Modular Pedal Assembly With Non-Circular Adapter Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pedal assemblies for human-powered vehicles lack versatility in accommodating a variety of pedal components, making it difficult to customize and securely mount different types of pedals based on user preferences.

Innovation Solution

A pedal assembly with adapter receiving portions of non-circular shape that accommodate multiple adapters, allowing for secure and easy mounting of various pedal components using fastening members, including cleat coupling units, toe-clips, friction pads, and spike pins, through a system of adapters and fastening holes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a pedal assembly is designed for a specific purpose with fixed pedal components, then the pedal assembly is simple in structure and easy to manufacture, but it lacks versatility and cannot accommodate different types of pedals based on user preferences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility in accommodating pedal componentsVSAvoidstructure of pedal assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pedal assembly incorporates a standardized adapter receiving portion with non-circular shape that can accept multiple types of adapters (e.g., cleat adapters, toe-clip adapters, friction pad adapters). This universal interface design allows a single pedal body to serve multiple functions and accommodate different pedal components based on user needs, thereby improving versatility without requiring multiple specialized pedal designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The pedal assembly is divided into modular components: a base pedal body, multiple removable adapters, and various pedal components (cleats, toe-clips, friction pads). This segmentation allows users to selectively attach different adapters and components to the same pedal body, enabling customization while maintaining a simple base structure that is easy to manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adapters are provided to accommodate different pedal components, then the pedal assembly becomes versatile and customizable, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidnumber of adapters and components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

All adapters share a common interface design that fits into the same non-circular adapter receiving portion on the pedal body. This universal interface standardizes the connection mechanism, allowing multiple adapters to be interchanged without requiring different mounting procedures or complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter serves as an intermediary component between the standardized pedal body interface and various pedal components (cleats, toe-clips, friction pads). This intermediary design allows the pedal body to remain simple while enabling attachment of diverse components through the adapter layer, which handles the variability in component interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a non-circular adapter receiving portion is used, then the adapter is securely mounted and prevents rotation, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure mounting of adapterVSAvoidshape correspondence between adapter and receiving portion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter receiving portion utilizes a non-circular asymmetric shape (such as D-shaped or oval) that prevents rotational movement of the adapter. This asymmetric geometry provides inherent mechanical locking without requiring additional locking mechanisms, achieving secure mounting while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple through standard forming operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Reliability

If fastening members are used to secure adapters, then the attachment is reliable and secure, but the ease of operation for mounting and dismounting may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment of pedal componentsVSAvoidmounting and dismounting process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening members (such as screws or bolts) are extracted as separate, removable components rather than being integrated into the adapter or pedal body. This allows users to easily remove and reattach fastening members when changing adapters or pedal components, maintaining secure attachment during use while enabling quick changes when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12448081B2Pedal assembly for human powered vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 SHIMANO INC

AI summary

A pedal assembly is provided for a human powered vehicle. The pedal assembly comprises a pedal body. The pedal body includes at least one adapter receiving portion configured to receive at least one adapter engaging with at least one fastening member so that a plurality of pedal components different from each other can be mounted to the pedal body through the at least one adapter. The at least one adapter receiving portion has a non-circular shape corresponding to an external shape of the at least one adapter.