Vehicle Side-Step Device with Rack and Pinion Folding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side-step devices for vehicles are cumbersome, protrude and interfere with aerodynamics, making them aesthetically unappealing and inefficient, while being difficult for consumers to use due to fixed height and large storage requirements.
Innovation Solution
A side-step device with a driving unit, pinion gear, and rack gear system that allows for adjustable height and folding mechanism, enabling easy deployment and storage, with a cover and locking mechanism for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the side step always protrudes and is fixed to the vehicle, then it provides continuous support for passengers, but it adversely affects external appearance, hits against people or objects, interferes with air flow, and reduces fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The side step is designed to be movable rather than fixed, transitioning between a retracted state (during vehicle travel) and a deployed state (when passengers need to enter/exit). This dynamic configuration allows the step to adapt its position based on operational requirements, eliminating aerodynamic interference during motion while providing support when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The side step operates periodically - remaining retracted during normal vehicle operation and deploying only when passengers need to access the vehicle. This periodic deployment minimizes the time the step protrudes, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption while still fulfilling its support function when required.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the side step is stored and drawn outward by rotating motion and sliding motion with power from a motor, then it improves appearance and aerodynamics, but the height of the step is not adjustable and the space required to store these steps is quite large
Solution Approach 1:
The side step employs a nested structure where the step body is housed within a compact storage compartment integrated into the vehicle body. The step folds into itself and nests within the housing, significantly reducing the storage volume required compared to external storage solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The side step utilizes a folding mechanism that transforms the step from a three-dimensional protruding structure into a two-dimensional flat configuration during storage. This dimensional transformation allows the step to be stored in a much smaller space within the vehicle body.
3Device complexity
If the side step has a fixed height, then it simplifies the structure, but it is hard for some consumers to reach
Solution Approach 1:
The side step incorporates an adjustable height mechanism that allows the step to be positioned at different vertical levels. This dynamic height adjustment capability enables the step to adapt to different passenger heights and vehicle configurations, improving accessibility without significantly complicating the overall structure.
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
Improves user convenience, reduces storage space, enhances aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, and ensures safety by eliminating protrusion when not in use, while being accessible to all users with adjustable height.
Implementation Method 1
a pinion gear connected to the driving unit and configured to rotate; and a driving gear unit composed of an outer gear surrounding a portion of the pinion gear and engaging with the pinion gear
Implementation Method 2
a rack gear extending from one end of the outer gear to the vehicle body... when the pinion gear and the rack gear interlock
Data Source
AI summary
A side-step device that includes a driving unit, a pinion gear, a driving gear unit, and a step. The driving unit is mounted on a vehicle body, and the pinion gear is connected to the driving unit and is configured to rotate. The driving gear unit is composed of an outer gear surrounding a portion of the pinion gear and engaging with the pinion gear and a rack gear extending from one end of the outer gear to the vehicle body. The step connects to the opposite side of the vehicle body to the driving gear unit, folds in a normal state, unfolds out from the vehicle body when the pinion gear and the outer gear are interlocked, and extends out from the vehicle body from the unfolded state when the pinion gear and the rack gear interlock.