Modular Bicycle Pedal Assembly With Anti-Rotation Adapters
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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 can securely mount multiple pedal components using adapters and fastening members, allowing for easy customization and secure attachment of cleat coupling units, toe-clips, friction pads, and spike pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pedal assembly is designed for a specific purpose with fixed components, then it provides specialized functionality, but it lacks versatility to accommodate different pedal components
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal assembly incorporates a universal adapter mechanism that allows a single pedal body to accommodate multiple types of pedal components (cleat coupling units, toe-clips, friction pads, spike pins) through interchangeable adapters, rather than requiring separate specialized pedals for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal assembly is divided into modular components: a pedal body, multiple adapters with different receiving portions, and various pedal components. This segmentation allows independent selection and combination of components based on user needs, enhancing versatility while maintaining a simple base structure
2Ease of operation
If multiple pedal components are mounted using different mounting mechanisms, then each component can be optimized for its function, but the mounting process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
A universal adapter with multiple receiving portions is provided, where each receiving portion is designed to accommodate a specific pedal component type. This allows users to mount different components using the same adapter base, simplifying the mounting process and reducing the time required for customization
Solution Approach 2:
The adapters are pre-configured with receiving portions specifically designed for different pedal components. This preliminary preparation of the adapter structure eliminates the need for complex assembly procedures during mounting, allowing users to quickly attach their desired component without extensive preparation or specialized tools
3Reliability
If adapters have non-circular shapes corresponding to receiving portions, then secure mounting is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates a non-circular receiving portion with an asymmetric shape that corresponds to the asymmetric shape of the pedal component to be mounted. This asymmetric design prevents rotational misalignment and ensures secure, precise mounting without requiring excessive manufacturing tolerances, as the shapes naturally guide proper alignment during assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A pedal assembly is provided for a human powered vehicle. The pedal assembly comprises a pedal body and at least one adapter. The pedal body includes at least one adapter receiving portion. The at least one adapter is configured to be received in the adapter receiving portion. The at least one adapter has at least one threaded hole configured to engage 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 has a non-circular shape in a cross-section view. The non-circular shape is configured to restrict a relative rotation between the at least one adapter and the adapter receiving portion.