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Opus Mach

The Klifra Step 

Video above was created by students as part of their final capstone deliverable.

The Problem

The trucking industry is an enormous contributor to the US economy, but it faces varying demands and constraints as a result of this pressure. Truck operators are tasked with loading and unloading goods on and off their trucks multiple times throughout the day, while at times battling less-than-ideal conditions.

The loading and unloading process requires three points of contact to maintain truck operator safety, however, the existing hardware does not address the constraints of time, effort, and climate conditions while retaining these points of contact. More than half of truck operator injuries are caused by falls, so Opus Mach challenged the students to tackle this problem with an innovative solution.

The Solution

The Klifra Step

While researching the problem space, Team Opus Mach found a striking issue— existing stairs that operators use to load and unlock their trucks did not live up to the safety standards promoted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The Klifra Step addresses truck operator safety head on by allowing users to maintain the required three points of contact while they load and unload their truck beds.

Usable even in rough terrain, the Klifra Step provides thorough clearance and a quick electrical deployment at the push of a button.  The step’s platform was designed with foot traction in mind to reduce slipping incidents, while the handrails allow for the required points of contact to be maintained. Additionally, the step folds away on the side of the truck when not in use for easy deployment and storing when the truck is in transit.

Patents

In 2022, Opus Mach, registered the Klifra Step under their stair system for vehicle patent.