FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure relates to an automated footrest assembly for a vehicle. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a footrest assembly for a vehicle having integration of subsystems to achieve an automated operation.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Existing footrest assemblies of two-wheeler vehicles are generally fastened with the vehicle frame by a plurality of fastening elements as shown in Figures 1a and 1b and are rather vulnerable to becoming loosened or even disengaged with the vehicle frame. In addition, the conventional footrest of vehicle always projects out from the frame of the vehicle.
Further, existing technology does not have any provision for preventing the footrest from corrosion. Therefore, it is difficult for the user to use the footrest once it is in rusted condition. Also, the existing footrests work manually wherein the user or the driver has to pull the footrest manually for its usage. Due to this, the use of footrest is abused by any foreign element as well.
Therefore, to overcome the above problems as mentioned above, there was a need to develop a completely automated footrest for a vehicle which works on a low ampere switch and has a smooth operation.
The present disclosure also provides a footrest which has protective mechanism against abusive use. Also, the rubber bellow provided in the automated footrest assembly restricts the entry of dust and water in the gear tooth of the assembly thereby preventing corrosion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of
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example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figures 1a-1b illustrates the existing footrest assemblies.
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of the complete assembly of the automated footrest assembly according to the present disclosure.
Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the automated footrest assembly according to the present disclosure.
Figures 4 illustrates the exploded view of the drive mechanism of the automated footrest assembly according to the present disclosure
Figure 5 illustrates exploded view of the paddle assembly of the automated footrest assembly according to the present disclosure
Figures 6a-6f illustrates the assembling sequence paddle with clamp of the automated footrest assembly according to the present disclosure.
Figure 7 illustrates the meshing of shafts of the automated footrest assembly according to the present disclosure.
Figure 8a-8b illustrates the sectional and isometric view respectively of the first shaft of the automated footrest assembly according to the present disclosure.
Figure 9a-9b illustrates the sectional and isometric view respectively of the second shaft of the automated footrest assembly according to the present disclosure.
Figure 10a-10b illustrates the sectional and isometric view respectively of the third shaft of the automated footrest assembly according to the present disclosure.
Figure 11 illustrates the location of the first shaft in the footrest body of the automated footrest assembly according to the present disclosure.
Figures 12a-12i illustrates the assembling sequence of the shafts of the transmission unit according to the present disclosure.
Figure 13 illustrates the isometric view of the shafts of the transmission unit of the automated footrest assembly according to the present disclosure.
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The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more shortcomings of conventional assemblies are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of clamp assembly as claimed in the present disclosure.
Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure automated footrest assembly for vehicle is disclosed. The footrest assembly comprises a footrest body pivotally mounted on the vehicle. A drive mechanism accommodated in the footrest body wherein the drive mechanism comprises a driving unit and a transmission unit. A sector plate rigidly mounted on the vehicle body. The sector plate comprises a guide channel with inner gear teeth adapted to engage with a main output gear of the transmission unit wherein the drive mechanism is engaged to rotate with the main output gear thereby traversing the footrest body on the sector plate between a folded position and an unfolded position or vice-versa.
In an embodiment, the transmission unit comprises a first input shaft connected to a first output shaft, a second input shaft connected to the first output shaft, a second output shaft connected to the second input shaft, a second output shaft is connected to the output gear.
In an embodiment, a rubber bellow is secured in the periphery of the sector plate.
In an embodiment, the footrest body comprises a circular cavity through which the pivot and the sector plate are guided.
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In an embodiment, the footrest body is hinged to a clamp structure which acts as a stopper and restricts the movement of the footrest body.
In an embodiment, the first input shaft is pre-assembled with a motor.
In an embodiment, a plurality of extensions are insert moulded in a periphery of a gear train housing for receiving the shafts.
In an embodiment, the output gear receives signal from the motor to operate the assembly in folded position or unfolded position.
In an embodiment, a quarter pin holds the footrest assembly with the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the sector gear acts as insulation between the footrest body and the pivot thereby preventing issues of corrosion and rust.
It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
DESCRIPTION OF PRESENT DISCLOSURE
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Before describing in detail embodiments it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present invention resides in automated
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footrest assembly for vehicles. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present invention and modify the various constructions of assembly, which are varying from vehicle to vehicle. However, such modification should be construed within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
Accordingly, the main aim of the present invention is to provide an automated footrest assembly which provides improved ergonomic operation and technical advantages and which can overcome at least one of the problems of the existing footrest assembly.
