Vehicle Step Mounting Assembly Cantilever Bracket Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle step mounting assemblies lack the ability to customize the positioning of retractable step assemblies, limiting their adaptability to different vehicle orientations and user needs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle step mounting assembly with a cantilevered first mounting bracket and a retractable step assembly featuring a second mounting bracket and links, allowing for adjustable orientation by pivoting the step assembly relative to the vehicle frame, enabling customization of the step's position through mechanical fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed mounting structure is used for the retractable step assembly, then the installation is simple and structurally straightforward, but the positioning cannot be customized or adjusted for different vehicle orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with multiple holes arranged in different patterns, allowing the retractable step assembly to be mounted at various orientations and positions. This dynamic adaptability enables customization for different vehicle applications while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables orientation adjustment through multiple hole patterns, and facilitates installation on different vehicle types. This multi-functionality achieves customizable positioning without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the step assembly is made adjustable for different orientations, then adaptability improves, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates multiple holes in specific patterns that enable the step assembly to be mounted at different orientations. This dynamic design allows orientation adjustability while keeping the bracket itself a relatively simple, unified structure rather than requiring multiple different bracket designs.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple mounting structure is used, then manufacturing and installation are easier, but the ability to customize step positioning is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket uses a simple overall structure with multiple holes arranged in different patterns, enabling positioning customization. The unified bracket design maintains ease of manufacture while the hole patterns provide the necessary adaptability for custom positioning without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle step mounting assembly includes a vehicle frame member, a first mounting bracket and a retractable step assembly. The first mounting bracket is attached to the vehicle frame member, with the first mounting bracket being cantilevered from the vehicle frame member in an outboard direction. The retractable step assembly has a second mounting bracket and at least one step retraction link attached to an underside of the second mounting bracket. An upper side of the second mounting bracket is attached to the first mounting bracket.