Synchronous Bicycle Pedal Folding via Braking Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable bicycle pedals require manual operation, leading to smudging and inconvenience, and existing solutions are either too complex for commercialization or have intensity issues with the foldable crank configuration.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle pedal folding assembly with a foldable pedal, pedal base, braking ring, and folding transmission subassembly, where the braking ring drives the foldable pedal from a working position to a folded position using a gear-rack mechanism, allowing for synchronous folding without direct hand contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to fold pedals, then the folding function is achieved, but hands are smudged and operation is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controlling device with a handlebody as an intermediary between the user and the pedal folding mechanism. The handlebody transmits force through a transmission mechanism (including transmission rod, connecting rod, and locking member) to the pedal cranks, allowing the user to fold pedals without direct hand contact with the pedals themselves, thus preventing hand smudging while maintaining operational convenience.
2Productivity
If synchronous folding mechanism is implemented, then folding efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the folding control for both left and right pedals into a single integrated controlling device with one handlebody. The transmission mechanism uses paired components (transmission rods, connecting rods, locking members) that work simultaneously on both pedal cranks, enabling synchronous folding of both pedals through a single user action. This merging approach improves folding efficiency while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through symmetric design.
3Length of moving object
If foldable pedal mechanism is added, then bicycle width is reduced, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic pedal structure where the foldable pedals can change their spatial configuration from an extended position (increasing bicycle width) to a folded position (reducing bicycle width). The pedal cranks are designed to rotate relative to the pedal axes through the controlling mechanism, allowing the pedal length to be dynamically adjusted. This dynamic capability enables the bicycle width to be reduced when needed while maintaining the ability to extend pedals when required.
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
Enables easy and convenient folding of pedals, reducing the width of the bicycle, and eliminates the need for manual contact during the folding process, enhancing the folding efficiency and usability of the bicycle.
Implementation Method 1
The gear-rack mechanism is driven by the braking ring, and the rack of the gear-rack mechanism is driven by the braking ring
Data Source
AI summary
A controlling device for synchronous folding pedals for bicycle includes bicycle pedal folding assembly. The assembly includes pedal base configured for pivotal connection with pedal cranks of the bicycle, braking ring and folding transmission subassembly. A foldable pedal is rotatably attached to the pedal base, and the pedal base has the first t axial line, the foldable pedal has the second axial line. The foldable pedal has a working position and a folded position along its rotating track. The braking ring is configured to reciprocate along the first axial line, and the braking ring drives the foldable pedal by the transmission subassembly shifting from the working position to the folded position. When folding pedals, only driving the braking ring can fulfill folding process of the foldable pedal, which operation is simplified and during the course of folding pedals, it is not necessary to touch the foldable pedals by hand.