The present disclosure relates to an automatic footrest mechanism for two-wheeler vehicles. The new design comprises of three sub-systems (i.e. electronic circuit, footrest sub-system and gear train) to achieve automated operation. The automatic footrest is ergonomically suitable for riders and is resistant to corrosion. Further, the footrest can be operated by a toggle on/off switch or any other switching mechanism.
Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where ever possible same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts.
Figure 2 illustrates an automated footrest assembly (1) for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 3, the automated footrest
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assembly (1) for a vehicle primarily comprises of a footrest body (3) pivotally mounted on the vehicle. A drive mechanism is accommodated in the footrest body wherein the drive mechanism comprises a driving unit (E) and a transmission unit (2).
As shown in Figure 4, the transmission unit (2) comprises a plurality of screws (5), a gear train cap (6), an O-ring (6), a first input shaft and a first output shaft (7, 7’), a second input shaft and a second output shaft (8, 8’) and a third input shaft (9). It also comprises a plurality of extensions (10) adapted to receive the first (7), second (8) and third gear (9) respectively in a gear train housing (11). The transmission unit (2) is attached to the driving unit (E) which may be a motor (12) enclosed with a motor cap (13) for actuation of the assembly (1).
Referring to Figure 5, the footrest body (3) is attached to a pivot (14). A footrest (15) is a part of the footrest body (3) and can also be referred to as a paddle in the description. The footrest (15) includes a rubber bellow (16), a quarter pin (17) and a sector plate (18) which can be referred to as a fourth gear. The sector plate (18) is rigidly mounted on the vehicle body. Further, as show in Figure 5, the sector plate (18) comprises a guide channel with inner gear teeth. The inner gear teeth of the sector plate (18) are adapted to engage with a main output gear of the transmission unit. The drive mechanism is engaged to rotate with the main output gear thereby traversing the footrest body on the sector plate between a folded position and an unfolded position or vice-versa.
Figures 6a-6f show the sequential assembly of the footrest body (3) wherein the rubber bellow (16) is welded in the periphery of the sector plate (18) i.e. the fourth gear to prevent entry of dust and water in the sub-assembly (3). The paddle (15) comprises of a circular cavity (19) through which the pivot (14) and the sector plate (18) are guided thereby forming an assembly. The footrest body (3) is then hinged to a C-clamp (20) which is a part of the vehicle and acts as a stopper and restricts the movement of the paddle sub-assembly. The term ‘C-clamp’ herein refers to a shape of the clamp. The quarter pin (17) is subsequently fixed to the pivot (14) and holds the footrest body (3) with the vehicle. In the footrest body (3), the footrest (15) rotates around the pivot (14) by the guidance of the sector plate (18). The pivot (14) is rigidly mounted on the vehicle frame and the sector plate is fixed with the pivot. The sector
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plate (18) also acts as an insulation between the footrest and the pivot thereby solving the issues of rust and corrosion consequently making the footrest operation handy/easy for the user.
Referring to Figure 7, the transmission unit is shown. The transmission unit comprises a first input shaft connected to a first output shaft, a second input shaft connected to the first output shaft, a second output shaft connected to the second input shaft, a second output shaft connected to a third input shaft and the third input shaft is connected to the output gear. The meshing of the first (7), second (8) and third shaft (9) are shown in the gear train housing (11) of the automated footrest assembly (1). The automated footrest assembly (1) is equipped with a reduced gear mechanism to control the rotational speed and time of the footrest operation.
Referring to Figures 8a-8b, the sectional and perspective views respectively of the first input shaft and first output shaft (7, 7’) of the automated footrest assembly (1) are shown. Referring to Figures 9a-9b, the sectional and perspective views respectively of the second input shaft and second output shaft (8, 8’) of the automated footrest assembly are shown. Referring to Figures 10a-10b, the sectional and perspective views respectively of the third input shaft (9) of the automated footrest assembly are shown.
Referring to Figure 11, the assembly of the first input shaft (7) in the extension (10) of the gear train housing (11) is shown. The transmission unit (2) is connected to drive mechanism (3) the motor which rotates at 5000 rpm. The sector plate and the transmission unit reduce the gear ration to 1:555 to achieve the desired output.
Referring to Figures 12a-12i, the sequential assembly of the transmission unit (2) is shown wherein the first output shaft (7’) is pre-assembled with the motor (12) i.e. the drive mechanism. The plurality of extensions (10) are insert moulded in the gear train housing (11). Subsequently, the shafts are placed in the gear train housing (11) and the motor (12) is fixed to the transmission unit (2). The motor cap (13) is then screwed to the motor (12) by the support of plurality of screws (4). Figure 13 shows the complete assembly of the transmission unit (2).
