Klifra Step

Integrated Product Development

Jan – May 2022

Power-actuated step system to revolutionize safe and easy access to side-loading truck beds. Developed in a remarkable four month timeframe, this innovative solution embodies design thinking principles and the IPD process.

Patent Application No. 18/081,182 (Dec 14, 2022) | Publication No. US 2023/0114575 A1 (Apr 13, 2023)

Phase

Identify

II.

Understand

III.

Conceptualize

IV.

Realize

Team

Institute

Sponsor

Phase I. Identifying the Opportunity

Background

Loading and unloading goods necessitates the truck operator to frequently access the truck bed. At these moments, maintaining three points of contact becomes crucial. However, current hardware on the sides and back of the truck does not effectively optimize time, safety, and effort. It is noteworthy that over half of truck-related injuries are due to slips and falls, resulting in sprains and strains.

Pain points

Lack of 3 points of contact
Little to no space on loaded truck bed
Insufficient tread depth
Absence of 3 points of contact at start
Bypassing use of existing solutions
Bypassing use of existing solutions

Lack of 3 points of contact
Little to no space on loaded truck bed
Insufficient tread depth
Absence of 3 points of contact at start
Bypassing use of existing solutions
Bypassing use of existing solutions

Lack of 3 points of contact
Little to no space on loaded truck bed
Insufficient tread depth
Absence of 3 points of contact at start
Bypassing use of existing solutions
Bypassing use of existing solutions

The trucking industry is the backbone of the U.S. economy. Every good has been on a truck at some point of its journey. We set out to design a solution that makes the truck operators’ lives easier.

Phase II. Understanding the Opportunity

Key takeaways

We used a mixed-method approach combining secondary research, surveys, interviews, and site visits to gather comprehensive data. The following key takeaways were identified:

Time: Although acknowledged as important, not the primary concern for the operators.
Safety: Each operator values it differently, need to address their specific concerns and perspectives.
Effort: Given the repetitive nature of their tasks, operators experience significant physical effort.
Convenience: Operators often prioritize this, leading them to bypass safety mechanisms.

Convenience being hard to quantify, could be evaluated as a function of time, safety, and effort.

Current vs goal state

Bustin Retractable Triple Steps

Tuckunder Hydraulic Liftgate

Goal state

Value opportunity analysis

To establish a clear framework, we defined 18 key values. Subsequently, we evaluated five existing products using a three-point scale, overlaying them on our understanding of the ideal scenario. We gained valuable insights into the the current product landscape. I devised this representation as an extension of the existing method to allow us to view the data in a three-dimensional layout.

View the value opportunity analysis

Phase III. Conceptualizing the Opportunity

Mechanism build-a-thon

Concept drawing

Phase IV. Realizing the Opportunity

Klifra (Icelandic): to climb

Handrails

The handrails offer the operator reliable third and fourth points of contact when ascending and descending the stairs

Handrails

The handrails offer the operator reliable third and fourth points of contact when ascending and descending the stairs

Handrails

The handrails offer the operator reliable third and fourth points of contact when ascending and descending the stairs

Stowed position

Stows safely in a recessed position under the truck bed, with the incline preventing accumulation of water, snow, and dirt

Stowed position

Stows safely in a recessed position under the truck bed, with the incline preventing accumulation of water, snow, and dirt

Stowed position

Stows safely in a recessed position under the truck bed, with the incline preventing accumulation of water, snow, and dirt

Power Actuation

2x PA-04 20 inch stroke linear actuators rated for IP66

Power Actuation

2x PA-04 20 inch stroke linear actuators rated for IP66

Power Actuation

2x PA-04 20 inch stroke linear actuators rated for IP66

Deployed position

Controlled by a button, the mechanism quickly unpacks, welcoming the truck operator

Deployed position

Controlled by a button, the mechanism quickly unpacks, welcoming the truck operator

Deployed position

Controlled by a button, the mechanism quickly unpacks, welcoming the truck operator

Steps

To minimize the chance of slips and trips, the steps have generous tread depth and serrated gratings which offer good grip and prevent buildup of water, snow, and dirt

Steps

To minimize the chance of slips and trips, the steps have generous tread depth and serrated gratings which offer good grip and prevent buildup of water, snow, and dirt

Steps

To minimize the chance of slips and trips, the steps have generous tread depth and serrated gratings which offer good grip and prevent buildup of debris

Platform

16x22 inch additional footing for the truck operator

Platform

16x22 inch additional footing for the truck operator

Platform

16x22 inch additional footing for the truck operator

V Groove Bearings

High contact area, long service life, performs well in harsh conditions

V Groove Bearings

High contact area, long service life, performs well in harsh conditions

V Groove Bearings

High contact area, long service life, performs well in harsh conditions

Klifra Step vs comptetitors

Bustin Triple Step

Trucker Trailer Ladder

Maxon GPT4 Liftgate

Tuckunder Liftgate

Klifra Step

Bustin Triple Step

Trucker Trailer Ladder

Maxon GPT4 Liftgate

Tuckunder Liftgate

Klifra Step

Bustin Triple Step

Trucker Trailer Ladder

Maxon GPT4 Liftgate

Tuckunder Liftgate

Klifra Step

Bustin Triple Step

Trucker Trailer Ladder

Maxon GPT4 Liftgate

Tuckunder Liftgate

Klifra Step

Klifra Step

Phase I. Identifying the Opportunity

Background

Pain points

Phase II. Understanding the Opportunity

Key takeaways

Current vs goal state

Value opportunity analysis

Phase III. Conceptualizing the Opportunity

Mechanism build-a-thon

Concept drawing

Phase IV. Realizing the Opportunity

Klifra Step vs comptetitors

Iterations and testing

Yash Banka

Yash Banka

Yash Banka

Yash Banka