Adjustable Pedal Crank With Locking Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise and rehabilitation devices with pedals often suffer from instability and disconnection issues due to inadequate locking mechanisms, leading to ineffective user engagement and inconsistent workout experiences.
Innovation Solution
A pedal assembly featuring a crank with radially extending apertures and a locking plate that can transition between locked and unlocked positions, allowing for secure and adjustable mounting of pedals, along with a disk and crank configuration using different materials for enhanced stability and interchangeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent pedal disconnection, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A locking plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the crank and pedal. The locking plate slides within a slot in the crank and features a locking surface that engages with a corresponding surface on the pedal, providing a simple yet effective mechanical locking mechanism that prevents pedal disconnection without requiring complex systems
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the locking plate with locking surface, the slot in the crank for plate movement, and the corresponding locking surface on the pedal. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining reliability
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed pedal mounting is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal mounting system transitions from a fixed to a dynamic configuration. The locking plate can slide along the slot in the crank, allowing the pedal to be positioned at different radial distances from the crank center. Once positioned, the locking mechanism secures the pedal firmly, providing both adjustability and precise fixed mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The crank design incorporates multiple pedal apertures and a sliding locking plate mechanism that can accommodate pedals at various positions along the radial length. This universal design allows the same crank assembly to serve multiple functions: providing adjustable pedal positions for different user needs while maintaining precise mounting at each position
Data Source
AI summary
A pedal assembly for an exercise and rehabilitation device can include a disk having an axis of rotation. A central aperture can be formed in the disk along the axis. Spokes can extend radially from adjacent the central aperture toward a perimeter of the disk. The disk can be formed from a first material. In addition, a crank can be coupled to one of the spokes of the disk. The crank can have a hub concentric with the central aperture. Pedal apertures can extend along a radial length of the crank. The crank can be formed from a metallic material that differs from the first material. A pedal having a spindle can be interchangeably and releasably mounted to the pedal apertures in the crank.