Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] This disclosure relates generally to the field of vehicles, more particularly to a swivelable footstep assembly deployed in vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[002] Heavy commercial vehicles comprises a footstep for the driver, or the co-driver to enter and exit a vehicle cabin. The footsteps are utilized by the driver or the co-driver because the cabin of the vehicle is elevated with respect to the ground. Due to constraints in space and design of the heavy commercial vehicles, the footstep is installed at the edge of an entrance beneath a scuff plate of a door of the vehicle. Due to the nature of designing and installation of the footstep, any passenger, or the driver or the co-driver are required to tilt sideways in order to enter in the vehicle. Such scenarios risk injury to the driver and co-driver. As the footsteps are installed permanently in the heavy commercial vehicles, therefore, any change in the configuration may be expensive and affects the rigidity and stability of the footstep.
[003] Accordingly, there is a requirement for a solution for improving the safety of the driver and co-driver while entering and exiting the vehicle securely.
SUMMARY
[004] In one embodiment, a swivelable footstep assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The swivelable footstep assembly may include a footstep. Further, the swivelable footstep assembly may include a transmission assembly coupled to the footstep. In an embodiment, the transmission assembly may be configured to swivel about a vertical axis passing therethrough.
[005] In another embodiment, a vehicle comprising a chassis is disclosed. The vehicle may include a swivelable footstep assembly mounted on the chassis of the vehicle. The swivelable footstep assembly may include a footstep. The swivelable footstep assembly may include a transmission assembly coupled to the footstep. In an embodiment, the transmission assembly may be configured to swivel the footstep about a vertical axis passing therethrough.
[006] In yet another embodiment, a method of operating the swivelable footstep assembly in the vehicle is disclosed. The method may include detecting, by a sensing module, an operational state of a door of the vehicle. The method may include transmitting, by the sensing module, a signal to the transmission assembly based on the operational state of the door of the vehicle. The transmission assembly is coupled to a footstep of the vehicle. The method may further include based on the transmitted signal, operating a driving means, to operate a transmission assembly for swiveling the footstep about a vertical axis passing therethrough.
[007] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.
[009] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a swivelable footstep assembly of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[010] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the swivelable footstep assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[011] FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of a transmission assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[012] FIG. 4 illustrates an operational state of the swivelable footstep assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[013] FIG. 5A illustrates a top view of the swivelable footstep assembly in an opened state of a door, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[014] FIG. 5B illustrates a top view of the swivelable footstep assembly in a closed state of the door, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
[015] FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of a door of the vehicle in a closed state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[016] FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view of the door of the vehicle in an opened state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[017] FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of the door of the vehicle in the closed state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[018] FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of the door of the vehicle in the opened state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[019] FIG. 8 illustrates a method of operating a swivelable footstep assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[020] The foregoing description has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which forms the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other devices, systems, assemblies, and mechanisms for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, to its device or system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
[021] The terms “including”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “comprising of” or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a system or a device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[022] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals have been used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIGs. 1-8. It is to be noted that the system may be employed in any vehicle including but not limited to a passenger vehicle, a utility vehicle, heavy commercial vehicles, and any other transportable machinery.
[023] Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view 100 of a swivelable footstep assembly 102 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, a swivelable footstep assembly 102 may be adjoined to a chassis 110 of the vehicle. Further, the swivelable footstep assembly 102 may include a footstep 104. The footstep 104 may be utilized by a driver and co-driver to enter and exit the vehicle. Further, the swivelable footstep assembly 102 may include a transmission assembly 106 coupled to the footstep 104. In an embodiment, the transmission assembly 106 may be configured to swivel the footstep 104 about a vertical axis passing therethrough, i.e., through the swivelable footstep assembly 102.
[024] In an embodiment, the swivelable footstep assembly 102 may be coupled to the chassis 110 via a cantilever link 108 using various fastening methods commonly known in the art. In an embodiment, the cantilever link 108 may be a part of the chassis 110, or separately adjoined to the chassis 110. As the name suggests, the cantilever link 108 may be configured to cantilever, or support the swivelable footstep assembly 102 about the chassis 110. For example, when vehicle is in transit, the cantilever link 108 may be configured to support the swivelable footstep assembly 102, and hence, stability and rigidity may be provided to the swivelable footstep assembly 102.
[025] Further, the swivelable footstep assembly 102 may include a frame 112. The frame 112 may be formed as, but not limited to, a C-shaped frame, or any structure which may be configured to accommodate one or more components, for example, the transmission assembly 106. Further, the frame 112 may be fixated to the cantilever beam 108, thereby fixating the swivelable footstep assembly 102 to the chassis 110. Further, the frame 112 may include a base plate 116. The base plate 116 may be adjoined to the frame 112 though a base plate support 118. Further, the base plate 116 may be configured to receive the transmission assembly 106.
