Retractable Vehicle Step With Self-Biasing Tailgate Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle stepping assists often require custom installation and are not easily adaptable to different vehicle configurations, leading to increased costs and installation time, and lack efficient mechanisms for providing clearance when in use.
Innovation Solution
A retractable vehicle step with a biasing mechanism that allows the stepping member to move between retracted and extended positions using existing connection members, providing clearance and being easily attachable to various vehicle locations without the need for custom retrofitting, featuring a stepping member that is laterally displaced and manually operable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed position stepping assist is used to allow access to the cargo bed, then cargo bed access is provided, but tailgate clearance is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The stepping member is made movable between retracted and extended positions through a biasing mechanism. When extended, it provides cargo bed access; when retracted, it clears the tailgate area. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by allowing the step to fulfill its function only when needed.
2Ease of operation
If retractable stepping assists are used to provide cargo bed access, then cargo bed access is improved, but custom installation is required increasing costs and installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with multiple mounting positions and configurations that can accommodate different vehicle types and existing connection members. This universal design allows the same stepping assist device to be installed on various vehicles using standard hardware, eliminating the need for custom retrofitting and reducing installation time.
3Ease of operation
If a retractable vehicle step with biasing mechanism is used, then clearance is provided and ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing mechanism is designed to be self-energizing, using the user's own weight and the natural motion of extending the step to compress the spring. Once activated, the mechanism automatically maintains the step in the extended position without requiring additional power sources or complex control systems. The mechanism serves itself by utilizing the operational forces already present in the system.
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 retractable vehicle step provides efficient access to cargo holds and other areas while minimizing installation costs and time, offering adaptable configurations for different vehicle setups and ensuring reliable operation with a self-energizing mechanism in the extended position.
Implementation Method 1
the biasing member generally comprises a moveable retaining surface and a cam surface such that in the retracted position the cam surface contacts the retaining surface and urges the stepping member toward the retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle or truck. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold, interior, or roof of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step may provide clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Advantageously, the vehicle step may be pulled out from under the vehicle by the foot of a user. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time. Finally, the vehicle step may be configured into at least two different arrangements for attachment to a vehicle utilizing the same components.