Vehicle Door Retractable Step Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
High clearance vehicles present accessibility challenges for occupants, particularly in entering or exiting the vehicle due to the elevated height, which can be difficult for individuals with mobility issues or disabilities.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door system with a retractable step that extends out of the vehicle when opened, allowing occupants to access or exit via a step, featuring a hinge mechanism that supports the door in a cantilevered position and includes a sprag apparatus to control the opening rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a high clearance vehicle design is used, then vehicle ground clearance is improved, but occupant accessibility is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The step is pre-positioned within the door structure and automatically deployed when the door opens, providing immediate accessibility assistance before the occupant needs to enter or exit the vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The step acts as an intermediary element between the ground and the vehicle interior, bridging the height gap created by high clearance design and enabling safe occupant access without requiring additional external support components
2Ease of operation
If a retractable step mechanism is added to the door, then occupant accessibility is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The step mechanism is merged with the door structure itself, utilizing the door's existing movement and hinge system to deploy and retract the step, thereby avoiding the need for separate, independent step deployment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The step mechanism is designed to automatically deploy and retract based on door position without requiring external control systems, sensors, or power sources, allowing the door's own movement to drive the step mechanism
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
Enhances accessibility for all occupants by providing a safe and easy entry/exit solution, regardless of clearance height, without the need for additional support components, and can be used in various vehicle types, including high clearance vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The door can rotate on the hinge to open vertically or top-down
Implementation Method 2
The hinge can include a sprag apparatus that applies a load such that the door opens at a rate less than the door would open due to gravity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus can include a door. The door can be configured to couple with a side of a vehicle. The door can include a step. The door can move the step.