[026] In an embodiment, the frame 112 may include a fixed portion formed by a first free end 120, and a second free end 122 oppositely disposed to the first free end 120. Within the fixed portion, a rotary linkage 124 may be accommodated. The rotary linkage 124 may be coupled to the footstep 104. Particularly, the rotary linkage 124 may be coupled to a footstep support frame 114, which may be configured to accommodate the footstep 104. In an embodiment, the rotary linkage 124 may be rotatably coupled to the transmission assembly 106. Further, the transmission assembly 106, when actuated, may be configured to rotate the rotating linkage 124, and as a result, footstep support frame 114 may be rotated, or swiveled. Therefore, rotation of the footstep support frame 114 may rotate, or swivel the footstep 104.
[027] Now FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view 200 of the swivelable footstep assembly 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As explained earlier, the swivelable footstep assembly 102 may include the footstep 104 and the transmission assembly 106.
[028] In an embodiment, the footstep 104 may include one or more steps 202 assembled within a step enclosure 204. In an embodiment, and explained earlier by way of an example, the footstep 104 may be adjoined to the footstep support frame 114. Particularly, the step enclosure 204 may be further enclosed within the footstep support frame 114. The footstep support frame 114 may include one or more voids 208, which may be configured to accommodate the one or more portions of the step enclosure 204.
[029] In an embodiment, and explained earlier, the rotary linkage 124 may be rotatably coupled between the first free end 120 and the second free end 122. Further, the rotary linkage 122 may include a first end 212a, a second end 212b, and a linkage body 210 disposed between the first end 212a and the second end 212b. Further, the linkage body 210 with the first end 212a and the second end 212b, may be affixed to the frame 112 such that the rotary linkage 124 when rotated by the transmission assembly 106, may also rotate the frame 112. Further, each of the first end 212a and the second end 212b may include bearings, which may be coupled to the linkage body 210. Accordingly, the linkage body 210 may be rotated freely between the first end 212a and the second end 212b, especially when rotated by the transmission assembly 106.
[030] In an embodiment, the rotary linkage 124 may further include a shaft 216 passing through the linkage body 214, such that the portions of the shaft 216 may extend from the first end 212a and the second end 212b. The portions of the shaft extending from the first end 212a and the second end 212b may be accommodated within the first free end 120 and the second free end 122, and the first free end 120 and the second free end 122 may be adjoined to the frame 112. Therefore, the footstep 104, with the footstep support frame 114 and the rotary linkage 210, may be adjoined to the frame 112 to form a structural assembly of the swivelable footstep assembly 102.
[031] In an embodiment, as explained earlier, the linkage body 210 may be rotated freely between the first end 212a and the second end 212b, when rotated by the transmission assembly 106. Particularly, the linkage body 210 may include a connector plate 214 integrated thereon, which may be coupled to the transmission assembly 106. Therefore, the transmission assembly 106, when actuated, may be configured to transmit the requisite motion to the linkage body 210 via the connector plate 214, such that the linkage body 210 may be rotated to swivel the footstep assembly 102.
[032] In an embodiment, the transmission assembly 106 may include a base plate 116, a retractable link 216, a first gear 218, a second gear 220, and a driving means 222. In an embodiment, the first gear 220 may meshed with the second gear 220. In an embodiment, the first gear 218 may be formed of circular teeth profile and the second gear 220 may include a sector gear that may include another teeth profile formed on an arc thereof. Further, the first gear 218 and the second gear 220 may be mounted on the base plate 116. In an embodiment, on the base 116, the driving means 222 may be mounted. Further, the driving means may be operatively coupled to the first gear 218. Accordingly, the driving means 222 may be configured to drive the first gear 218, based on one or more conditions such as but not limited to, opening of a vehicle door, closing of the vehicle door, and the like.
[033] In an embodiment, the connector linkage 216 may connect the rotary linkage 124 and the second gear 220. Further, the connector linkage 216 may include a first retractable end 224a and a second retractable end 224b. The first retractable end 224a may be coupled to the second gear 220, and the second retractable end 224b may be coupled to the connector plate 214, thereby connecting the transmission assembly 106 to the rotary linkage 210. The connector linkage 216, and the connector plate 214 may be constituted as a connector assembly for connecting the transmission assembly 106 with the rotary linkage 124.
