Bicycle Pedal Flexing Element Three-Point Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle pedals with automatic engagement and disengagement are heavy and complex, making them difficult to assemble and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle pedal design featuring a flexing element with three points of flexion, a U-shaped retaining member, and an adjustable rotation axle, along with a catch mechanism for easy assembly and customizable return action, reduces weight and simplifies assembly by using a flexing plate and a leaf spring for engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a traditional bicycle pedal design with automatic engagement and disengagement is used, then the engagement function is reliable, but the weight is excessive and assembly is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal is divided into modular components: a body, a rotatable retaining member with U-shaped hoop, a flexing element, and a catch mechanism. Each component can be manufactured separately and assembled through simple bearing engagements, reducing overall complexity while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The rod serving as the articulation axle of the retaining member simultaneously functions as a bearing surface for the flexing element and as the rotation axis for the retaining member. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts needed, simplifying assembly and reducing weight
2Reliability
If a complex retention mechanism is used to ensure reliable cleat attachment, then the engagement reliability is high, but the assembly time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function and the return action are combined into a single integrated mechanism. The flexing element simultaneously provides the retaining force when engaged and the return force when disengaged, eliminating the need for separate retention and return mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The catch mechanism is spring-loaded to automatically return to the open position after disengagement. The leaf spring provides automatic resetting without requiring manual intervention, reducing assembly time and improving ease of operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed rotation axle is used for the retaining member, then the structure is simple, but the return action hardness cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation axle is designed with flats at different distances from the geometrical axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of the return action characteristics. By rotating the rod to different positions, users can customize the hardness of the return action according to their preferences
Solution Approach 2:
The flats on the rod act as an intermediary mechanism between the rotation adjustment and the flexing element bearing surface. This intermediate feature enables precise control over the return action while maintaining a simple overall structure
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 results in a lightweight, robust, and easy-to-assemble pedal with adjustable return action, enhancing user experience and reducing assembly time.
Implementation Method 1
a flexing element, the mean longitudinal direction of which is orthogonal to the pedal axis, one end of which is immobilized against the body, the other end being in bearing engagement against the retaining member
Implementation Method 2
The rod forming the rotation axle of the retaining member preferably has in its median area adapted to come to bear against the flexing element flats distributed over its circumference and situated at different distances from the geometrical axis of the rod, so that by rotation of the rod in bearings provided in the pedal body it is possible to adjust the hardness of the return action exerted by the flexing element
Implementation Method 3
The catch advantageously includes a leaf spring spring-loading it toward an open position
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle pedal with automatic engagement and disengagement includes a body (2) rotatable on a pedal axle (3) with: a front abutment (4) cooperating with a conjugate abutment surface (5) provided on a cleat (6) fixed to the sole of a shoe; a retaining member (9) rotatable about a geometrical axis (A) parallel to that of the pedal, adapted to be pressed against the cleat by a flexing element (B, 15) to attach the cleat to the pedal, one end (15a) of the flexing element being immobilized against the body (2), the other end (15b) being in bearing engagement against the retaining member. The articulation axle of the retaining member (9) includes a rod (13) that extends transversely under the flexing element (B, 15), which is in bearing engagement on said articulation axle, the flexing element functioning in flexion at three points.