Wheel-Well Retractable Step for Bed Access Without Cargo Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of pick-up trucks, SUVs, and vans face difficulty accessing the bed or roof due to the vehicle's height, and existing solutions like steps integrated into the bed or rear bumper compromise cargo space or do not adequately address front access.
Innovation Solution
A retractable step mechanism comprising an arcuate member supported by pivots within the wheel well, which can pivot from a raised vertical position within the wheel well to a horizontal position extending from the vehicle, incorporating a biased member and wedge mechanism to facilitate rotation and prevent accidental disengagement, along with a top and optional bottom step for enhanced access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If steps are incorporated into the outside of the box (bed), then users can access the bed more easily, but the cargo carrying capacity of the truck is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The step assembly is designed to be movable between a retracted position (stored within the wheel well) and an extended position (protruding from the vehicle side). This dynamic configuration allows the step to provide access assistance when needed while maintaining full cargo capacity when not in use, resolving the contradiction between ease of access and cargo carrying capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The step assembly is nested within the wheel well when not in use, utilizing the existing wheel well space for storage. This nesting approach allows the step mechanism to be stored compactly without occupying additional cargo space, thereby maintaining full cargo carrying capacity while still providing access assistance when deployed.
2Ease of operation
If steps are incorporated into the rear bumper or tailgate, then users can access the rear of the vehicle, but items near the front of the box remain difficult to reach
Solution Approach 1:
The step assembly is positioned at the wheel well, which is located toward the front-mid section of the vehicle, providing a strategic access point that serves multiple functions. From this position, users can access both the rear bed area and reach forward to items near the front of the box, making the step assembly a multi-functional solution that addresses both rear access and front item retrieval needs.
3Strength
If the arcuate member is made rigid, then structural strength is improved, but the ability to pivot smoothly within the wheel well is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The arcuate member is designed with controlled flexibility, allowing it to pivot smoothly through a limited arc as it transitions between retracted and extended positions. The member maintains sufficient rigidity to support user weight and provide structural strength when extended, while its controlled flexibility enables smooth pivoting motion during deployment and retraction, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
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 step provides easy access to the vehicle's bed without reducing cargo capacity, allowing users to reach items across the entire bed, including the front, while maintaining a compact storage position within the wheel well.
Implementation Method 1
The pivots may include a biased member adapted to selectably prevent rotation of the arcuate member
Implementation Method 2
The arcuate member may include a wedge portion adapted to bias the biased member out of engagement with a base portion so as to permit rotation of the biased member and the arcuate member
Implementation Method 3
a pair of pivots secured to the vehicle proximate to or within a wheel well of the vehicle so as to pivotally support the arcuate member proximate to each of the first and second ends
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable step for a vehicle comprises an arcuate member extending between first and second ends and a pair of pivots secured to the vehicle proximate to or within a wheel well of the vehicle so as to pivotally support the arcuate member proximate to each of the first and second ends of the arcuate member between a raised position surrounding or within the wheel well and a lowered position extending substantially horizontally from the vehicle proximate to the wheel well wherein the arcuate member provides or supports a step for a user.