Cycling Shoe Cleat Electrical Connector Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cycling shoes and cleats lack integration with electric power systems, preventing the efficient transfer and utilization of electric power for enhanced functionality, such as automatic adjustment based on bicycle and rider data.
Innovation Solution
A cycling shoe assembly that includes a cleat and shoe with electrical connectors to receive electric power from a pedal, utilizing a wireless device for non-contact charging and communication with bicycle and rider monitoring devices to adjust the cleat position dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical connectors are integrated into the cycling shoe and cleat, then electric power can be supplied to enhance functionality, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical connectors with the mechanical cleat structure, integrating power transmission functionality into the existing pedal interface. The first electrical connector is built into the cleat while the second electrical connector is integrated into the pedal, allowing simultaneous mechanical coupling and electrical power transfer through a single integration point.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleat and pedal interface serves multiple functions: mechanical attachment for pedal fixation, electrical power transmission for energizing components, and potential data communication. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate power connection systems, reducing overall device complexity while enhancing versatility.
2Ease of operation
If wireless power transfer is implemented, then direct electrical connections are eliminated, but the loss of energy may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an electromagnetic field as an intermediary to transfer power wirelessly from the pedal to the cleat. The second electrical connector in the pedal generates electromagnetic waves that couple with the first electrical connector in the cleat, enabling contactless energy transfer while maintaining efficient power transmission through controlled electromagnetic coupling.
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 reliable electric power supply to the shoe and cleat for enhanced functionality, including automatic adjustment based on real-time bicycle and rider data, without the need for direct electrical connections, and allows for wireless communication and power transfer.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a wireless device for non-contact charging
Data Source
AI summary
A cycling shoe assembly is basically provided with a cleat and a shoe. The cycling shoe is configured to be coupled to the cleat. In one configuration, the cycling shoe has a first connector that is configured to be electrically connected to a pedal in a coupled state where the cleat is coupled with the pedal. In another configuration, the cleat has a second connector that is configured to be electrically connected to a pedal in a coupled state where the cleat is coupled with the pedal.