Adjustable Footrest Assembly for Motorcycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Saddle type vehicles, such as two-wheelers, face challenges in accommodating riders with diverse anthropological dimensions due to non-adjustable left and right footrests, leading to discomfort and fatigue during long rides as riders cannot adjust footrests to suit their height or change posture easily based on speed, terrain, or traffic conditions.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable footrest assembly with a footrest adjusting mechanism comprising a connector shaft, linear actuator, and rocker arm, allowing the right and left footrests to move upward or downward upon input from a toggle switch, enabling riders to customize their footrest positions for comfort and posture changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed position footrests are used, then device complexity is reduced, but rider comfort and adaptability deteriorate due to inability to adjust for diverse anthropological dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest assembly is transformed from a static fixed position design to a dynamic adjustable design. The connector shaft enables the footrest to move between multiple positions (at least two distinct positions) allowing adaptation to different rider heights and riding conditions while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure through controlled motion rather than complex adjustable mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If non-adjustable footrests are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but rider fatigue increases during long duration riding
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest incorporates a dynamic adjustment capability through the connector shaft mechanism that allows riders to change footrest positions during long rides to maintain comfort and reduce fatigue. The manufacturing process remains relatively simple as it uses standard mechanical components (connector shaft, actuators) rather than requiring complex adjustable mechanisms, thus balancing ease of manufacture with improved rider comfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed footrest position is maintained, then structural simplicity is improved, but rider ability to change posture based on riding conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest assembly enables dynamic posture adjustment by allowing the footrest to move between at least two positions through the connector shaft mechanism. This provides riders with the adaptability to change posture based on riding conditions (speed, terrain, traffic) while maintaining structural simplicity through a controlled mechanical system rather than complex multi-position adjustment mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If manual footrest adjustment is required, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in adjusting and changing posture
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest adjustment mechanism replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated actuation system. The connector shaft is operably connected to an actuator (such as a muscle actuator or motor) that automatically moves the footrest between positions based on rider input, significantly improving ease of operation. The complexity increase is managed through using standardized actuator components and a straightforward mechanical linkage system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adjustable footrest assembly enhances comfort and reduces fatigue by allowing riders to adjust footrests according to their height and riding conditions, improving ergonomics and handling, and increasing market appeal by accommodating various anthropometric dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
The linear actuator is configured to retract in a linear actuator housing on receiving the first input and extend in the linear actuator housing on receiving a second input
Implementation Method 2
The rocker arm is operably connected to both the connector shaft and the linear actuator
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to at least one adjustable footrest assembly (100) of a vehicle (10). The at least one adjustable footrest assembly (100) comprises a right footrest sub-assembly (102) comprising a right footrest (102a), a left footrest sub-assembly (104) comprising a left footrest (104a) and a footrest adjusting mechanism operably connected to the right footrest sub-assembly (102) and the left footrest sub-assembly (104). The footrest adjusting mechanism is configured to move the right footrest (102a) and the left footrest (104a) in an upward direction (UP) of the vehicle (10) on receipt of a first input and the footrest adjusting mechanism being configured to move the right footrest (102a) and the left footrest (104a) in a downward direction (DW) of the vehicle (10) on receipt of a second input. The present invention provides optimum riding posture for the given rider/pillion rider and riding condition.