Dial-Adjusted Bicycle Pedal Straps Without Loose Strap Hazards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle pedals with straps and buckles often leave loose strap lengths that can cause hazards, are difficult to adjust, provide localized discomfort, and require specific cycling shoes, limiting their usability and security for recreational cyclists.
Innovation Solution
A pedal system with an adjustment dial that secures a rider's foot using a flexible strap and cord system, allowing one-handed adjustment and secure fitting of various shoe sizes without excess strap length, featuring a ratchet dial to tighten and loosen the cord for comfort and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional buckle straps are used on platform pedals, then foot retention is achieved, but loose strap lengths create hazards and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional buckle mechanism and extracts only the essential function of strap retention. The dial system extracts the adjustment function while eliminating the problematic excess strap length that creates hazards, keeping only the necessary strap tensioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dial mechanism changes the parameter of strap tension from a discrete buckle setting to a continuously adjustable parameter. This allows precise control of strap tightness, eliminating both loose straps and excessive tightness, thereby removing hazards while maintaining secure retention.
2Reliability
If traditional buckle straps are used, then foot retention is achieved, but adjustment is difficult and requires two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical buckle system with a simpler dial-based tensioning mechanism. This substitution maintains the security of foot retention while dramatically improving ease of operation, allowing single-handed adjustment through simple rotational motion of the dial.
Solution Approach 2:
The dial system is designed to be self-contained and self-adjusting. The user can independently control strap tension through the dial without requiring assistance or complex manual manipulation, making the adjustment process self-service and easily performable with one hand.
3Adaptability or versatility
If strapping mechanisms are added to platform pedals, then recreational cyclists can use regular shoes, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a strapping system that works with regular shoes while maintaining pedal functionality. The dial-based retention system serves multiple purposes: securing the foot, allowing adjustment, and eliminating the need for specialized cycling shoes, thereby increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable straps are used, then fit for various shoe sizes is achieved, but loose strap ends create safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adjustment capability from the traditional buckle system and implements it through a dial mechanism. This extraction eliminates the problematic loose strap ends while preserving the ability to accommodate various shoe sizes through controlled tension adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The dial mechanism transforms the adjustment parameter from discrete buckle holes to continuous rotational adjustment. This allows precise control of strap tension for different shoe sizes while eliminating excess strap length that creates safety hazards, as the strap can be tensioned to the exact required length.
Data Source
AI summary
According to at least one embodiment, a pedal system is provided for adjustably securing a rider's foot to a pedal without a cleat. At least one strap is connected to a pedal body. A ratchet dial is secured to the strap. A cord extends from the ratchet dial to form a loop, wherein the loop cooperates with a guide feature on the pedal body or a strap. Rotation of the ratchet dial varies a length of the cord, and thereby adjusts a strap opening formed with the pedal body.