installation while providing the necessary access function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the step assembly, acts as a mounting platform for toolboxes or equipment, and reinforces the truck bed area. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a sub-frame with lateral and longitudinal beams is installed to stabilize the truck frame, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-frame structure is merged with the truck's existing chassis, utilizing the vehicle's frame rails as integration points. This merging approach provides stability reinforcement without requiring a completely separate frame structure, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-frame is designed and pre-assembled with all necessary bracing and support elements before installation on the truck. This preliminary preparation ensures that the stability-enhancing structure is optimally configured and reduces on-site installation complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a toolbox is mounted on the sub-frame, then functionality is improved, but weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The toolbox is designed as a removable and replaceable component that can be easily detached from the sub-frame. This allows the toolbox to be swapped out or removed when not needed, minimizing the permanent weight addition to the vehicle while maintaining storage capability when required.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is described for connecting a step or other components to a tow truck or other commercial truck using a sub-frame. The sub-frame includes chassis connection elements that are attached to a chassis of the truck and support elements that extend perpendicularly away from the chassis toward left and right sides of the truck so that the step, a toolbox, or other components may be attached thereto. The step is installed at a height that allows access by a user standing thereon to a bed of the truck and to any items located on the truck bed. The assembly may also include a rear bracket assembly for attaching rear fenders to the truck.