Vehicle Foot Rest Layout for Reclined Seating Space Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles face space constraints within the interior due to the presence of steering wheels and foot pedals, which can limit occupant comfort and flexibility, especially in configurations requiring reclined seating positions.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a dashboard with an underside extending over a foot well, a floor with an inclined portion, and a seating assembly with a pivotable seatback, along with a foot rest that can pivot between use and stowed positions, optimizing space utilization and providing support for occupants in various positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If steering wheel and foot pedals are included in the vehicle interior, then vehicle operability is maintained, but interior space and occupant comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is designed to be movable between a use position for driving and a stowed position that reduces interior space occupation. The foot pedals are configured to be movable between use and stowed positions. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the vehicle to switch between operational mode and space-optimized mode, resolving the contradiction between maintaining operability and maximizing interior space.
2Ease of operation
If foot rest is positioned to support feet in reclined position, then occupant comfort is improved, but space availability for other functions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The foot rest is designed as a movable component that can pivot between a use position supporting the feet in reclined positions and a stowed position that minimizes space occupation. This dynamic positioning allows the foot rest to provide comfort support when needed while clearing space for other interior functions when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot rest utilizes vertical space by pivoting upward into the dashboard underside space when stowed, rather than only occupying horizontal floor space. This dimensional transition allows the foot rest to support reclined positions horizontally while minimizing its footprint vertically when not in use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If seatback is made pivotable for reclined position, then seating versatility is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seatback is designed with pivot capability allowing it to transition between upright and reclined positions. This single degree of freedom pivot mechanism provides seating versatility for different occupant needs while maintaining relatively simple structural implementation through a pivot connection point.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a dashboard having an underside that extends over a foot well, a floor having a base portion and an inclined portion that at least partially defines the foot well and extends vehicle-upward and vehicle-forward from the base portion beneath the dashboard, a seating assembly that corresponds with the foot well and includes a seat base and a seatback, and a foot rest positioned vehicle-upward of the inclined portion of the floor and having an upper support surface configured to support the feet of an occupant of the seating assembly. The foot rest is at least one of positioned within the foot well and at least partially defining the foot well.