Vehicle Side Step Assembly for High-Clearance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Workers assembling or repairing vehicles on high-clearance vehicles face discomfort due to the distance and angle from the center of the vehicle, making it difficult to access and work on components effectively.
Innovation Solution
A side step assembly kit that includes a frame assembly with stay members and a side step cover, allowing workers to step into a space between the frame and wheels, providing closer access to the vehicle's center and improving comfort during assembly or maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If high ground clearance is used to traverse uneven terrain, then vehicle capability on unimproved paths is improved, but worker accessibility to the vehicle center is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
A side step assembly acts as an intermediary element between the ground and the vehicle frame. The assembly includes a side step support structure attached to the frame and a side step surface that extends downward, creating an intermediate platform that workers can step on to reach the vehicle center more easily while maintaining the high ground clearance needed for off-road capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If high ground clearance is used to traverse obstacles, then vehicle traversability is improved, but worker comfort during assembly is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The side step assembly serves as a mediator structure that bridges the gap created by high ground clearance. The support structure attaches to the vehicle frame while the step surface extends downward to provide a comfortable standing platform, allowing workers to access the vehicle center without strain while preserving the vehicle's ability to traverse obstacles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If distance from frame center is increased for wheel separation, then wheel independence is improved, but worker access to components is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reducing the longitudinal distance between frame center and wheels, the side step assembly extends in the vertical dimension. The support structure attaches to the frame and the step surface projects downward, creating a vertical access path that allows workers to reach components near the wheel areas without compromising wheel independence or spacing.
Data Source
AI summary
A side step assembly can be installed on a side-by-side all-terrain vehicle. The side step kit can include a vehicle step stay and a side step cover. The vehicle step stay can include a first stay member and a second stay member. The first stay member can be configured to be attached onto a frame assembly of the vehicle. The second stay member can be configured to be attached to the first stay member and onto the frame assembly. The side step cover can be supported by the vehicle step stay when the vehicle step stay is connected to the frame assembly and the side step cover is mounted on the vehicle step stay. The side step cover can include a tread surface extending above and along the first stay member when the side step cover is mounted on the vehicle step stay.