Adjustable Motorcycle Footrest With Removable Support Wedge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motorcycle riders face challenges in maintaining balance and control due to insufficient muscle power to exert adequate grip on the frame, especially with increased motorcycle performance, leading to loss of control and crashes.
Innovation Solution
A motorcycle footrest design featuring a support surface with multiple bases and a removable support block that can be adjusted in height and position, incorporating a steel core with a rubber sleeve, enhances grip by distributing pressure and providing adjustable positioning for different riders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the rider relies solely on muscular strength to grip the motorcycle frame, then the control mechanism is simple, but the clamping force is insufficient for high-performance motorcycles
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest is divided into multiple independent components: a base fixed to the frame, an adjustable support element with threading, and a footrest platform. This segmentation allows the support element to be independently adjusted to provide optimal mechanical leverage for increasing clamping force without complicating the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable support element acts as an intermediary between the motorcycle frame and the footrest platform. By positioning this support element at different heights and locations, it creates mechanical advantage that amplifies the rider's clamping force on the frame, effectively mediating the force transfer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the footrest position is fixed, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot accommodate riders of different heights or preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest system transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic adjustable configuration. The support element can be moved vertically along the threaded rod and locked at different positions, allowing the footrest platform to be repositioned according to different rider heights and preferences while maintaining structural stability during riding.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows change of the geometric parameter (position and height of the footrest platform) by adjusting the support element along the threaded rod. This parameter adjustment enables adaptation to different rider characteristics without changing the fundamental structure of the footrest system.
3Force
If the support wedge height is increased to improve foot leverage, then the clamping force increases, but the footrest height becomes excessive and affects rider comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The support wedge height is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The rider can adjust the wedge height to the optimal position that provides sufficient mechanical leverage for clamping force while maintaining comfortable foot positioning, allowing each rider to find the balance point between force generation and comfort.
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 design increases clamping power by up to 40% and improves balance and control, allowing for better grip on the motorcycle frame while accommodating riders of varying sizes through adjustable positioning.
Implementation Method 1
The support wedge is made of a steel core covered with a rubber sleeve
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a footrest (1) for a motorbike comprising:- a bearing surface (2) intended to be in contact with the sole of the driver's foot via the sole of his or her shoe, when in use; - a plurality of bases (4) distributed on the bearing surface; - a bearing shim (3) being removably attached to one of the bases, the bearing shim functioning as an abutment for the user's foot, when in use.