Integrated Motorcycle Mid Controls for Foot Brake and Gear Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems lack efficient and compact designs for integrating foot controls that allow operators to control braking and gear shifting without moving their feet, particularly in motorcycles, which can enhance safety and responsiveness.
Innovation Solution
A mid-control system with integrated footrests and actuator pedals connected to fluid reservoirs and pivot shafts, allowing for compact design and efficient operation of braking and gear shifting functions through fluid pressure and pivot mechanisms, with connectors for brake and clutch lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If foot controls are mounted directly to the frame of the vehicle, then the operator can control braking and gear shifting without moving their feet, but the system becomes complex and requires multiple separate mounting points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the footrest and control mechanisms into a single integrated assembly that mounts to the vehicle frame as one unit. The footrest structure incorporates both the support surface and the control linkages, merging what would traditionally be separate components (footrest, brake control, gear shift control) into a unified structure that simplifies installation and reduces system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The footrest assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a support surface for the operator's foot, houses the brake actuator mechanism, contains the gear shift linkage, and provides mounting points for hydraulic lines. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate hand controls and reduces the overall number of components required in the vehicle.
2Ease of operation
If foot controls are located near the foot rests, then the operator can manipulate controls without moving their foot, but the system requires more components and increased device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the brake master cylinder, gear shift mechanism, and footrest into a single assembled unit. The footrest structure itself forms part of the control mechanism, with linkages directly attached to the footrest body. This merging of components reduces the total number of parts while maintaining full control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The footrest assembly is designed to be self-contained, with all control mechanisms mounted directly to the footrest structure. The assembly includes its own mounting brackets, linkages, and hydraulic connections, allowing it to be installed as a single unit without requiring separate mounting of individual control components.
3Reliability
If traditional hand controls are used, then the system is simpler, but the operator must move their hands which reduces safety and responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a brake master cylinder directly into the footrest assembly, utilizing hydraulic principles to transmit force from the foot-operated pedal to the braking system. This hydraulic integration allows the foot control to directly actuate the brakes with the same effectiveness as traditional hand controls, improving safety while maintaining system simplicity through the use of established hydraulic mechanisms.
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 safer and more responsive vehicle operation by allowing operators to control braking and gear shifting without hand movements, while reducing weight and increasing ground clearance, and providing a more comfortable riding position.
Implementation Method 1
the application of force to the actuator pedal along a force vector rotates the actuator pedal about the pivot point, distributing force to the fluid reservoir through the piston assembly
Implementation Method 2
activation of the first actuator pedal applies pressure through the piston assembly and the fluid, generating stopping power for the motor vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A mid-control system for a motor vehicle having a transmission and a primary cover opposite said transmission, said mid-control system with a first mid-control device connected to the transmission, the first mid-control device including a first footrest engaged with a first actuator pedal, said first actuator pedal connected to at least one fluid reservoir containing a fluid and a second mid-control device connected to the primary cover, the second mid-control device including a pivot shaft, a second footrest engaged with a second actuator pedal and a cover plate.