Vehicle Step Positioning for Aerodynamic Travel Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle step devices have complex structures that complicate the deployment of auxiliary steps, affecting aerodynamic characteristics during vehicle travel.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle step device with a step portion that deploys from a retracted position to a getting-on/off position and further to a traveling position when certain conditions are met, using a drive unit to rotate arms and position the step portion outward in the vehicle width direction, thereby improving aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the rectifying plate is rotated in accordance with the movement of the step portion, then the aerodynamic characteristics are improved, but the structure of the vehicle step device becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into functionally independent segments: the step portion for passenger access and the rectifying plate for aerodynamic optimization. Each segment operates independently with its own drive mechanism, allowing the rectifying plate to be positioned optimally for aerodynamics without requiring complex coupled motion mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The rectifying plate is pre-positioned to a deployed position that optimizes aerodynamic characteristics when the step portion is retracted. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for real-time rotation coupling between the step portion and rectifying plate, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If the step portion is deployed to the getting-on/off position, then passenger access is enabled, but the aerodynamic characteristics deteriorate during vehicle traveling
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements dynamic positioning where the step portion and rectifying plate can independently adjust their positions based on operational requirements. When the vehicle is stationary or at low speed, the step portion is deployed for passenger access. When the vehicle travels at high speed, both components are retracted to optimize aerodynamics, creating a dynamic adaptation to different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameters of the step portion and rectifying plate based on vehicle speed and operational state. By varying the deployment parameters (position, angle, extension) of these components, the system optimizes both passenger access capability and aerodynamic performance across different driving scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle step device includes: a step portion that is attached to a side of a vehicle and is deployed from a retracted position to a getting-on/off position when an occupant gets on and off the vehicle; and a drive unit configured to drive the step portion between the retracted position and the getting-on/off position. The drive unit deploys the step portion to a traveling position located outward of the retracted position in a vehicle width direction when a predetermined condition is satisfied in a vehicle traveling state.