DESC:CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[001] This application is based on and derives the benefit of Indian Provisional Application 202141011208, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference

TECHNICAL FIELD
[002] The embodiments herein generally relate to a foot step for a vehicle and more particularly, to a foldable foot step system integrated to a vehicular structure, where the vehicular structure is one of a bumper and a sill cladding of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[003] Foot step in a vehicle is a key component for easy ingress and egress of the vehicle especially when the ground clearance of the vehicle is high. Typically, the foot step is a fixed structure which is mounted on the side of the vehicle or at the bottom of the tail door area. The conventional fixed foot step protrudes out of the vehicle and thus impacts the overall vehicle geometry and aesthetics.
[004] Some conventional systems discloses a movable foot step which is operable by a mechanism including a guide device located below the floor of the vehicle and is used for extension of the foot step outside one side of the vehicle in an outwards/downwards movement and retraction in the opposite direction. The foot step comprises a support structure over which an endless mat is stretched, and means for retaining a portion of the mat in the direction of movement of the foot-step, but not in the vertical direction.
[005] Another conventional system discloses a retractable step and a side bar assembly that can be used for high ground clearance vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow a user to enter the high ground clearance vehicle. Further, in a stowed position, the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance. However, the aforementioned conventional foot step systems require additional support and mounting arrangements for the actuation of the foot-step. This support and mounting arrangements consumes more packaging space and also increases an overall weight of the vehicle.
[006] Therefore, there exists a need for a foldable foot step system for a vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
[007] The principal object of an embodiment herein is to integrate a foldable foot step system to a vehicular structure.
[008] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide the foldable foot step system which consumes less packaging space.
[009] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide the foot step is auto-deployable and auto-foldable based on the opening and closing of vehicle door respectively.
[0010] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide the foldable foot step system enhances an overall aesthetics of the vehicle.
[0011] Another object of an embodiment herein is to provide the foldable foot step system which eliminates additional support and mounting arrangements thereby reducing an overall weight of the vehicle.
[0012] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0014] Fig. 1 depicts a perspective view of a vehicle having a foldable foot step system integrated to a rear bumper, where a foldable foot step is in a stowed position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0015] Fig. 2 depicts a side view of the vehicle in which a foldable foot step system is integrated to a sill cladding, where the foldable foot step is in a stowed position, according to another embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0016] Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of the foldable foot step system in which the foldable foot step is in a foot step operative position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0017] Fig. 4 depicts a perspective view of the foldable foot step system in which the foldable foot step is in a stowed position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0018] Fig. 5 depicts a perspective view of the foldable foot step with a door position sensor mounted thereon, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0019] Fig. 6 depicts a block diagram showing communication between a controller unit, the actuator and the door position sensor, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0020] Fig. 7 depicts a flowchart indicating steps of a method (200) of operating the foldable foot step system (100) in the vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0022] The embodiments herein achieve integrating a foldable foot step system to a vehicular structure. Another embodiment herein achieves the foldable foot step system which is auto-deployable and auto-foldable based on the opening and closing of vehicle door respectively. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Fig. 1 through Fig. 7, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0023] Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view of the foldable foot step system (100) in which the foldable foot step (102) is in a foot step operative position, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the foldable foot step system (100) includes a foldable footstep (102), an actuator (104), a controller unit ((106), (as shown in fig. 6), a door position sensor ((108), (as shown in fig. 5 and fig. 6), a stopper (110) and a bearing (not shown). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the foldable foot step system (100) is explained herein below with reference to integrating on a vehicular structure ((B, S), (as shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2)) of a ground clearance vehicle such as sports utility vehicle (SUV), where the vehicular structure (B, S) is considered to be a rear bumper and a sill cladding. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to practice/use the components of the foldable foot step system (100) in heavy duty vehicles, pickup trucks or any other vehicles or machines without otherwise deterring the intended function of the foldable foot step system (100) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0024] The foldable foot step (102) acts as a foot step when a vehicle door (D) is opened. Further, the foldable foot step (102) acts as the vehicular structure (B, S) when the vehicle door (D) is closed. For example, the foldable foot step (102) acts as the rear bumper and the sill cladding when the vehicle door (D) is closed. The foldable foot step system (100) is located at a center of the rear bumper. The vehicle door (D) is one of a rear door (tailgate) and a side door. The foldable foot step (102) is integrated to the vehicular structure (B, S). One end of the foldable foot step (102) is rotatably supported to the vehicular structure (B, S) and another end of the foldable foot step (102) is rotatably connected to a rotary shaft ((104S), (as shown in fig. 3)) of the actuator (104).
