Drive systems for retractable vehicle step
US7367574B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 8, 2004 |
| Grant date | May 6, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 12, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60Q1/325
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A retractable step assist for a vehicle comprises a step, an actuator, an optical fiber sensor, and a safety. The step is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position that is downward and outboard from the retracted position. The actuator is mechanically connected to the step to position the step. The optical fiber sensor has an output that varies when pressure is applied to the optical fiber sensor. The safety is triggered by this output from the optical fiber sensor. The safety is configured to terminate retraction of the step when the optical fiber sensor senses pressure from an object pinched by the step deck.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.