Bicycle Pedal Dual Pivot Cleat Retention Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycle pedals with clipless mechanisms often require higher torque for stepping in, which can be cumbersome, and may not securely hold the cleat during use, leading to potential unintentional release.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle pedal design featuring a pedal axle, body, sub-members, clamping members, biasing structures, and restricting mechanisms that allow easier stepping in by reducing the torque required and securely holding the cleat through a dual pivot system and biasing mechanisms, ensuring the cleat is not unintentionally released.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clipless pedal mechanism is used to securely hold the cleat, then the cleat retention reliability is improved, but the torque required for stepping in increases making operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal mechanism is segmented into multiple functional components: a pedal body, a movable sub-member with first clamping member, and a fixed second clamping member. This segmentation allows the system to provide secure cleat retention while reducing the torque required for stepping in, as the sub-member can move independently to facilitate easier engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-member is designed to be movable relative to the pedal body about a first pivot axis, transitioning between a first position (during stepping in) and a second position (during cleat retention). This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its mechanical properties: more compliant during engagement to reduce required torque, and more stable during retention to ensure secure holding
2Device complexity
If a simple pedal design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to securely hold the cleat during use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal is divided into distinct functional segments: the pedal body, the movable sub-member containing the first clamping member, and the fixed second clamping member. This segmentation enables secure cleat holding through coordinated action of multiple components while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design
Solution Approach 2:
The first clamping member (on the movable sub-member) and the second clamping member (on the pedal body) work together in combination to secure the cleat. This merging of clamping functions from both movable and fixed elements provides reliable cleat retention without requiring an overly complex single-component solution
3Ease of operation
If a dual pivot system with biasing structure is implemented, then the torque required for stepping in is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual pivot system is segmented into two distinct rotational degrees of freedom: the first pivot axis (between sub-member and pedal body) and the second pivot axis (between first clamping member and sub-member). This segmentation allows each pivot to perform a specific function in reducing stepping-in torque while keeping the overall mechanism manageable in complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing structure automatically applies biasing forces to the clamping members to facilitate their movement during the stepping-in operation. This self-service mechanism reduces the torque that the user needs to apply, as the biasing structure actively assists the engagement process rather than requiring the user to overcome static friction and mechanical resistance
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 design reduces the torque needed for stepping in while securely holding the cleat, enhancing user convenience and preventing accidental release during use.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing structure is configured to bias the first clamping member toward the third position and is configured to bias the first sub member toward the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle pedal comprises a pedal axle, a pedal body, a first sub member, a first clamping member, a second clamping member, a biasing structure, and a restricting structure. The first sub member is movable relative to the pedal body about a first pivot axis between a first position and a second position. The first clamping member is movable relative to the first sub member about a second pivot axis between a third position and a fourth position. The restricting structure is configured to restrict the first sub member from pivoting about the first pivot axis relative to the pedal body toward the second position.