Bicycle Cleat Assembly with Elastomeric Cap and Spacer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cleat assemblies for bicycles are difficult to engage due to reliance on tactile feedback, which changes over time due to wear and tear, and are prone to deformation from clamping forces, leading to a sloppy feel and increased wear when walking.
Innovation Solution
A cleat assembly with a first plate, an intermediate plate, and a second plate, where the second plate has spacers and a cap made of elastomeric material to provide stability and comfort, and an intermediate plate with a thicker body to prevent deformation, ensuring consistent tactile feedback and reduced wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If deformable materials (elastomeric materials, plastic) are used in bolted joints of the cleat assembly, then comfort and friction are improved, but the materials deform over time under clamping force, requiring repeated tightening and causing sloppy feel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compliant intermediary layer (adhesive layer or compliant material) between the rigid intermediate plate and the deformable elastomeric material. This intermediary layer mediates the interaction between rigid and flexible components, allowing the elastomeric material to provide comfort while the intermediary layer prevents excessive deformation and maintains dimensional stability under clamping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining rigid materials (metal or rigid plastic intermediate plate) with deformable materials (elastomeric materials) in a layered assembly. The rigid intermediate plate provides structural stability while the elastomeric outer layer provides comfort and friction, with the composite structure designed to optimize both properties simultaneously.
2Reliability
If the cleat assembly is subjected to repeated tightening of attachment screws, then secure coupling is maintained, but deformable materials deform over time, leading to sloppy feel and increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates compliant materials and cushioning layers in advance within the cleat assembly structure. These pre-installed compliant elements absorb and distribute clamping forces, preventing stress concentration and deformation of critical components during repeated tightening cycles, thereby extending service life while maintaining secure coupling.
3Ease of operation
If the bottom surface of the cleat assembly makes direct contact with the ground during walking, then ease of movement is improved, but wear and tear increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the cleat assembly's ground-contacting surface by using elastomeric materials with specific hardness and wear resistance properties. This parameter change allows the surface to withstand ground contact and wear while maintaining sufficient friction for ease of walking and comfortable engagement.
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
The cleat assembly maintains consistent tactile feedback and reduces wear, providing improved durability and comfort during use, with the elastomeric cap enhancing friction and aerodynamics.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomeric cap enhancing friction and aerodynamics
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of spacers each comprising a substantially non-deformable material... the intermediate plate with a thicker body to prevent deformation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An improved cleat assembly (10) configured to be releasably secured to a clipless bicycle pedal comprises a first plate (12), a second plate (20) disposed over the first plate, an intermediate plate (16) disposed between the first (12) and second (20) plates and plurality of spacers disposed between the first and second plates, the spacer separating the first and second plates a predetermined distance. The second plate (20) may define a pedal aperture. The intermediate plate may comprise a body and a flange disposed around at least a portion of the body, wherein the body defines a second pedal aperture. The flange may comprise at least one bore sized and configured to allow at least one of the plurality of spacers to pass through.