Fully Retractable Power Step Systems

-- Steady & Reliable Manufacturer --

Mechanism Design for Absolute Discretion

These systems are defined by their ability to achieve a complete, virtually invisible retraction into the vehicle's rocker panel area. The multi-pivot, sequential linkage geometry is engineered to perform a precise inward and upward tucking motion, ensuring that the step platform and all mechanical components are fully housed. The final retracted position has a minimal gap (≤5 mm) with the rocker panel, preventing mud or debris ingress.

The system is driven by a powerful, yet compact, motor assembly that integrates the anti-pinch and intelligent diagnostic protocols. The fully retracted position is monitored by a Hall-effect sensor or proximity sensor that provides continuous feedback to the ECU, confirming the step is properly secured against the chassis, which is critical for high-speed highway travel and aerodynamic efficiency.

The Aesthetics of Seamless Integration

Modern vehicle design emphasizes clean, uninterrupted lines. Fully retractable power steps meet the demand for both accessibility and premium aesthetics by disappearing completely when not in use. This capability preserves the manufacturer’s original design intent and aerodynamic profile.

Our company, with over 40 technical R&D managers, focuses on the complex kinematic engineering required for full retraction. Leveraging our extensive set of intelligent automatic CNC machining centers, we produce the high-precision linkage components necessary to execute the multi-axis movement reliably. This emphasis on R&D ensures our systems integrate flawlessly and reliably perform the complex retraction sequence.

Application Areas

Luxury and Performance SUVs: Where maintaining the clean visual profile and aerodynamic efficiency is a key market differentiator (e.g., high-end Porsche, Mercedes, Land Rover models).
High-Speed Highway Travelers: Reduced drag and wind noise are a key benefit when the steps are fully concealed compared to fixed-mount running boards.
Regions with Strict Vehicle Modification Rules: The fully concealed design ensures the step system is only visible when required, adhering to vehicle envelope regulations.
Enthusiast Vehicles: Owners who desire a clean, unmodified look but still require the functionality for accessing a lifted or high-riding vehicle.

Specification

Retraction Gap (Step to Rocker Panel)	Maximum ≤5 mm
Deployment Speed (Full Cycle)	Typical 1.5 - 2.0 seconds
Total Mechanism Concealment	100% Linkage and Step Board Concealment
Wind Noise Reduction (Retracted)	Negligible impact on coefficient of drag
Safety Sensor Type	Hall-Effect or Proximity Sensor for Retracted Confirmation

FAQ

Q: How does the "fully retractable" design handle vehicle body flex (e.g., from hitting a pothole) that could potentially cause the mechanism to rub against the rocker panel?
A: Response: The linkage is mounted on the main chassis structure (frame or reinforced unibody points), which experiences minimal flex relative to the rocker panel. Crucially, the system design incorporates high-tolerance nylon spacers at the contact points to absorb minor vibrations and prevent metal-on-metal abrasion, ensuring a noise-free fit despite dynamic body movement.

Q: Does the fast 1.5 second deployment speed compromise the motor’s durability or the gentleness of the final movement?
A: Response: The fast speed is achieved through a specific gear ratio that balances speed and torque. The final 200 milliseconds of the cycle utilize the soft-close logic (gradual speed reduction) to ensure the step is presented gently and locks softly, protecting the mechanism and maintaining the perception of quality.

Q: If the step is fully concealed, how are the internal linkage components serviced or inspected?
A: Response: The steps are designed with a "Service Mode" which, when activated via a control module switch or remote key fob sequence, deploys the steps and holds them fully extended. This provides full access to the motor, linkages, and pivot points for cleaning, lubrication, or inspection without requiring disassembly.

Features Defining Complete Concealment and Function

Aerodynamic Efficiency: The fully concealed profile ensures the steps do not disrupt the vehicle’s airflow, preserving the original fuel economy and reducing high-speed wind noise.
Self-Cleaning Linkage: The mechanism's sweeping motion during deployment/retraction helps to shed light dirt and debris, preventing accumulation that could impede movement.
Precision Actuation: The multi-pivot linkage requires highly precise timing and torque management from the motor to execute the complex tucking motion reliably without binding or scraping the bodywork.
High-Security Retraction Lock: The step is physically locked in the retracted position by the geometry and motor's holding torque, preventing accidental deployment or forced extension at high speeds.
Minimal Visual Impact: Utilizes color-matched or texture-matched end caps to ensure that the small visible seam when retracted blends seamlessly with the vehicle's plastic trim.

Production Protocols for Complex Kinematics

Manufacturing procedures focused on the accuracy of the complex retraction path.

Fixture-Controlled Assembly: All motor and linkage assemblies are built on specialized, jig-controlled fixtures that lock the components into the precise geometric relationship required for the seamless, fully-retracted position.
Vision System QC: An automated vision quality control system performs a final check on the end-of-line assembly, verifying the alignment of the step platform in both the fully deployed and fully retracted state against a digital template.
Custom Component Molding: We use high-fidelity injection molds for the custom end caps and trim pieces, ensuring the complex curvatures perfectly match the target vehicle's body panels for the seamless aesthetic.

Material Selection Focused on Kinematic Precision

Materials must be rigid and manufactured to tight tolerances for complex movement.

Linkage Arms: Precision-stamped High-Yield Steel or 7075 T6 Aluminum, selected for high rigidity and minimal flex, which is essential to maintain the tight retraction gap.
Pivot Hardware: Uses Precision Machined Bushings (e.g., Oil-impregnated or polymer-lined) and CNC-turned hardened steel pins to ensure zero-slop operation and repeatable movement path.
Retraction Bumpers: High-density, closed-cell EPDM foam or specialized rubber pads are strategically placed inside the rocker panel cavity to act as silent bumpers for the final retracted position.
Electrical Conduit: Flexible, corrugated, and fire-retardant Nylon loom is used to protect all wiring, ensuring smooth movement and no chafing during the complex articulation sequence.

about Bohai

R&D and manufacturing of mid-to-high-end SUV electric pedals.

Bohai Automotive Technology (Zhejiang Huzhou) Co., Ltd. was established in 2014. It is a technology-based enterprise specializing in R&D China Fully Retractable Power Step Systems Manufacturers and Wholesale Fully Retractable Power Step Systems Suppliers The company is located on the southern bank of the beautiful Taihu Lake in the hinterland of the Yangtze River Golden Triangle-Changxing County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province. It is about 150 kilometers away from Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Ningbo, Suzhou, Wuxi and other large and medium cities.

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