[034] In an embodiment, the connector linkage 216 allows transfer of motion from the second gear 220 to the rotary linkage 122. Particularly, when the driving means 222 may drive the first gear 218, the second gear 220 which is in mesh with the first gear 218 may also get driven. As a result, the second gear 218 when driven may also actuate the retractable link 216. Accordingly, the actuation motion of the connector linkage 216may be transmitted to the connector plate 214, and hence, the rotatable link 124 may be rotated.
[035] In an embodiment, the first gear 218, the second gear 220, and the driving means 222 may be assembled on the base plate 116. The base plate 116, as explained earlier, may be adjoined to the base plate support 118 of the frame 112. Further, as explained earlier, the frame 112 may be coupled to the cantilever link 08. The cantilever link 108 may be further fixated to a cantilever plate 226. The cantilever plate 226 may be adjoined to the chassis 110 of the vehicle. Further, the frame may include a first frame end 228a, and a second frame end 228b. In an embodiment, the first frame end 228a and the second frame end 228b may be coupled to the first free end 120 and the second free end 122, for coupling the frame 112 to the footstep support frame 114.
[036] Now, referring to FIG. 3, which illustrates an isometric view 300 of the transmission assembly 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the second gear 220 may include a slot 302. In an embodiment, the slot 302 may be configured to guide the movement of the second gear 220 when driven by the first gear 218, i.e., the slot 302 may govern a degree of rotation for the second gear 220.
[037] In an embodiment, a slot 302 may be engaged with a pin 304 to form a slot-and-pin arrangement. In an embodiment, the pin 304 may be a T-bolt having upper circumference greater than the slot 302. The pin 304 may be integrated on the base plate 116 of the frame 110. The pin 304 may be configured to allow the controlled rotation of the second gear 220 along the slot 302. For example, the second gear 220 when rotated by the first gear 218, the extent of rotation may be controlled by the pin 304 engaged with the slot 302, i.e., the pin 304 may be configured to prevent the rotation of the second gear 220 when engaged with at least one extremities of the slot 302.
[038] In an embodiment, the second gear 220 may be fixated to the base plate 116 with a second gear fixture 306. The second gear fixture 306 may include a rotary fixture, i.e., the second gear 220 may be enabled to be rotated about the rotary fixture 306 when driven by the first gear 218. In an embodiment, the first gear 218 may be adjoined to the base plate 116 using one or more first gear fixtures 308. The one or more first gear fixtures 308 may include conventional fasteners assembled with fastening techniques known in the art.
[039] In an embodiment, and explained earlier, the first gear 218 may be rotated by the driving means 222. The driving means 222 may include, but not limited to, an electric motor, or a spindle-type electric motor having a spindle which may be coupled to the first gear 218. In an embodiment, the driving means 222 may be driven based on one or more operational conditions, such as for example, opening of the vehicle door, closing of the vehicle door, and the like. In an embodiment, operational conditions may be determined by a sensor module, which may be communicably coupled to the driving means 222 through a sensor line 312.
[040] In an embodiment, the sensor module may be configured to detect the operational conditions of the vehicle door. The operational conditions may include an opening condition, a closed condition, and a plurality of intermediate state of the door with respect to the vehicle. In an embodiment, the sensor module may include, but not limited to, a proximity sensor or touch sensor which may be installed at locations in close proximity to the door, such as a door sill, scuff plate, a latch (not shown) of the door or to a switch installed in an aperture area of a cabin (not shown) of the vehicle. The opening condition of the door of the vehicle 104 relates to the position of the door when completely opened by the driver, or the co-driver. The closed condition of the door may relate to the position of the door of the vehicle when closed by the driver or co-driver. The plurality of the intermediate state may be the state when the door is partially opened and partially closed.
[041] In an embodiment, when the door is opened, the sensor module may be configured to sense an opened condition of the door. Therefore, in response to the opened condition, the driving means 222 may be actuated to actuate the first gear 218. Actuation of the first gear 218 may further actuate the second gear 220. Accordingly, the actuation motion of the second gear 220 may be transmitted to the rotary linkage 124 through the connector linkage 216and the connector plate 214. Consequently, the rotary linkage 214 may be rotated, and hence, the support frame 114 may be rotated in unison. Therefore, due to the rotation of the support frame 114, the footstep 104 may be swiveled accordingly.
[042] Now, FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view 400A of the swiveling footstep assembly 102 at an original position, FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view 400B of the swiveling footstep assembly 102 when swiveled, FIG. 5A illustrates a top view 500A of the swiveling footstep assembly 102 at an original position, FIG. 5B illustrates a top view 500B of the swiveling footstep assembly 102 when swiveled.
