A deployable footrest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat designs with footrests often lack a convenient and space-efficient method to stow the footrest without compromising the utility of the seat, as they either require complex mechanisms or do not allow for selective retraction.
Innovation Solution
A deployable footrest assembly that bends about an upstanding structural support, featuring a support mechanism with actuators and a controller to rotate the footrest between stowed and deployed positions, and includes a mechanism to transition between bent and flat configurations using cables and gravity, ensuring smooth operation and ergonomic functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the footrest is made extendable to provide ergonomic support, then user comfort is improved, but the device occupies more space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest is designed to nest around the central structural support column when in the stowed position, with the footrest structure wrapping around the support. This allows the footrest to occupy minimal space when not in use while providing full ergonomic support when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The footrest employs a dynamic deployment mechanism that allows it to transition between a compact stowed position and an extended deployed position. The footrest can be rotated about the support column and adjusted to different angles, providing adaptability and space efficiency.
2Volume of moving object
If the footrest is made movable between stowed and deployed positions, then space efficiency is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest mechanism is integrated with the seat's central structural support column, combining the support function with the deployment mechanism. The footrest wraps around the support column, merging two structural elements into one unified design that reduces overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The footrest deployment mechanism utilizes the existing structural support column as both a load-bearing element and a rotation axis. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate complex mounting mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while achieving movable functionality.
3Volume of moving object
If the footrest bends about the structural support, then stowage efficiency is improved, but the structural integrity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest is designed with a curved structure that bends around the cylindrical support column, creating a smooth arc when deployed and wrapping around the column when stowed. This curved design distributes stresses evenly and allows efficient stowage while maintaining structural integrity through the continuous bent shape.
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
Enables seamless stowage and deployment of the footrest without affecting the seat's utility, providing an ergonomic surface that can be easily adjusted and stored, enhancing user comfort and space efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the footrest is bendable about an upstanding structural support for the seat such that the footrest is bent about the structural support in the stowed position
Implementation Method 2
The footrest may unfurl to a flat configuration by virtue of gravity
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
A deployable footrest assembly for a seat, the deployable footrest assembly comprising: a footrest movable between a stowed position and a deployed position in which the footrest presents a first surface for an occupant of the seat to rest their feet upon, wherein the footrest is bendable about an upstanding structural support for the seat such that the footrest is bent about the structural support in the stowed position.