Nerf Bar Foot Peg Inserts with Serrated Gripping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foot rest solutions for off-road vehicles lack a combination of structural strength, configurability, and extended protection area, failing to effectively maintain foot position and safety over uneven terrain.

Innovation Solution

A nerf bar structure combining tubular and sheet metal components with configurable foot peg inserts, featuring a welded sheet metal basin for foot protection, tubular members for structural support, and attachable fabric webbing for enhanced protection and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a single sheet metal foot rest is used, then manufacturing is simple, but foot position stability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidfoot position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The foot rest is divided into multiple components: a base structure with tubular members and a separate sheet metal insert with gripping portions. The insert can be removed and replaced with different configurations to maintain foot stability while keeping the base structure simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The foot rest combines tubular metal members with sheet metal components to create a composite structure. The tubular members provide structural support while the sheet metal insert provides gripping surfaces, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and foot position stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a tubular metal foot protector is used, then structural strength is provided, but foot position stability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidfoot position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The foot rest system separates the structural support function (tubular members) from the foot retention function (sheet metal insert with gripping portions). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific purpose while working together as a unified system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The combination of tubular metal members and sheet metal components creates a composite structure where the tubular members provide structural strength and the sheet metal insert provides frictional gripping surfaces for foot position stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If a fixed foot rest design is used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but adaptability to different users is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing straightforwardnessVSAvoiduser configuration adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The foot rest system incorporates replaceable inserts that allow the structure to be dynamically reconfigured for different users and applications. The base structure remains fixed and simple to manufacture, while the interchangeable inserts provide adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The universal base structure with standardized mounting points can accommodate multiple types of inserts, making the system versatile for different users and vehicle types while maintaining straightforward manufacturing of the core component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If foot protection area is limited to the base structure, then structural complexity is reduced, but protection coverage is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidfoot protection area

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A fabric webbing or mesh material is attached to the tubular members to extend the foot protection area. This flexible covering provides additional protection without significantly increasing structural complexity, as it can be simply attached to the existing tubular framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution provides improved structural strength, customizable foot positioning, and extended protection area, allowing users to maintain foot stability and safety while riding over rough terrain, with the ability to stand on the structure for better visibility.

Implementation Method 1

The structure includes serrated inserts that grip the bottom of a shoe to maintain the foot in position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS7594671B2Nerf bar structure and replaceable foot peg inserts for utility and off road vehicles

Publication Date: 2009.09.29 POLARIS SALES

AI summary

A foot rest and foot holding apparatus is disclosed that protects a users foot from ground obstructions. The foot holding apparatus has multiple friction points to reduce movement of a foot in the apparatus. The structure includes serrated inserts that grip the bottom of a shoe to maintain the foot in position. The inserts are replaceable or changeable to accommodate foot placement preference. The foot peg inserts have a serrated top structure for gripping the underside of a shoe and have an inner and an outer component that can be used individually or in combination. The nerf structure is a combination fabric and welded metal brush guard where the foot pegs are mounted.