Orthotic Bicycle Pedals with Rotating Float Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle crank and pedal systems fail to accommodate anatomical and functional differences among users, leading to discomfort and potential injuries, particularly for those with chronic joint problems like patella tracking disorders and patella femoral pain syndrome, as they do not allow for sufficient adjustability in crank length, Q-factor, and pedal angles.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle pedal apparatus with adjustable features, including a pedal post with a central axis and threaded mechanism for securing the pedal body, a rotating float platform, and spring elements for adjusting pressure, allowing for customizable stance width, supination, and pronation, along with an add-on orthotic device for conventional pedals that provides additional adjustability and therapeutic benefits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single bicycle pedal and crank arrangement is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but it cannot accommodate anatomical differences among users, leading to discomfort and potential injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal assembly is divided into multiple independently adjustable components: the pedal body can be positioned at different locations along the crank arm, the foot platform can rotate independently on a second axis, and spring elements can be adjusted to modify pressure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for individual anatomical needs without requiring complete redesign of the entire crank system.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot platform is made dynamically adjustable through a rotational mechanism on a second axis perpendicular to the pedal post axis. This allows the foot platform angle to be changed during use to accommodate different ankle pronation/supination patterns. The spring elements also provide dynamic pressure adjustment capability.
2Ease of operation
If the pedal assembly is made highly adjustable to accommodate individual anatomy, then comfort and therapeutic benefits improve, but the ease of operation and setup becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal body includes pre-configured adjustment mechanisms with threaded bores and set screws that allow users to pre-position the pedal body at desired locations along the crank arm before use. The spring elements are pre-installed in positions that allow for straightforward pressure adjustment, reducing the complexity of setup procedures.
3Reliability
If fixed pedal angles are used, then the device complexity is minimized, but users with chronic joint problems like PTD and PFPS cannot receive therapeutic exercise benefits
Solution Approach 1:
The foot platform is mounted to rotate on a second axis perpendicular to the pedal post axis, enabling dynamic angle adjustment. This rotational capability allows users with patella tracking disorders and patella femoral pain syndrome to position their feet at therapeutic angles that align with their specific anatomical conditions, making effective therapeutic exercise possible.
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 solution enables personalized fit and therapeutic exercise by allowing users to adjust the pedal assembly to suit their anatomical needs, reducing discomfort and potentially alleviating joint issues by accommodating individual anatomical variations and providing therapeutic benefits through adjustable components.
Implementation Method 1
the foot platform supported on spring elements between the pedal body and the foot platform on both sides of the second rotational axis, the spring elements tending to return the foot platform to a position parallel to the pedal body
Implementation Method 2
a pedal body having a linear bore arrangement with bearings mounting the body rotationally on the pedal post
Data Source
AI summary
An orthotic pedal apparatus for a bicycle has a pedal post having a central first axis and a male threaded portion for engaging female threads in a crank arm of a bicycle crank assembly, a pedal body having a linear bore arrangement with bearings mounting the body rotationally on the pedal post, and a mechanism for adjusting and securing position of the body at different positions along the direction of the axis of the pedal post, and a foot platform mounted rotationally above the pedal body to rotate on a second axis at a right angle to the axis of the pedal post, the foot platform supported on spring elements between the pedal body and the foot platform on both sides of the second rotational axis, the spring elements tending to return the foot platform to a position parallel to the pedal body.