[0025] The actuator (104) is mounted into the vehicular structure (B, S). The actuator (104) includes the rotary shaft (104S) adapted to be connected to the foldable foot step (102). For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the actuator (104) is considered to be an electric motor. The actuator (104) is concealed within the vehicular structure (B, S) thereby the actuator (104) is not visible outside the vehicle.
[0026] The controller unit (106) is in communication with the actuator (104). In an embodiment, the controller unit (106) is an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide a dedicated ECU without otherwise deterring the intended function of the controller unit (106) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0027] The door position sensor (108) is in communication with the controller unit (106). The door position sensor (108) is adapted to sense and communicate at least one of a door open position and a door closed position of the vehicle door (D), to the controller unit (106) when the vehicle door (D) is opened and closed respectively. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the door position sensor (108) is considered to be a door ajar sensor. The door position sensor (108) is located in vicinity of the vehicle door (D). The door position sensor (108) typically uses a switch with a spring-loaded plunger that is retracted when the vehicle door (D) is closed and is extended when the vehicle door (D) is open. One part of the door position sensor (108) is connected to the vehicle door (D) and another part of the door position sensor (108) is attached with the door frame. The spring-loaded plunger of the door position sensor (108) is in one of the retracted condition and the extended condition, and the circuit is closed and open respectively when the vehicle door (D) is in closed and open condition respectively. This action opens and closes an electrical circuit, sending a signal to the controller unit (106) which in turn activates the actuator (104) to move the foldable foot step (102) to one of the foot step operative position and stowed position.
[0028] The actuator (104) is adapted to move the foldable foot step (102) to one a foot step operative position (as shown in fig. 3) and a stowed position (as shown in fig. 4) based on a control signal sent by the controller unit (106) to the actuator (104) in accordance to at least one of the door open position and the door closed position signal from the door position sensor (108) to the controller unit (106), respectively. In the foot step operative position, the foldable foot step (102) is adapted to provide support to occupant’s leg while entering or exiting the vehicle. In the stowed position, the foldable foot step (102) acts an integral part of the vehicular structure (B, S). For example, the foldable foot step (102) acts the rear bumper in the stowed position. In another example, the foldable foot step (102) acts as the sill cladding in the stowed position. The foot step operative position can also be called as foot step deployed position. Further, the stowed position can also be called as foot step folded position. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the actuator (104) is considered to be an electric motor.
[0029] The stopper (110) is located on a shaft ((102S), (as shown in fig. 5)) of the foldable foot step (102). The stopper (110) is adapted to restrict a movement of the foldable foot step (102) beyond a predefined position. The bearing (not shown) is adapted to be mounted on the shaft (102S) of the foldable foot step (102). The shaft (102S) of the foldable foot step (102) is rotatably supported into the vehicular structure (B, S) through the bearing.
[0030] Fig. 7 depicts a flowchart indicating steps of a method (200) of operating the foldable foot step system (100) in the vehicle, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the method (200) is explained herein below with reference to operating the foldable foot step system (100) in a ground clearance vehicle such as sports utility vehicle (SUV). However, it is also within the scope of this invention to practice/implement the entire steps of the method (200) in a same manner or in a different manner or with omission of at least one step to the method (200) or with any addition of at least one step to the method (200) for operating the foldable foot step system (100) in heavy duty vehicles, pickup trucks or any other vehicles or machines. At step (202), the method (200) includes, sensing and communicating, by a door position sensor (108), at least one of a door open position and a door closed position of a vehicle door (D), to a controller unit (106). At step (204), the method (200) includes, sending, by the controller unit (106), at least one control signal to an actuator (104) in response to receiving, by the controller unit (106), the at least one of the door open position and the door closed position signal from the sensor (106). At step (206), the method (200) includes, moving, by the actuator (104), the foldable foot step (102) to one of a foot step operative position and a stowed position in response to receiving by, the actuator (104), the at least one control signal from the controller unit (106).
[0031] The technical advantages of the foldable foot step system (100) are as follows. The foot step is auto-deployable and auto-foldable based on the opening and closing of vehicle door respectively. The foldable foot step system enhances an overall aesthetics of the vehicle. The foldable foot step is integrated to the vehicular structure thereby eliminating additional support and mounting arrangements thereby reducing an overall weight of the vehicle. The foldable foot step system which consumes less packaging space.
[0032] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:1. A foldable foot step system (100) for a vehicle (10), said foldable foot step system (100) comprising:
a foldable foot step (102) integrated on a vehicular structure (B, S);
an actuator (104), said actuator (104) includes a rotary shaft (104S) adapted to be connected to said foldable foot step (102);
a controller unit (106) in communication with said actuator (104); and
a door position sensor (108) in communication with said controller unit (106), said door position sensor (108) is adapted to sense and communicate at least one of a door open position and a door closed position of a vehicle door (D), to said controller unit (106),
wherein
said actuator (104) is adapted to move said foldable foot step (102) to one a foot step operative position and a stowed position based on a control signal sent by said controller unit (106) to said actuator (104) in accordance to at least one of the door open position and the door closed position signal from said door position sensor (108) to said controller unit (106), respectively.

