Foot Pedal Assembly Integrating Locking Plate for Wheel Deployment

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foot pedal assemblies for moving wheel assemblies between stowed and deployed configurations require users to coordinate the movement of the foot pedal and locking plate, making it difficult to secure or deploy the wheel assembly effectively.

Innovation Solution

A lever-based foot pedal assembly that moves between first and second positions, securing the wheel assembly in a deployed configuration by locking the foot pedal assembly and allowing it to transition between stowed and deployed configurations without requiring user coordination of the foot pedal and locking plate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking plate is used to secure the wheel assembly in the deployed configuration, then the wheel assembly can be secured effectively, but the user must coordinate movement of the foot pedal and locking plate which makes operation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel assembly securingVSAvoiduser coordination requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking plate and foot pedal are merged into a single integrated assembly where the locking plate is directly coupled to the foot pedal. This integration eliminates the need for separate coordination of two components, as the locking action occurs automatically through the mechanical connection between the foot pedal and locking plate during a single downward motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism performs self-service through automatic engagement. When the foot pedal is pressed downward, the locking plate automatically moves to engage with the locking pin without requiring separate user action. The system serves itself by converting the foot pedal motion directly into locking action through the mechanical coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the foot pedal assembly uses a locking plate mechanism, then the wheel assembly can be secured in deployed configuration, but the complexity of coordinating multiple components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel assembly securingVSAvoidfoot pedal and locking plate coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking plate and foot pedal are merged into a single integrated assembly where the locking plate is directly coupled to the foot pedal. This integration eliminates the need for separate coordination of two components, as the locking action occurs automatically through the mechanical connection between the foot pedal and locking plate during a single downward motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the foot pedal is pressed down to deploy the wheel assembly, then the wheel assembly moves to deployed configuration, but additional coordination is needed to engage the locking plate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewheel assembly deploymentVSAvoidcoordination of foot pedal and locking plate

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The useful action of deploying the wheel assembly continues seamlessly into the locking action. As the foot pedal moves downward to deploy the wheel, the locking plate simultaneously or automatically engages with the locking pin, creating a continuous single-motion operation rather than requiring separate discrete actions for deployment and locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking plate and foot pedal are merged into a single integrated assembly where the locking plate is directly coupled to the foot pedal. This integration eliminates the need for separate coordination of two components, as the locking action occurs automatically through the mechanical connection between the foot pedal and locking plate during a single downward motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 movement of the wheel assembly between stowed and deployed configurations without user coordination, ensuring stability when needed and mobility when required, enhancing operational efficiency in precision applications.

Implementation Method 1

a lever-based foot pedal assembly that moves between first and second positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Implementation Method 2

securing the wheel assembly in a deployed configuration by locking the foot pedal assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS10725493B2Foot pedal assembly

Publication Date: 2020.07.28 BRUNSON INSTR

AI summary

A foot pedal assembly and method of moving a wheel assembly from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration is provided. The foot pedal assembly can be moved to a locked configuration, thereby securing the wheel assembly in a deployed configuration, by allowing a foot pedal of the foot pedal assembly to move away from a second position after moving the foot pedal from a first position to the second position. When in the locked configuration, the foot pedal assembly can be moved to an unlocked configuration by moving the foot pedal assembly back to the second position, thereby allowing the foot pedal assembly and the wheel assembly to move towards the first configuration and the stowed configuration, respectively. A pin extending from a cam assembly into a raceway of a raceway body travels through the raceway as the foot pedal assembly is moved between configurations.