Modular Pedal Assembly with Interchangeable Riding Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pedal assemblies for human-powered vehicles lack customization options to accommodate different user preferences and pedal components, leading to limited functionality and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A pedal assembly with a pedal body that allows for the selective attachment of multiple pedal components, including cleat coupling units, toe-clips, friction pads, and spike pins, through a system of fastening holes and adapters, enabling customization based on user preferences.
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 customization options for different user preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal assembly is divided into modular components including a pedal body, pedal component, and removable cover. The pedal component itself can be segmented into different types (cleat coupling units, toe-clips, friction pads, spike pins) that can be independently selected and attached to the pedal body through fastening holes, enabling customization without redesigning the entire pedal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal body is designed with universal features including multiple fastening holes and an adapter receiving portion that can accommodate various types of pedal components. This multi-functional design allows a single pedal body to serve different purposes by simply changing the attached pedal component, providing versatility without increasing overall structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pedal components are made selectively attachable, then user preference customization is enabled, but the attachment structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A universal adapter is provided that can be received in the adapter receiving portion of the pedal body and has multiple openings configured to receive different fastening members. This single universal adapter handles multiple pedal component types, simplifying the attachment mechanism while enabling component interchangeability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves as an intermediary component between the pedal body and various pedal components. It provides a standardized interface with multiple openings that can accommodate different fastening members (screws, bolts, clips), mediating the connection between the pedal body and diverse pedal components without requiring complex direct attachment mechanisms for each component type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a pedal assembly is designed with fixed components, then the structure is simple, but it lacks functionality for different pedaling styles and comfort preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal assembly is segmented into interchangeable elements where the pedal component can be independently selected and replaced. Different pedal components (cleat coupling units for road biking, toe-clips for mountain biking, friction pads for casual use, spike pins for grip enhancement) can be attached to the same pedal body, allowing accommodation of different pedaling styles without redesigning the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal assembly transitions from a static, fixed-component design to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The removable cover and detachable pedal component allow users to dynamically adjust the pedal configuration based on riding conditions, terrain, and personal comfort preferences, making the pedal system adaptive rather than fixed.
Data Source
AI summary
A pedal assembly is provided for a human powered vehicle. The pedal assembly includes a pedal axle and a pedal body. The pedal axle has a rotational center axis defining an axial direction. The pedal body has a first shoe-disposing surface and a second shoe-disposing surface opposite to the first shoe-disposing surface. Both of the first shoe-disposing surface and the second shoe-disposing surface are configured so that a plurality of pedal components different from each other are selectively attachable to each of the first shoe-disposing surface and the second shoe-disposing surface. The plurality of pedal components includes at least a cleat coupling unit.