Movable Footrest for Vehicle Stability and Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycle trailers are cumbersome and unstable, especially when transporting adults or heavier cargo, and are not practical for frequent use due to their reliance on a bicycle for propulsion, which limits their versatility and stability.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle passenger carrying apparatus with a movable footrest that can adjust from an ingress/egress position to a transport position, maintaining acceptable ground clearance while allowing easy passenger access and reducing the need for a separate bicycle for propulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the footrest is positioned close to the ground for easy passenger access, then ease of ingress/egress is improved, but ground clearance is reduced compromising vehicle stability
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest is designed as a movable component that can dynamically change its vertical position between a lowered ingress/egress position (close to ground for easy access) and a raised transport position (higher for better ground clearance and stability). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize for different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The footrest system is divided into separate functional segments: the footrest platform itself, the support structure, and the movement mechanism. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the platform can be positioned for access while the support structure maintains overall vehicle stability through strategic placement and design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bicycle trailer is used to transport cargo or children, then alternative transportation is provided, but the trailer becomes cumbersome and unstable when transporting adults or heavier cargo
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle design incorporates adjustable parameters including footrest position, seat configuration, and overall vehicle dimensions that can be optimized based on cargo type and weight. This allows the same vehicle structure to adapt to different transport needs from light cargo to heavier loads without compromising stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle is designed as a multi-functional platform that can serve multiple purposes: transporting children, adults, cargo, or providing assisted cycling capability. The universal design includes adjustable components and a stable chassis that maintains performance across different use cases and load conditions.
3Device complexity
If the footrest is in a fixed position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but passenger access difficulty and ground clearance cannot be optimized simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest transitions from a fixed position to a movable one with controlled motion. The movement mechanism provides automated or semi-automated adjustment, reducing the operational complexity burden on the user while achieving the dual benefits of improved access and maintained ground clearance through dynamic positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle and passenger carrying apparatus usable with a vehicle, wherein the passenger carrying portion includes a seating surface and a moveable footrest below the seating surface. The footrest is moveable from an ingress/egress position to a transport position that is closer to the seating surface than the ingress/egress position. The passenger carrying portion further includes a footrest movement mechanism, wherein the footrest movement mechanism controls movement of the moveable footrest between the ingress/egress position the transport position.