Sliding Heel Support Pedal Assembly for Low-Fatigue Vehicle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foot operable assemblies, such as front foot pedals, often lead to user fatigue and limited space in vehicles due to the need to move the heel during operation, and existing solutions do not adequately address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A foot operable assembly with a translatable heel support that slides along a longitudinal direction, allowing for ergonomic posture and reduced fatigue, combined with a compact design that includes a front foot pedal and heel support mounted on a platform, providing optimal grip and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a front foot pedal is used to save space, then the available space in the vehicle is increased, but the user experiences fatigue due to the need to move the heel during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The heel support is made translatable along the longitudinal direction, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position as the pedal is pressed. This dynamic adjustment maintains optimal foot support throughout the pedal's range of motion, reducing user fatigue while preserving the compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot operable assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the front foot pedal for actuation and the separate heel support for maintaining foot posture. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the pedal remains compact while the heel support provides continuous support.
2Ease of operation
If the heel support is made translatable to reduce fatigue, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the translation mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The translation mechanism is integrated into the existing pedal assembly structure, merging the heel support's translational function with the pedal's mounting system. This integration eliminates the need for separate, complex translation mechanisms while still providing the fatigue-reducing benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
A simple translation mechanism acts as an intermediary between the pedal and the heel support, enabling the heel support to follow the pedal's motion without requiring complex control systems. This intermediary mechanism provides the necessary adaptability with minimal added complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pedal and heel support are appropriately sized and spaced to support various shoe sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the area occupied by the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heel support is designed with universal dimensions and positioning capabilities that can accommodate various shoe sizes and foot configurations. The translatable nature of the heel support allows it to adapt to different user requirements within a compact footprint, providing multi-functionality without increasing overall assembly area.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A foot operable assembly (10) comprises a depressible front foot pedal (1) and a translatable heel support (2) mounted longitudinally behind the front foot pedal (1). The assembly (10) can be arranged as part of a vehicle (100) such as a ride-on cleaning machine, e.g. scrubber-dryer. The vehicle further comprises a seat (6) and a steering column (5). The seat and steering column are separated by a path there between. The pedal (1) is arranged laterally adjacent the steering column (5), clear of the path, and configured for a seated driver to operate the vehicle by a front of their foot. The heel support (2) is arranged for supporting a back of the driver's foot. The assembly or vehicle can be operated by pressing the foot pedal with a front of a foot while a heel of the foot is supported by the heel support translating backward or forward.