Deformable Stirrup With Segmented Side Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stirrups with a pivotal swing arm design are difficult to detach, requiring excessive force and limiting the rider's ability to safely dismount, especially if the kick is not aligned with the pivot, and have complex structures that are hard to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A deformable and detachable stirrup design featuring a C-shaped frame, a pedal, and a flexible side arm with indents and protrusions that allow for outward curvature and rotation, enabling easy foot removal with various kick directions and reducing maintenance complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the swing arm is pivoted close to the upper end of the frame opening, then the structure is compact, but the rider has to kick harder to separate the swing arm from the buckle
Solution Approach 1:
The side arm is divided into multiple segments connected by joints, allowing it to be kicked open in a step-by-step manner. The side arm includes a first side arm segment connected to the frame, a second side arm segment connected to the first segment, and a third side arm segment connected to the second segment, creating a multi-jointed structure that reduces the force needed to open it
Solution Approach 2:
The side arm transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure with multiple joints. The joints allow the side arm to move through multiple positions during the opening process, converting a single high-force action into a sequence of lower-force movements
2Device complexity
If the swing arm is pivoted only at a single pivot point, then the structure is simple, but it can only open and close in a single direction, hindering foot removal if the kick is not aligned
Solution Approach 1:
The side arm is segmented into multiple sections (first, second, and third side arm segments) connected by joints at different locations. This segmentation allows the side arm to be kicked open from multiple directions and positions, as each segment can move independently through its joint, providing versatility in kick direction while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The side arm structure extends in multiple spatial dimensions with joints positioned at different locations along the arm. This creates a three-dimensional articulated structure that can respond to kicks from various angles, adding directional flexibility without simply increasing linear complexity
3Ease of operation
If a pivotal swing arm design is used, then the stirrup can be detached, but the structure becomes complicated and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The side arm is segmented into multiple sections connected by joints, with each segment and joint designed as a modular unit. This segmentation allows for easier maintenance, as individual segments can be inspected, repaired, or replaced independently without disassembling the entire stirrup structure
Solution Approach 2:
The joints and coupling portions are designed to naturally guide the opening and closing movements, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms. The structure itself facilitates its own operation through its geometric design, minimizing the need for additional maintenance of control systems
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 deformable stirrup allows for safe and effortless foot extraction with reduced force requirements and multiple kick angles, enhancing rider safety and simplifying maintenance compared to traditional designs.
Implementation Method 1
When an outward force is applied to the inner side of the side arm, the side arm is curved and deformed outwardly via the indents
Data Source
AI summary
A stirrup having a deformable and detachable structure includes a frame, a pedal, and a side arm. The frame is C-shaped and has a first end and a second end. An opening is defined between the first end and the second end. The second end has a first coupling portion. The pedal is disposed on a bottom of the frame. The side arm is made of a flexible material and located at the opening of the frame. The side arm has a second coupling portion. A connecting member is configured to connect the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion. When a sufficient force is applied on the inner side of the side arm to curve and deform the side arm, the side arm is rotatable relative to the frame with a joint of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion as a pivot.