Vehicle Step Device with Dynamic Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle step devices do not adequately facilitate easy entry and exit for elderly, people with disabilities, and children, particularly in vehicles like minivans and SUVs, as they lack a mechanism for safe and easy height adjustment and do not provide sufficient support or safety features.
Innovation Solution
A step device with at least two steps that can be connected to a vehicle, featuring a housing with a drive system allowing the steps to move from a stowed position underneath the vehicle to an entry position, with adjustable movement mechanisms and safety features such as locking systems, sensors, and lighting to prevent accidents and enhance usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If steps are fixed in position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but accessibility for elderly, disabled, and children is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The step device transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic one with adjustable height and angle. The steps can be moved between multiple positions using a drive mechanism, allowing adaptation to different user needs and vehicle configurations, thereby improving accessibility while accepting increased structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The step device allows changing of critical parameters such as step height, angle, and position. By adjusting these parameters, the system can accommodate different users (elderly, disabled, children) and different vehicle types, transforming a simple fixed structure into a versatile adjustable system
2Adaptability or versatility
If steps are made adjustable to improve accessibility, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The step device is divided into multiple independent steps that can be adjusted individually or collectively. Each step can be positioned separately, allowing fine-tuned adaptation to different users and situations, which enhances versatility while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The step device is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be adjusted for different heights, angles, and positions to accommodate various users (elderly, disabled, children) and different vehicle types. This multi-functionality is achieved through a standardized adjustable mechanism that can adapt to diverse requirements
3Ease of operation
If movement mechanisms are added to enable step adjustment, then ease of operation improves, but reliability may deteriorate due to additional moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The step device incorporates sensors that detect the position of steps, presence of users, and potential obstacles. This feedback is used by the control system to automatically adjust steps to safe positions, prevent accidental movement, and ensure proper operation, thereby maintaining reliability despite the presence of moving parts
Solution Approach 2:
The step device includes automatic safety features such as obstacle detection and automatic positioning. The system can detect obstacles in the step path and automatically adjust or hold the steps in safe positions without user intervention, compensating for the reliability risks introduced by moving parts
4Reliability
If locking systems and safety features are added, then safety improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the various safety components (sensors, locking mechanisms, drive system). It coordinates their operation to ensure safe functioning, integrating multiple safety features into a unified system that manages complexity through centralized control logic
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a step device that can be connected to or is connected to a vehicle, comprising at least two steps, a housing having a connection interface via which the housing can be connected to or is connected to a part of a vehicle's undercarriage, and a drive designed and arranged with respect to the steps in such a way as to move at least one of the steps from a stowed position, in which the steps are completely located below the vehicle in or on the housing, to an entry position to the side of or behind the vehicle, to move a first step upwards in a direction in or across a direction of travel of the vehicle and towards a passenger compartment of the vehicle during the movement from the stowed position to the entry position, and to move at least a second step downwards in or across a direction of travel of the vehicle and towards a roadway.