Bicycle Pedal Automatic Retraction Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycles, especially those used in sharing systems, occupy excessive space due to protruding pedals that are difficult to automatically retract, leading to inefficient storage and aesthetic issues in urban areas.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a chargeable battery-powered system with electric actuators and a retaining device that allows pedals to be automatically retracted from a perpendicular to a parallel position relative to the bicycle frame, utilizing electric brush or wireless induction power supply and a second actuator to ensure complete retraction, minimizing space occupation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pedals are designed to protrude for normal cycling operation, then ease of operation is improved, but storage space efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pedal structure movable rather than fixed. The pedal can dynamically change its position between a protruding state during cycling operation and a retracted state during storage, allowing the system to adapt to different functional requirements and resolve the contradiction between operational ease and storage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal assembly is segmented into movable and fixed parts, with the pedal arm capable of independent rotation relative to the crankshaft. This segmentation allows the pedal to be retracted parallel to the bicycle frame while maintaining the structural integrity needed for normal operation, thereby reducing storage space without compromising usability.
2Volume of moving object
If pedals are automatically retracted to save storage space, then storage space efficiency is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction mechanism is designed to be self-activating through spring-loaded components that automatically engage when the bicycle is placed in the storage box. The spring force naturally drives the pedal rotation parallel to the frame without requiring external actuators or complex control systems, achieving automatic retraction while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A spring-loaded retaining device acts as an intermediary between the pedal assembly and the storage box structure. This intermediary component mediates the retraction process by using elastic potential energy to rotate the pedal into the parallel position, simplifying the overall mechanism compared to motorized or hydraulically actuated systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If retaining device maximizes rotation resistance to maintain pedal position, then stability is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device provides periodic resistance that engages only when the pedal reaches specific angular positions during rotation. The spring-loaded mechanism allows free rotation during normal cycling but engages to lock the pedal in the retracted parallel position, creating a periodic action pattern that ensures stability without continuously hindering operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining device applies resistance locally at specific points in the rotation cycle rather than uniformly throughout. The spring mechanism is positioned to engage only when the pedal approaches the parallel retraction position, providing stability exactly where needed while leaving the rest of the rotation range free for normal pedaling operation.
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
Facilitates convenient and automatic storage of bicycles by reducing pedal space occupancy, enabling efficient storage of multiple bicycles in a compact area, thereby addressing the issue of space utilization and urban aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
an electric brush is arranged on the bearing shell. The electric brush is elastically pressed against the copper ring on the central axle, and the electric brush transmits the electricity to the central axle through elastic contact when the central axle rotates
Implementation Method 2
For the wireless charging power supply, it is non-contact power supply, so the rotation of the panel does not affect the power supply mode thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automatic retraction of a pedal of a bicycle. A first electric actuator is provided on a crank, and the pedal is driven to be retracted by the first electric actuator to complete a first retraction, so that long side of the pedal is changed into a front-rear direction from a left-right direction; a second electric actuator mounted on a bicycle frame drives the crank to idle, and the pedal is gradually straightened in the first retraction process to be parallel with the plane of the bicycle frame to complete a second retraction of the pedal. Using this method, the pedal can be conveniently retracted, and the transverse (left-right) occupying space is minimized, thereby facilitating the automatic storage and saving the storage space.