Bicycle Platform With Automatic Shoe Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multidisciplinary sports like triathlons, athletes face inefficiencies and time losses due to the need to change shoes between cycling and running disciplines, as cycling shoes are designed for efficiency with clipless pedals but are unsuited for running.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle platform that allows for the releasable attachment of a shoe to a pedal, featuring a base with underside and topside, toe and heel engagement members, and a release mechanism that can be manually or automatically activated, including remote control via a wireless signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If cycling shoes with clipless pedals are used, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but adaptability for running is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides a cleat interface for cycling pedal engagement while also incorporating toe and heel engagement members that secure running shoes. This multi-functional design allows a single shoe type to be used for both cycling and running disciplines.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform acts as an intermediary device between the shoe and the bicycle pedal. It includes a cleat on its underside for pedal engagement and engagement members on its topside for shoe retention, mediating the connection between running shoes and cycling pedals.
2Productivity
If shoe changing is required between disciplines, then shoe-specific performance is optimized, but transition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform enables runners to use their existing running shoes for cycling by providing the necessary pedal interface and securement mechanisms, eliminating the need to change shoes between disciplines and reducing transition time.
3Reliability
If engagement members are made secure, then shoe retention is improved, but release mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism uses a linear actuator (electrical/motor-driven) to replace traditional manual mechanical release systems. The actuator is controlled by a microprocessor that can automatically release the engagement members or respond to wireless signals, reducing the mechanical complexity while maintaining secure retention during cycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can automatically release the engagement members through the microprocessor-controlled actuator without requiring manual intervention, allowing the device to serve itself in the release function while maintaining secure engagement during use.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle platform for releasably attaching a shoe to a pedal of a bicycle, the platform comprising a base having an underside and a topside, the underside being adapted to receive a cleat, the cleat being for engagement with the pedal of the bicycle, the platform further comprising a toe engagement member and a heel engagement member for selectively retaining a shoe in engagement with the platform. The toe and heel engagement members may be selectively engageable with the shoe and released by a release mechanism. The release mechanism may be automatically and/or manually activated. When manually activated, it may be activated by either or both of a remote switch and a local activator located on the base.