Automated retractable vehicle step
AssigneeLund Motion Products, Inc.
InventorAnthony Smith
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Powered retractable vehicle step assist systems and methods are provided. The steps systems are configured for installation (e.g., after market installation) and use with a vehicle. The system can include a stepping member movable between a retracted position and a deployed position with respect to the vehicle. The system can further include a vehicle interface configured to electronically communicate with an existing communication bus of the vehicle, such as through a connection with an existing electronics port of the vehicle. A controller of the step system can be configured to process information received from the vehicle interface and, based at least partly on the processing of the information, cause movement of the stepping member between the retracted position and the deployed position.
Claims24
A powered vehicle step assist system configured for use with a vehicle, the step assist system comprising:
- a step comprising a stepping surface that is movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the vehicle, the step including one or more mounts configured to allow attachment of the step to the vehicle;
- a motor drivably coupled to the step and capable of effectuating movement of the stepping surface from the first position to the second position;
- and
- a controller in electronic communication with the motor and configured, in response to data electronically received from an already existing electronics port and generated by an existing vehicle computer system of the vehicle, to cause the motor to effectuate movement of the stepping surface between the first position and the second position.
A vehicle step assist system configured for use with a vehicle, the step assist system comprising:
- a step unit comprising a stepping deck and configured for mounting to a vehicle;
- a vehicle interface configured to connect with an already existing electronics port of the vehicle and to electronically receive data via the existing electronics port, the data generated by existing electronics of the vehicle;
- and
- a controller in electronic communication with the vehicle interface and with the step unit, and configured, in response to the data received from the already existing electronics port, to issue commands to the step unit to perform one or more operations associated with the step unit.
A method of installing an automated vehicle step assist system to a vehicle, the method comprising:
- mounting control electronics of the step assist system to the vehicle;
- mounting a stepping deck of the step assist system with respect to the vehicle such that the stepping deck is capable of powered movement between first and second positions;
- mounting a motor of the step assist system to the vehicle, the motor in electrical communication with the control electronics and drivably coupled to the step to provide the powered movement of the stepping deck;
- and
- interfacing control electronics of the step assist system to existing electronics of the vehicle such that electronic information obtained via the existing electronics is communicated to the control electronics,
- wherein the interfacing does not involve disassembly or modification to of any door of the vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.