Bicycle Pedal Link Mechanism for Quick Cleat Disengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle pedals fail to facilitate quick disengagement and re-engagement of shoe cleats, especially during dynamic activities like mountain biking and motor-cross, and are prone to bolt loosening under vibration.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle pedal design featuring a body with a movable member, lugs, a pin, and a resilient unit, including torsion springs, which allows for easy engagement and disengagement of the cleat using a link and push end mechanism, preventing bolt loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional step-in bicycle pedals are used to securely connect shoes to pedals, then connection strength is improved, but disengagement speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal incorporates a movable member that can shift position to facilitate quick disengagement. When force is applied to the release mechanism, the movable member dynamically changes position to allow the cleat to be rapidly removed from the pedal body, resolving the contradiction between secure connection and quick disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient unit automatically returns the movable member to its engaged position after disengagement, and the release mechanism is designed to be actuated by the rider's own foot motion, making the system self-serving and eliminating the need for external tools or complex manual operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable plates and bolts are used to enable angle adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable plate is integrated directly into the pedal body structure, and the bolt mechanism is combined with the existing movable member assembly. This merging of components achieves angle adjustment functionality while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable member serves multiple functions: it enables the engagement/disengagement mechanism, provides angle adjustment capability through the adjustable plate, and works with the resilient unit to maintain consistent pressure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
3Reliability
If bolts are used to secure adjustable plates, then connection reliability is improved, but vulnerability to loosening under vibration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient unit is positioned to compensate for any loosening that may occur due to vibration. It maintains constant pressure on the movable member and adjustment portions, preventing the bolt from completely loosening and ensuring the adjustable plate remains securely in place during vigorous riding conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient unit acts as an intermediary between the bolt and the adjustable plate, absorbing vibration shocks and maintaining reliable connection. This intermediary element protects the bolt-threaded connection from the harmful effects of vibration while preserving connection reliability.
4Strength
If fixed members and lugs are used to secure cleats, then connection strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The key feature is extracted and isolated into a dedicated release mechanism that is separate from the main engagement structure. By extracting the disengagement function into a simple, accessible mechanism, the rider can quickly release the cleat with minimal effort while the fixed members and lugs continue to provide strong connection during normal riding.
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
Enables quick and secure connection/disconnection of shoes, maintaining balance during dynamic activities and preventing bolt loss due to vibration.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient unit is connected between the two lugs and the end piece, wherein the resilient unit biases the movable member toward the body
Implementation Method 2
The two torsion springs each have a leg and are mounted to the pin. The bolt extends through the end piece, and the threaded section of the bolt is located between the two lugs and threadedly connected to the plate. The two respective legs respectively contact the body and the plate, and push the movable member toward the body
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle pedal includes a body having a fixed member, a movable member, a resilient unit and a link respectively connected to each of a first face and a second face thereof. The link and the resilient unit are respectively located on inside of the movable member. The link contacts the movable member. When the cleat of a bicycle shoe pushes the movable member and the link away from the body, the push end of the link swings away from the body and pushes the cleat to disengage from the peal. The link has a restriction portion located corresponding to outside of the end piece. The restriction portion extends from the link and toward the end piece to prevent the bolt from dropping from the end piece.