Vehicle Step Locking Member Resolves Stability Contradiction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle steps in the retracted position have poor stability and are prone to damage from external forces due to the lack of effective support mechanisms in existing retractable mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle step apparatus with a locking member that secures the step in the retracted position, enhancing stability and preventing damage to the retractable device when subjected to external forces, by engaging with the step or step bracket to lock it in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the step is supported only by the retractable mechanism in the retracted position, then the structure remains simple, but the stability of the step deteriorates and the retractable mechanism is prone to damage from external forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of step in retracted positionVSAvoidstructure of retractable mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A locking member is introduced as an intermediary component between the step and the retractable mechanism. The locking member engages with the step to provide direct support and stability in the retracted position, preventing the step from bearing loads that would otherwise damage the retractable mechanism. This mediator resolves the contradiction by enhancing reliability without requiring fundamental changes to the retractable mechanism's core structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support function for the step in the retracted position is segmented into two distinct components: the retractable mechanism provides the primary support and movement capability, while the locking member provides secondary support and stability. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function, with the locking member handling stability requirements without compromising the simplicity of the retractable mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the retractable mechanism directly supports the step in the retracted position, then the mechanism can maintain the step position, but it becomes vulnerable to damage from external forces applied to the step

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to external force on stepVSAvoiddamage resistance of retractable mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking member serves as a protective intermediary that absorbs and distributes external forces applied to the step. When forces are applied to the step in the retracted position, the locking member engages with the step to bear these loads, preventing them from being transmitted to the retractable mechanism. This protects the retractable mechanism from damage while maintaining the step's positional integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking member is positioned and configured to engage with the step before external forces are applied. This pre-positioned locking arrangement provides beforehand cushioning by establishing a load path through the locking member that prevents excessive forces from reaching the retractable mechanism, thereby protecting it from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a locking member is added to secure the step in the retracted position, then the stability and protection capability improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality of step apparatusVSAvoidnumber of components in step apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking member is designed to perform multiple functions within a single component: it provides stability to the step in the retracted position, protects the retractable mechanism from external forces, and can serve as a structural element integrated with the vehicle body or step assembly. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the locking member by delivering multiple benefits from a single added component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking member is integrated with existing structures in the step apparatus, such as being combined with the vehicle body mounting or the step bracket. This merging approach allows the locking function to be added without creating entirely separate, independent components, thereby minimizing the increase in overall device complexity while still achieving the desired stability and protection enhancements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11414017B2Vehicle step apparatus and vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 HANGZHOU TIANMING TECH CO LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a vehicle step apparatus and a vehicle. The vehicle step apparatus includes a step, a retractable device, and a locking member. The step is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The retractable device is connected to the step and configured to drive the step to move between the extended position and the retracted position. The locking member is configured to lock the step in the retracted position or to allow the step to move away from the retracted position towards the extended position.