Pedal Coupling Unit With Pivoting Cleat Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clipless pedals for human-powered vehicles require complex disengagement mechanisms, often involving twisting the shoe to release the cleat, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A coupling unit for a pedal assembly that includes a first and second coupling member, pivotable about a shaft, with a biasing member to securely hold the cleat in place, allowing easy and reliable attachment and detachment of the cleat to the pedal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional cleat coupling mechanism is used, then the cleat can be secured to the pedal, but the disengagement process becomes complex and cumbersome requiring twisting motions
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling unit is divided into two separate coupling members: a first coupling member fixed to the pedal body and a second coupling member that pivots relative to the first. This segmentation allows the engagement and disengagement functions to be separated, with the second coupling member's pivotal motion providing a simple lever-based disengagement mechanism without complex twisting requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The second coupling member is designed to be pivotable between a cleat holding position and a cleat non-holding position. This dynamic element allows the coupling mechanism to transition between engaged and disengaged states through simple pivotal motion, eliminating the need for complex static disengagement mechanisms
2Reliability
If the shaft is press-fitted to multiple holes, then the coupling members are securely fixed, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is designed with different fit characteristics for different holes: it is press-fitted to at least one hole (providing secure fixation) while being loose-fitted to other holes (allowing pivotal motion). This local differentiation of fit quality ensures reliable fixation where needed while maintaining ease of assembly and necessary mobility where required
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 coupling unit enables efficient and secure attachment and detachment of the cleat to the pedal, enhancing user convenience and pedaling efficiency by simplifying the cleat engagement and disengagement process.
Implementation Method 1
The shaft is press-fitted to at least one of the first hole, the second hole, the third hole and the fourth hole
Implementation Method 2
The shaft is press-fitted to the first hole in a case where the shaft is press-fitted to the second hole or in a case where the shaft is loose-fitted to the second hole, the third hole and the fourth hole
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling unit releasably couples a cleat of a shoe to a pedal assembly. The coupling unit includes a first coupling member, a second coupling member and a shaft. The first coupling member and the second coupling member are configured to releasably couple the cleat to the coupling unit. The first coupling member has a pair of holes. The second coupling member has a pair of holes. The second coupling member is pivotably coupled to the first coupling member by the shaft. The shaft is disposed in the holes such that the second coupling member is pivotally coupled to the first coupling member by the shaft. In one embodiment, the shaft is press-fitted to at least one of the holes. In another embodiment, the shaft has opposite axial ends crimp-fastened to one of the first coupling member and the second coupling member.