Clipless Pedal Assembly With Free-Rotation Cleat Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clipless bicycle pedals pose challenges for beginners and casual cyclists due to difficulty in engaging and disengaging the cleat mechanism, risk of unintentional release, and potential for injury, especially with reduced leg strength, while also being prone to mechanical failure and debris exposure.
Innovation Solution
A clipless pedal assembly with a latch and pedal insert system that allows for easy engagement and disengagement without overcoming spring force, featuring a ramp assembly for guided foot release and minimal manual effort, and a design that protects critical components from debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a spring mechanism is used to secure the cleat to the pedal, then the connection strength is improved, but the difficulty of disengagement increases due to the spring force that must be overcome
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal system is divided into two independent components: a pedal insert with latch mechanism and a cleat with release button. The spring force is contained within the pedal insert, while the cleat provides the release interface. This segmentation allows the spring to provide strong connection force without requiring the user to directly overcome it during disengagement, as the button mechanism independently actuates the latch.
Solution Approach 2:
A button mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user's finger and the spring-loaded latch. When the button is pressed, it actuates the latch to release the cleat. This intermediary allows disengagement with minimal finger pressure by translating a small button press into latch activation, eliminating the need to directly overcome the spring force.
2Device complexity
If the cleat is exposed on the underside of the shoe, then the engagement mechanism is simplified, but the reliability decreases due to debris exposure and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal insert is nested within the pedal body, creating a protected internal environment for the latch mechanism and spring. The cleat engages with this nested structure from below, allowing the critical mechanical components to be shielded from external debris while maintaining engagement functionality. The nested design protects the latch and spring from direct exposure to road debris and environmental contaminants.
3Reliability
If high release tension is used to prevent unintentional release, then the security of attachment is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to increased force required for disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the disengagement mechanism based on user input. During normal cycling, the spring maintains high tension for secure attachment. When the rider presses the button, the system transitions to a released state where the latch disengages with minimal force. This dynamic response allows the same mechanism to provide both strong attachment security and easy intentional disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically maintains secure attachment without requiring continuous user input. The button mechanism is designed to be actuated by minimal finger pressure, allowing the system to self-release when needed. The spring force that provides security during riding becomes the driving force for rapid, easy disengagement once the button is pressed, eliminating the need for the user to overcome spring force.
4Strength
If a latch mechanism is used to secure the cleat, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism, spring, and release button are merged into a single integrated pedal insert assembly. This consolidation provides strong mechanical connection through the latch while containing all necessary components within one unit that attaches to the pedal. The merging of these components maintains connection strength while avoiding the complexity of separate distributed mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A clipless pedal assembly having a cleat configured for attachment to a cycling shoe and a pedal insert configured for attachment to a bike pedal. The cleat is configured to selectively attach to the pedal insert while a cyclist is pedaling the bike. The cleat includes cleat tabs and the pedal insert includes hub tabs. The hub tabs are retained by the cleat tabs to aid in keeping the cleat engaged with the pedal insert. There is no torsional spring force keeping the two components engaged so the cleat can rotate freely within the pedal insert up to a predetermined angle of rotation in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Upon reaching the predetermined angle of rotation the cleat tabs to misalign with the hub tabs allowing the cleat to be disengaged from pedal insert without having to overcome any spring force.