[043] In an embodiment, now referring to FIG. 4A-5B, as explained earlier, when the door may be opened as detected by the sensor module, the sensing module may be configured to generate a signal indicating the opened state of the vehicle door. The signal may be received by the driving means 222, which may, as a response, configured to effectuate, or actuate the first gear 218. Actuation of the first gear 218 may further actuate the second gear 220 in the clockwise direction. Accordingly, the actuation motion of the second gear 220 may be transmitted to the rotary linkage 124 through the retractable link 216. Consequently, the rotary linkage 214 may be rotated in the counterclockwise direction , and hence, the support frame 114 may be rotated in unison with the rotary linkage 114, in the same direction, i.e., the counterclockwise direction. Therefore, due to the rotation of the support frame 114, the footstep 104 may be swiveled from a predefined angle about a vertical axis passing through the transmission assembly 106, or through the rotary linkage 210 in the clockwise direction. Accordingly, when swiveled, the swiveling footstep assembly 102 may represent the assembly depicted by FIG. 4B. Also, when the door is closed, the sensor module may be configured to determine a closed condition. Therefore, the transmission assembly 106 may be reverse-operated, and hence, the swiveling footstep assembly 102 may be reverted to the original condition as depicted by FIG. 4A.
[044] In an embodiment, the transmission assembly 106 when actuated, may be configured to swivel the footstep 104 up to the predefined angle. The predefined angle may be about an angle of 60° in counterclockwise direction (when viewed from top). Accordingly, such configuration of the footstep 104 when actuated may provide ease to the driver/co-driver for entering the vehicle. For example, the swiveling of the footstep 104 at about an angle of 60° may enable a driver or a co-driver to enter or exit the vehicle cabin, without bending sideways with respect to their body. Therefore, injury to the driver or the co-driver may be prevented.
[045] Now FIG. 6A, illustrates a perspective view 600A of a door of the vehicle in a closed state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B, illustrates a perspective view 600B of the door of the vehicle in an opened state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7A illustrates a top view 700A of a door of the vehicle in the closed state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B illustrates a top view 700B of the door of the vehicle in the opened state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[046] In an embodiment, and explained earlier, the operational state of a door 602 of a vehicle 604 is detected by the sensor module. For example, the sensor module, when embedded within an opening latch 606 of the door 604 may detect the opening state of the door 602 when the driver or the co-driver engage the opening latch 606. Accordingly, the sensor module may generate and transmit the signal i.e., input signal for the driving means 222. Based on the input signal received, the driving means 222 may drive the first gear 218, and explained earlier, the second gear 220 may also get actuated, and hence, the connector linkage 216may be actuated, Further, the connector linkage 216may acuate the rotary link 210, and hence the support frame 114 may be rotated. Accordingly, the footstep may be swiveled about the angle of 60°.
[047] Now referring to FIG. 8, a method 800 of operating a swivelable footstep assembly 102 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 802, the sensing module of the swivelable footstep assembly 102 may detect an operational state of the door 602 of the vehicle 604. The operational state of the door 602 may include an opening state, closing state and a plurality of intermediate state. At step 804, when the opening state is detected, a signal to the transmission assembly 106 may be transmitted by the sensor module. At step 806, based on the transmitted signal by the sensor module, the transmission assembly 106 may be operated for swiveling the footstep 104 about the vertical axis passing therethrough. This is already explained in conjunction with FIGs. 1-7B.
[048] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[049] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[050] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
[051] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
, Claims:I/We claim:
1. A swivelable footstep assembly (102) for a vehicle (604), comprising:
a footstep (104); and
a transmission assembly (106) coupled to the footstep (104),
wherein the transmission assembly (106) is configured to swivel the footstep (104) about a vertical axis passing therethrough.
2. The swivelable footstep assembly (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the footstep (104) comprises:
a frame (112), wherein the frame (112) comprises:
a base plate (116) coupled to the transmission assembly (106).
3. The swivelable footstep assembly (102) as claimed in claim 2, comprising:
a footstep support frame (114) adjoined to a vehicle chassis (110); and
a rotary linkage (124) rotatably coupled to the footstep support frame (114).
4. The swivelable footstep assembly (102) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the transmission assembly (106) comprises:
a driving means (222);
a first gear (218) rotatably coupled to the driving means 222 ; and
a second gear (220) in-mesh with the first gear (218) and coupled to the rotary linkage (124) via a connector assembly, the connector assembly comprising:
a connector linkage comprising:
a first end (224a) adjoined to the second gear (220); and
a second end (224b) oppositely disposed to the first end (224a); and
a connector plate (214) extending from the rotary linkage (124) and coupled to the second end (212b) of the connector linkage.
