Retractable Vehicle Step Anti-Collision Locking for Lateral Impact
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steps suffer from poor stability in the retracted position and are prone to damage from lateral impacts, with existing anti-collision mechanisms exhibiting inadequate performance and complex structures.
Innovation Solution
An electric step device with a retractable mechanism and an anti-collision assembly, featuring a first and second anti-collision component with shafts and grooves that engage and disengage to lock the step in the retracted position, providing stability and protection against impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the step is supported by the retractable mechanism at the retracted position, then the step can be retracted, but the stability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-collision assembly is divided into separate components: a first anti-collision component mounted to the step, a second anti-collision component mounted to the mounting seat, anti-collision shafts, and anti-collision grooves. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-collision assembly is designed to engage before actual collision occurs. The anti-collision shafts are positioned to fit into the anti-collision grooves in advance, creating a preliminary locking mechanism that prevents lateral movement and provides stability before any impact happens.
2Reliability
If the step is supported by the retractable mechanism at the retracted position, then the step can be retracted, but the anti-collision performance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-collision shafts and grooves act as intermediary elements between the step and the mounting seat. These intermediaries transfer and distribute impact forces, preventing direct transmission of collision forces to the retractable mechanism and improving anti-collision performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-collision assembly is designed to absorb and distribute impact forces before they reach the retractable mechanism. The shaft-groove engagement creates a cushioning effect that mitigates the severity of collisions, protecting the system from damage.
3Strength
If the anti-collision mechanism is added to protect against lateral impact, then the protection performance is improved, but the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-collision assembly is merged with the retractable mechanism as an integrated system. The anti-collision components are mounted to existing parts (the step and mounting seat), and the shaft-groove engagement works in conjunction with the retraction mechanism, combining protection and movement functions in a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-collision shafts and grooves serve multiple functions: they provide lateral protection against collision, maintain stability in the retracted position, and guide the engagement/disengagement of the anti-collision components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric step device and a vehicle are provided. The electric step device includes a step, a retractable mechanism and an anti-collision assembly. The retractable mechanism includes a mounting seat, a step seat and an arm assembly, the step is mounted to the step seat, and the arm assembly is connected between the mounting seat and the step seat to drive the step to move between an extended position and a retracted position. The anti-collision assembly includes first and second anti-collision components, the first anti-collision component is mounted to the step and includes an anti-collision shaft, and the second anti-collision component is mounted to the mounting seat and includes an anti-collision groove. In the retracted position, the anti-collision shaft is fitted in the anti-collision groove. In the extended position, the anti-collision shaft is disengaged from the anti-collision groove.