Bicycle Pedal Hoop Clearance for Mud Evacuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing all-terrain bicycle pedals with automatic engagement and disengagement struggle to provide complete clearance of the central area between the branches, which is essential for mud and dirt evacuation, especially when used in muddy conditions, while maintaining simplicity and economic manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
The design features exterior and interior arms forming yokes with coaxial individual axles that support the rotary hoop, allowing for a large clearance in the central area and using spring-loading means outside the space between the branches, ensuring the rotary hoop can rotate parallel to the pedal axis, facilitating easy attachment and detachment of the cleat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the spring-loading means are positioned inside the space between the branches of the hoop, then the structure is compact, but the central area clearance is reduced affecting mud evacuation
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loading means are repositioned from a planar arrangement inside the hoop branches to a three-dimensional configuration outside the branches, utilizing the external space for spring placement. This dimensional transition allows the central area between the branches to be completely cleared for mud evacuation while maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of the pedal mechanism.
2Volume of moving object
If the mobile hoop is moved about axes not aligned with the pedal axis, then the clearance is improved, but the hoop deformation increases reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal body is segmented into multiple functional zones with exterior arms and interior arms forming yokes, allowing the mobile hoop to be supported by distributed attachment points rather than a single axis. This segmentation enables the hoop to rotate smoothly about a geometrical axis parallel to the pedal axis while maintaining alignment and preventing deformation, achieving both clearance and reliability.
3Strength
If the pedal body is made with solid construction, then the strength is improved, but the weight increases reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal body employs local quality differentiation where the material distribution is optimized for specific functional requirements. The yoke structures and arm regions are designed with appropriate thickness and density to provide necessary strength for bearing loads and supporting the hoop mechanism, while other areas are minimized to reduce overall weight. This localized optimization maintains structural integrity while reducing the pedal body weight for improved cycling efficiency.
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
This design achieves total clearance of the central area, enhancing mud and dirt evacuation while maintaining a lightweight and economical pedal structure, ensuring effective engagement and disengagement of the cleat, even when the shoe sole is coated with mud.
Implementation Method 1
one at least of these hoops being mounted in to rotate about a geometrical axis parallel to that of the pedal and being spring-loaded toward the other hoop
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle pedal with automatic engagement and disengagement, including a body rotatably mounted on a pedal axle one side including a front hoop and a rear hoop, each hoop having two branches connected by a crossmember, at least one of the hoops being mounted to rotate about a geometrical axis parallel to that of the pedal and being spring-loaded toward the other hoop by spring means, the space between the hoops being adapted to receive and to clamp a cycling shoe cleat; the spring-loading means of the hoop are situated, in a direction orthogonal to the branches of the hoop, outside the space between the branches; the pedal body includes exterior arms spaced from the interior arms to form yokes having facing orifices in which two coaxial individual axles, respectively associated with each branch, are engaged and supported, and the individual axles composing the articulation axle of the rotary hoop.