Vehicle Access Step Structure With Compact Crash Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle access step structures face challenges in providing an easily accessible and non-slippery step while maintaining a compact design and enhancing energy absorption capacity, as increasing the vehicle width dimension of the crash box leads to excessive protrusion and difficulty in use, especially when the crash box is positioned high and the slip suppression function is inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle access step structure with an energy absorption portion positioned below the side sill, a step portion further outward, and an anti-slip portion on the upper surface, which deforms under external force and transmits unabsorbed impact forces to a battery, ensuring easy access and reduced slipping without excessive protrusion, and optionally featuring grooves or an anti-slip member for enhanced traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the vehicle width direction dimension of the crash box is increased to increase energy absorption capacity, then the energy absorption capacity is improved, but the protrusion amount of the crash box toward the vehicle width direction outer side from the side face of the vehicle body becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The invention repositions the energy absorption portion from a horizontal arrangement (protruding outward from the side face) to a vertical arrangement (positioned below the side sill). This dimensional change allows the energy absorption portion to extend in the vehicle height direction rather than the vehicle width direction, thereby increasing energy absorption capacity without excessively increasing the protrusion amount from the side face of the vehicle body.
2Device complexity
If the crash box is positioned at relatively high position to maintain compact design, then the device complexity is reduced, but it becomes difficult for an occupant to use as an access step
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the energy absorption member into functionally distinct portions: an energy absorption portion positioned below the side sill for collision energy absorption, and a step portion positioned lower and further outward than the side sill for occupant access. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function, with the step portion providing easy access while the energy absorption portion maintains compact positioning.
3Device complexity
If the crash box structure is simplified to reduce device complexity, then the manufacturing is easier, but the slip suppression function for when the foot of an occupant is placed on the crash box is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by providing an anti-slip portion specifically at the step portion where occupant contact occurs, while maintaining the simplicity of the overall energy absorption structure. The anti-slip portion may include grooves or raised patterns that increase friction, providing reliable slip suppression only where needed for occupant safety without complicating the entire 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
The structure allows for easy vehicle entry and exit, prevents slipping, maintains a compact design, and effectively absorbs impact forces using the vehicle's battery, enhancing both usability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the energy absorption portion exhibiting an energy absorption function by deforming upon application of an external force of a predetermined size or greater
Implementation Method 2
the step portion deforming upon application of the external force and exhibiting an energy absorption function together with the energy absorption portion
Implementation Method 3
An anti-slip portion is provided at an upper surface of the step portion. Therefore, the occupant does not slip easily when the occupant places his/her foot on the upper surface of the step portion
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle access step structure includes: an energy absorption portion having an inner end, in a vehicle width direction, which is positioned below a side sill of a vehicle and which faces an outer end face, in the vehicle width direction, of a battery configured to supply electric power to an electric motor that is a drive source of the vehicle, the energy absorption portion exhibiting an energy absorption function by deforming upon application of an external force of a predetermined size or greater; a step portion positioned lower, and further toward an outer side, in the vehicle width direction, than the side sill, the step portion deforming upon application of the external force and exhibiting an energy absorption function together with the energy absorption portion; and an anti-slip portion provided at an upper surface of the step portion.