Bicycle Pedal Actuator Dynamics for Smooth Step-In
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle pedals lack a mechanism to smoothly transition between rest and actuated positions, leading to inefficient step-in operations and potential interference between the actuator and crank arm.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle pedal design featuring a pedal axle, pedal body, movable member, and actuator that utilizes a relative movement between the pedal body and crank arm to smoothly transition between rest and actuated positions, with a cleat engagement system and positioning structure to prevent interference and ensure stable actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed pedal design is used, then the structure is simple, but the step-in operation is abrupt and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal body is made rotatable relative to the pedal axle, transforming the fixed pedal design into a dynamic one. The pedal body can rotate between a first position (parallel to crank arm) and a second position (perpendicular to crank arm), providing smooth transition during step-in operation while maintaining structural simplicity through the rotatable coupling mechanism.
2Reliability
If the actuator is always engaged with the crank arm, then the actuation is continuous, but interference occurs during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed to be movable relative to the pedal axle between a non-actuation position and an actuation position. The actuator engages with the crank arm only when needed for actuation, and can be retracted to avoid interference during the rotation and operation of the pedal system.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is positioned in advance at the appropriate location to engage with the crank arm when actuation is required. The movable member is also pre-positioned to engage with the cleat before the actuation sequence begins, ensuring reliable and smooth operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle pedal comprises a pedal axle, a pedal body, a movable member, and an actuator. The pedal axle is configured to be secured to a crank arm having a longitudinal axis extending from a rotational axis to a crank rotational axis of the crank arm. The pedal body is rotatably coupled to the pedal axle about the rotational axis. The pedal body has a reference axis perpendicular to the rotational axis of the pedal axle. The movable member is movable relative to the pedal body from a rest position toward an actuated position. The actuator is configured to move the movable member from the rest position toward the actuated position in response to a first relative angle defined between the reference axis and the longitudinal axis of the crank aim when viewed in an axial direction parallel to the rotational axis of the pedal axle.