Telescoping Wheel Step Platform for Variable Tire Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle platforms are not adaptable to varying wheel dimensions and do not provide efficient user access, especially in off-road vehicles, limiting their versatility and usability.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable wheel step platform with a telescoping mounting bar, pivotable arms, and locking mechanisms that can adjust length, width, and orientation to fit different wheel sizes, allowing easy user access and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed platform is used for vehicle access, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying wheel dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bar is designed with telescopic sections that can extend and retract to accommodate different wheel diameters. The bar includes a first section and a second section that can move relative to each other along the longitudinal axis, allowing the platform to adapt dynamically to various wheel sizes while maintaining structural integrity through locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bar is divided into multiple telescopic sections that can independently adjust their lengths. This segmentation allows each section to be adjusted to match specific wheel dimension requirements, providing versatility without requiring a complete redesign of the entire platform structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a reconfigurable platform with adjustable mounting bar is used, then adaptability to wheel dimensions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic mounting bar employs a nested structure where the second section is partially received within the first section, and further sections are nested within each other. This nesting approach allows multiple adjustment capabilities within a compact form factor, reducing overall complexity compared to having separate adjustable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bar design serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables adjustment to different wheel dimensions, and includes integrated locking mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If the mounting bar is made extendable or retractable, then the length and width can be modified for better fit, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bar transitions between extended and retracted states through a dynamic telescopic mechanism. The bar sections can slide relative to each other to extend the length and width for easy platform deployment, then retract to a compact configuration for storage, with locking mechanisms that secure each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanisms are designed to secure the mounting bar sections in place before use, preventing unintended movement during operation. This prior securing ensures stable platform deployment while allowing easy extension and retraction when needed, managing the complexity of the moving parts.
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 platform provides adaptable access to vehicles with varying wheel dimensions, enhancing usability and convenience for operators, particularly in off-road conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The step platform is reconfigurable between a folded position and a mounted position by pivoting the mounting bar relative to the first joint and pivoting the arm relative to the second joint
Implementation Method 2
The mounting bar includes one or more portions telescopically engaged with one another. The one or more portions are telescopically engaged in both a lateral x-direction and a lateral y-direction
Implementation Method 3
When the wheel step platform is in the mounted position, the mounting bar is at least partially engaged with one of the plurality of tractive elements to permit a user access to the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A step platform includes a mounting bar, an arm, an inner portion, and a platform. The arm is coupled to the mounting bar and extends vertically from the mounting bar. The arm is coupled to the mounting bar by a first joint. The inner portion is coupled to the arm and extends horizontally from the arm. The inner portion is coupled to the arm by a second joint. The platform extends horizontally above the inner portion. The platform is configured to support a user. The step platform is reconfigurable between a folded position and a mounted position by pivoting the mounting bar relative to the first joint and pivoting the arm relative to the second joint. The platform engages with a tractive element when the step platform is in the mounted position. The mounting bar is extendable or retractable to modify a length and a width of the mounting bar.