Adjustable Pedal Rotation Brake for Jump Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pedals in bicycles, particularly in BMX and mountain bike sports, suffer from unwanted rotation during jumps and tricks, leading to difficulty in re-hitting the pedal upon landing, while also experiencing high wear and undesirable friction during normal pedaling.
Innovation Solution
A pedal with an adjustable rotation brake that exerts a variable braking force on the pedal axis, allowing for controlled rotation adjustment between easy and difficult modes, integrated within the pedal body and actuated externally via a threaded pin or shaft sleeve mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a high frictional force is applied to the pedal axis to prevent unwanted rotation during jumps, then the pedal rotation is braked effectively, but the driver experiences additional physical exertion during normal pedaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic braking mechanism where the braking force on the pedal axis can be adjusted based on operating conditions. The brake allows free rotation during normal pedaling but engages to prevent rotation during jumps and tricks, transforming a static high-friction solution into a dynamic, condition-dependent system that adapts to different riding scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the friction parameter of the pedal axis dynamically. During normal operation, the friction is minimized to allow smooth pedaling. During jumps and tricks, the friction parameter is increased to prevent unwanted rotation. This parameter change is achieved through an adjustable brake mechanism that modifies the contact pressure between the brake element and the pedal axis
2Stability of the object's composition
If a plastic plain bearing with high frictional force is used to prevent pedal rotation, then the pedal remains stable during jumps, but the bearing is subject to high wear during normal pedaling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a static high-friction bearing with a dynamic brake system that only engages when needed. The brake mechanism allows the pedal axis to rotate freely during normal pedaling, minimizing wear on the bearing surfaces. During jumps and tricks, the brake is activated to provide the necessary rotational stability, thus protecting the bearing from continuous high-wear conditions while maintaining stability when required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the high-friction element from the permanent bearing structure and places it in a temporary, controllable brake mechanism. This separates the stability function from the bearing, allowing the bearing to operate under low-wear conditions during normal use while the brake provides high-friction engagement only during jump operations
3Stability of the object's composition
If an adjustable rotation brake is implemented to prevent unwanted pedal rotation, then the pedal can be braked during jumps, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the braking function into separate, modular components: a brake element, a brake adjustment mechanism, and a control system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design by breaking down the complex braking function into manageable parts that can be integrated into the existing pedal structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the brake mechanism to serve multiple functions: it provides rotational stability during jumps, allows adjustment of braking force for different riding conditions, and can be integrated with the existing pedal bearing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device complexity
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 adjustable brake effectively prevents unwanted pedal rotation during jumps and tricks while minimizing friction during uphill pedaling, enhancing durability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable rotation brake which, during rotation of the pedal body, exerts an adjustable braking force on the pedal axis in order to brake the rotation of the pedal body
Data Source
AI summary
The concept described herein relates to a pedal having a pedal body, a pedal axis which extends at least partly through the pedal body, wherein the pedal body is supported to be rotatable on the pedal axis, and an adjustable rotation brake which, during rotation of the pedal body, exerts an adjustable braking force on the pedal axis in order to brake the rotation of the pedal body when compared to an unbraked rotation.