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The drive mechanism is a combination of switch and electric components. The switch provides an electrical signal to the electronic circuit which evaluates the signal and transfers the same to the motor (12). The electronic circuit is designed to provide a bipolar signal to the motor (12) i.e. it rotates the motor in clockwise and counter clockwise directions. The drive mechanism (E) also cuts-off the power to the motor when it achieves the extreme position of the footrest assembly on both sides i.e. in folded and unfolded positions. An actuation unit is integrated with the electronic circuit which is connected to the power source of the vehicle.
When the signal for actuation passes through the electronic circuit, it evaluates the signal about whether to open or close the system (i.e. the footrest assembly) and transfers the desired signal to the DC motor mounted with the array of shafts. The set of shafts (i.e. the first, second, third shafts and sector plate) rotate in clockwise and counter clockwise direction with reduced gear ratio to control and maintain the speed and time of the operation. The parameters for the operation of the automated footrest assembly (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are given below:
According to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmission unit may comprise a different arrangement of shafts for operation of the footrest assembly. The different arrangements may include a worm and wheel gear or rack and pinion gear around the vehicle frame or around the footrest body itself to reduce the gear ratio. PARAMETER SPECIFICATION Operating Voltage 12V ,DC Current 180 mA Cut Off 300 Torque Required 20 mN Bipolar Mechanism Yes Angle Of Operation 90° time 2.01 Same for opening and Closing Gear Ratio 1:555
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ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
 The primary advantage of the present automated footrest assembly is achieving automated operation of the footrest with improved operability.
 Another advantage of the automated footrest assembly is that it has a protective mechanism which avoids abusive use of the assembly.
 Another advantage of the present footrest assembly is that it has a robust design which can fit in any vehicle irrespective of its make.
 Another advantage of the present footrest assembly is that it has better feel in operation and extended life since the insulation provided neglects the effects of corrosion.
Various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.
EQUIVALENTS:
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and
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range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art
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from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
Description
Reference Number
Automated Footrest assembly
(1)
Transmission unit
(2)
Footrest body
(3)
Plurality of screws
(4)
Gear train cap
(5)
O-ring
(6)
First input shaft and first output shaft
(7, 7’)
Second input shaft and first output shaft
(8, 8’)
Output gear
(9)
Extensions
(10)
Gear train housing
(11)
Motor
(12)
Motor cap
(13)
Pivot
(14)
Footrest/Paddle
(15)
Rubber bellow
(16)
Quarter pin
(17)
13
Sector plate
(18)
Paddle cavity
(19)
Clamp
(20)
Driving unit
(E)

We Claim:
1. An automated footrest assembly (1) for vehicle comprising;
a footrest body (3) pivotally mounted on the vehicle;
a drive mechanism accommodated in the footrest body wherein the drive mechanism comprises a driving unit (E) and a transmission unit (2);
a sector plate (18) rigidly mounted on the vehicle body; wherein the sector plate (18) comprises a guide channel with inner gear teeth adapted to engage with a main output gear (9) of the transmission unit (2) wherein the drive mechanism is engaged to rotate with the main output gear (9) thereby traversing the footrest body (15) on the sector plate (18) between a folded position and an unfolded position or vice-versa.
2. The automated footrest assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the transmission unit (2) comprises a first input shaft (7’) connected to a first output shaft (7), a second input shaft (8’) connected to the first output shaft (7), a second output shaft (8) connected to the second input shaft (8’), a second output shaft (8) connected to the output gear (9).
3. The automated footrest assembly as claimed 1 wherein, a rubber bellow (16) is secured in the periphery of the sector plate (18).
4. The automated footrest assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the footrest body (15) comprises a circular cavity through which the pivot (14) and the sector plate (18) are guided.
5. The automated footrest assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the footrest body (15) is hinged to a clamp structure (20) which acts as a stopper and restricts the movement of the footrest body (15).
6. The automated footrest assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the first input shaft (7’) is pre-assembled with a motor (12).
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7. The automated footrest assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein, a plurality of extensions (10) are insert moulded in a periphery of a gear train housing (11) for receiving the shafts.
8. The automated footrest assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the output gear (9) receives signal from the motor (12) to operate the assembly in folded position or unfolded position.
9. The automated footrest assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein, a quarter pin (17) holds the footrest assembly (1) with the vehicle.
10. The automated footrest assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the sector gear (18) acts as insulation between the footrest body (15) and the pivot (14) thereby preventing issues of corrosion and rust.