5. The swivelable footstep assembly (102) as claimed in claim 4, comprising:
a sensor module communicably connected to the driving means (222), wherein the sensor module is configured to:
detect an operational state of a vehicle door (602), wherein the operational state comprises at least one of:
opening of the vehicle door (602);
closing of the vehicle door (602); and
an intermediate state between the opening and closing of the vehicle door (602).
6. The swivelable footstep assembly (102) as claimed in claim 5, wherein based on the operational state determined, the driving means (222) is configured to effectuate the first gear (218) to rotate the second gear (220), thereby rotating the rotary linkage (124) to swivel the footstep (104).
7. The swivelable footstep assembly (102) as claimed in claim 4, comprising:
a guide slot (302) formed in the second gear (220); and
a pin (304) passing through the guide slot (302) and affixed to the base plate (116) to constrain the second gear (220) to the base plate (116).
8. A vehicle (604), comprising:
a chassis (110); and
a swivelable footstep assembly (102) coupled to the chassis (110), the swivelable footstep assembly (102) comprising:
a footstep (104); and
a transmission assembly (106) coupled to the footstep (104),
wherein the transmission assembly (106) is configured to swivel the footstep (104) about a vertical axis passing therethrough.
9. The vehicle (604) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the swivelable footstep assembly (102) comprises:
a frame (112) adjoined to the footstep (104), wherein the frame (112) comprises:
a base plate (116) configured to accommodate the transmission assembly (106).
10. The vehicle (604) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the frame (112) comprises:
a footstep support frame (114) adjoined to a vehicle chassis (110); and
a rotary linkage (124) rotatably coupled to the footstep support frame (114).
11. The vehicle as claimed in claim 10, wherein the transmission assembly comprises:
a driving means (222);
a first gear (218) rotatably coupled to the driving means (222); and
a second gear (220) in-mesh with the first gear (218) and coupled to the rotary linkage (124) via a connector assembly, the connector assembly comprising:
a connector linkage (216) comprising:
a first end (212a) adjoined to the second gear (220); and
a second end (212b) oppositely disposed to the first end (212a); and
a connector plate (214) extending from the rotary linkage (124) and coupled to the second end (212b) of the connector linkage.
12. The vehicle (102) as claimed in claim 11, comprising:
a sensor module communicably connected to the driving means (222), wherein the sensor module is configured to:
detect an operational state of a vehicle door (602), wherein the operational state comprises at least one of:
opening of the vehicle door (602);
closing of the vehicle door (602); and
an intermediate state between the opening and closing of the vehicle door (602).
13. The vehicle (102) as claimed in claim 12, wherein based on the operational state determined, the driving means (222) is configured to effectuate the first gear (218) to rotate the second gear (220), thereby rotating the rotary linkage (124) to swivel the footstep (104).
14. The vehicle as claimed in claim 11, comprising:
a guide slot (302) formed in the second gear (220); and
a pin (304) passing through the guide slot (302) and affixed to the base plate (116) to constrain the second gear (220) to the base plate (116).
15. A method (800) of operating the swivelable footstep assembly in the vehicle, the method (800) comprising:
determining (802), with the swivelable footstep assembly (102), an operational state of a vehicle door (602), wherein the swivelable footstep assembly (102) comprises;
a footstep (104); and
a transmission assembly (106) coupled to the footstep (104); and
based on the operational state determined, operating the transmission assembly (106) for swiveling the footstep (104) about a vertical axis passing therethrough.

16. The method (800) as claimed in claim 15 and comprising:
the transmission assembly (106) comprising:
a driving means (222);
a first gear (218) rotatably coupled to the driving means (222); and
a second gear (220) in-mesh with the first gear (218) and coupled to a rotary linkage (124) via a connector assembly, the connector assembly comprising:
a connector linkage (216) comprising:
a first end (224a) adjoined to the second gear; and
a second end (224b) oppositely disposed to the first end (224a); and
a connector plate (214) extending from the rotary linkage (124) and coupled to the second end of the connector linkage (216).
17. The method (800) as claimed in claim 16, wherein determining the operational state of a vehicle door comprises:
the swivelable footstep assembly (102) comprising:
a sensor module communicably connected to the driving means (222), wherein the sensor module is configured to detect the operational state of a vehicle door (602), wherein the operational state comprises at least one of:
opening of the vehicle door (602);
closing of the vehicle door (602); and
an intermediate state between the opening and closing of the vehicle door (602).
18. The method (800) as claimed in claim 16, wherein operating the transmission assembly (106) comprises:
based on the operational state determined, effectuating the first gear (218) with the driving means (222) for rotating the second gear (220); and
rotating the rotary linkage (124) with rotating of the second gear (220), for swiveling the footstep (104).