2. The foldable foot step system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said foldable foot step system (100) includes,
at least one stopper (110) located on a shaft (102S) of said foldable foot step (102), wherein said stopper (110) is adapted to restrict a movement of said foldable foot step (102) beyond a predefined position.

3. The foldable foot step system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said foldable foot step (102) is adapted to provide support to occupant’s leg while entering or exiting the vehicle in said foot step operative position; and
said foldable foot step (102) acts an integral part of the vehicular structure (B, S) in said stowed position.

4. The foldable foot step system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said foldable foot step system (100) includes a bearing adapted to be mounted on the shaft (102S) of said foldable foot step (102), wherein said shaft (102S) of said foldable foot step (102) is rotatably supported into the vehicular structure (B, S) through said bearing and another end of said foldable foot step (102) is rotatably connected to said rotary shaft (104S) of said actuator (104).

5. The foldable foot step system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said actuator (104) is mounted into the vehicular structure (B, S);
said actuator (104) is concealed within the vehicular structure (B, S) thereby said actuator (104) is not visible outside the vehicle; and
said actuator (104) is at least an electric motor.

6. The foldable foot step system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said door position sensor (108) is located in vicinity of the vehicle door (D).

7. The foldable foot step system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said door position sensor (108) is a door ajar sensor.

8. The foldable foot step system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicular structure (B) is a rear bumper;
the vehicle door (D) is a rear door;
said foldable foot step (102) acts as a rear bumper in said stowed position; and
said foldable foot step system (100) is located a center of the rear bumper.

9. The foldable foot step system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicular structure (B) is a sill cladding;
the vehicle door (D) is a side door; and
said foldable foot step (102) acts as a sill cladding in said stowed position.

10. A method (200) of operating a foldable foot step system (100) in a vehicle, said method (200) comprising:
sensing and communicating (202), by a door position sensor (108), at least one of a door open position and a door closed position of a vehicle door (D), to a controller unit (106);
sending (204), by the controller unit (106), at least one control signal to an actuator (104) in response to receiving, by the controller unit (106), the at least one of the door open position and the door closed position signal from the door position sensor (108); and
moving (206), by the actuator (104), the foldable foot step (102) to one of a foot step operative position and a stowed position in response to receiving by, the actuator (104), the at least one control signal from the controller unit (106),
wherein
the foldable foot step (102) is integrated on a vehicular structure (B, S).