Motorized Vehicle Footrest with Telescopic Stem and Angular Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fixed-position footrests in vehicles are not adjustable to accommodate occupants of different sizes, leading to discomfort during long journeys due to cramping and leg fatigue.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable footrest system with a motorized stem and base that allows for telescopic and angular adjustments, enabling the footpad to be moved to various positions for enhanced comfort, featuring a motor with an elongated axle, a second motor connected to an adjustable footrest base, and user switches for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-position footrest is used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but it cannot accommodate occupants of different sizes leading to discomfort during long journeys
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest is transformed from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable one through the integration of motorized actuators. The first motor adjusts the angular position of the footpad relative to the base, while the second motor adjusts the telescopic extension of the base from the foot well. This dynamic capability allows the footrest to adapt to different occupant sizes and preferences, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The footrest system is divided into distinct functional segments: the footpad, the adjustable base, and the control motors. The stem connects these segments and enables independent adjustment of angular position (via first motor) and telescopic position (via second motor). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific adjustment function, achieving multi-position adaptability while maintaining modular construction that manages complexity.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation and precision of adjustment are diminished
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms (such as cranks, levers, or cables) are replaced with electric motor actuators. The first motor rotates the axle to adjust the angular position of the footpad, while the second motor extends or retracts the base telescopically. This substitution provides precise, easily controllable adjustment through simple user interface switches, significantly improving ease of operation while accepting the added complexity of motorized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The stem acts as an intermediary mechanical element that translates the rotational motion of the first motor's axle into angular movement of the footpad, and the second motor's telescopic motion into base extension. This intermediary mechanism allows the motors to control complex movements through simplified motion translation, making the system easier to operate while managing the complexity through functional decomposition.
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 system provides improved comfort by allowing occupants to customize the footrest position, reducing leg fatigue and enhancing overall vehicle travel experience.
Implementation Method 1
the adapter moves telescopically along the axle-body surface via an operative interaction between the adapter surface threads and axle-body surface threads
Implementation Method 2
the stem second end moves telescopically along the axle body during motor operation, wherein such telescopic movement produces movement of the stem first end along the underside of the footpad, and wherein such stem first end movement produces corresponding angular movement of the footpad
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable footrest for an occupant of a vehicle is presented herein. The footrest includes: a footpad, motor, and stem. The footpad extends from the foot well of the vehicle and is configured for engagement by a foot. The motor has an elongated axle. The stem is configured to be mounted to the underside of footpad at a first end and to the axle at a second end. Moreover, the stem second end moves telescopically along the axle body during motor operation, wherein such telescopic movement produces movement of the stem first end along the underside of the footpad, and wherein such stem first end movement produces corresponding angular movement of the footpad.