Cycling Shoe Cleat Adapter with Dynamic Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleat attachment systems for cycling shoes lack the ability to adjust the cleat position dynamically based on bicycle and user information, leading to suboptimal performance and comfort.

Innovation Solution

A cleat adapter system comprising a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, an actuator, a communicator, and a controller that adjusts the relative position of the cleat based on bicycle information and user information, allowing for precise positioning and automatic adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of cleat position is used, then结构简单性 is maintained, but adaptability to different cycling conditions is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different cycling conditionsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleat position adjustment mechanism transitions from static manual adjustment to dynamic automatic adjustment based on real-time cycling conditions. The actuator enables the cleat to move automatically in response to changing speed, cadence, and power output, making the system adaptable without requiring complex manual intervention mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electromechanical system. Sensors detect cycling parameters and send signals to a controller, which activates an actuator to adjust cleat position, substituting the need for manual mechanical operations with an integrated sensor-controller-actuator system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If fixed cleat position is used, then device complexity is low, but performance optimization under varying conditions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecycling performanceVSAvoidadjustment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor cycling conditions (speed, cadence, power) and provide feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts the cleat position to optimize performance for the current riding conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that enhances cycling efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The cleat position adjustment system serves multiple functions: it optimizes performance across different cycling disciplines (road, mountain, time trial), adapts to varying terrain conditions, and accommodates different rider preferences, making a single system universally applicable to diverse cycling scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If automatic adjustment based on multiple parameters is implemented, then performance is optimized, but ease of operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance optimizationVSAvoiduser operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting cycling parameters through integrated sensors and autonomously positioning the cleat based on pre-programmed optimization algorithms. The rider simply needs to engage the system, after which it manages its own adjustment without requiring continuous user input or complex manual operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20230124355A1Cleat adapter system
Publication Date: 2023.04.20 SHIMANO INC
  • US20230124355A1 patent drawing
  • US20230124355A1 patent drawing
  • US20230124355A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A cleat adapter system is provided for a cycling shoe. The cleat adapter system comprises a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, an actuator, a communicator and a controller. The first connecting portion is configured to be connected to a cleat. The second connecting portion is connected to the first connecting portion. The actuator operatively is coupled to one of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. The second connecting portion is configured to adjust a relative position between the first connecting portion and the second connection portion. The communicator is configured to receive at least one of bicycle information and user information. The controller operatively couples the actuator and the communicator. The controller is configured to control the actuator to adjust the relative position based on at least one of the bicycle information and the user information.