18060294. ROCK RAIL ASSEMBLY simplified abstract (Ford Global Technologies, LLC)
Contents
ROCK RAIL ASSEMBLY
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Stuart C. Salter of White Lake MI (US)
David Brian Glickman of Southfield MI (US)
Paul Kenneth Dellock of Northville MI (US)
Aaron Peter Klop of Bloomfield Hills MI (US)
Satvinder Singh Matharu of Tecumseh (CA)
ROCK RAIL ASSEMBLY - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18060294 titled 'ROCK RAIL ASSEMBLY
Simplified Explanation
The rock rail assembly for a vehicle described in the patent application includes several key components:
- Mounting structure
- Arm
- Motor bracket
- Motor
- Pivot bar
- Rail
- Sector gear
Potential Applications: The technology could be used in off-road vehicles to deploy and retract rock rails for added protection when navigating rough terrain.
Problems Solved: This innovation solves the problem of manually deploying and retracting rock rails, making it easier and more convenient for vehicle owners to protect their vehicles during off-road adventures.
Benefits: The benefits of this technology include improved vehicle protection, ease of use, and potentially increased off-road capabilities for vehicles equipped with the rock rail assembly.
Potential Commercial Applications: The rock rail assembly could be marketed to off-road vehicle manufacturers, aftermarket accessory companies, and individual vehicle owners looking to enhance the protection and functionality of their vehicles.
Possible Prior Art: One possible prior art for this technology could be manually operated rock rails or similar protective devices for off-road vehicles.
Unanswered Questions: 1. How does the motor bracket ensure stable and secure mounting of the motor? 2. What materials are used in the construction of the pivot bar to ensure durability and reliability in off-road conditions?
Original Abstract Submitted
A rock rail assembly for a vehicle includes a mounting structure, an arm mounted to the mounting structure, a motor bracket coupled to the mounting structure, a motor mounted to the motor bracket, a pivot bar pivotably coupled with the mounting structure, a rail coupled with the pivot bar and operable to move between stowed and deployed positions, and a sector gear coupled to the pivot bar. The motor has a shaft that includes a first end, a second end, and a worm gear portion. Operation of the motor drives rotation of the shaft. The sector gear is operably engaged with the worm gear portion of the shaft, such that rotation of the shaft by the motor drives pivotal movement of the pivot bar relative to the mounting structure, causing movement of the rail coupled thereto between the stowed and deployed positions.
