Pedal Slider Assembly for Skeletal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bicycle pedal designs assume a fixed and rigid distance between the pedal and the bicycle frame, which does not accommodate the unique skeletal structures of individual riders, leading to joint binding and inefficiencies in pedaling motion.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle pedal slider assembly that allows lateral movement of the pedals relative to the bicycle frame, enabling each rider to create a personalized pedaling path that aligns with their skeletal structure, incorporating adjustable travel length grooves and a locking mechanism for customizable mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed and rigid distance is maintained between the pedal and the bicycle frame, then the pedal structure remains simple and stable, but it causes joint binding and does not accommodate individual rider skeletal structures
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal assembly is transformed from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic adjustable system. The pedal slider assembly allows the pedal to move laterally along the crank arm, and the adjustable positioning mechanism enables riders to customize the pedal position to match their individual skeletal structures, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal assembly is divided into separable components including the pedal slider assembly, the positioning mechanism with multiple positions, and the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each component to achieve the optimal configuration for each rider while maintaining overall structural integrity
2Ease of operation
If the pedal is allowed to move laterally to follow the rider's joint movement, then joint binding is reduced and ergonomics improve, but the pedal structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal slider assembly enables dynamic lateral movement of the pedal along the crank arm, allowing the pedal to follow the rider's natural joint movement patterns. This dynamic capability improves ergonomics and reduces joint binding while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure through the use of a slider mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal slider assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed crank arm and the movable pedal. It mediates the transition by providing a controlled lateral movement path, enabling the pedal to follow joint movement without requiring complete redesign of the entire drivetrain system
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable travel length grooves and locking mechanism are added, then riders can select optimal lateral travel lengths and lock pedals for secure positioning, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete components: travel length grooves that define lateral movement ranges, positioning mechanisms with multiple predetermined positions, and locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows riders to select from discrete adjustment options, achieving high adaptability through a modular rather than continuous adjustment system
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes by allowing riders to adjust the lateral travel length and locking positions according to their specific needs. The travel length grooves provide predefined parameter options, and the locking mechanism secures the selected parameters, achieving customizable mobility through controlled parameter variation
Data Source
AI summary
A pedal slider assembly that allows for a normal pedal affixed to a normal bicycle to slide laterally outwardly away from the bicycle frame and back inwardly towards the bicycle frame allowing the rider to find their bodies natural pedal placement as it travels through the rotational pedaling path based on their specific skeletal structure restrictions, (those being the width of an individual's hips, knees, and ankles) as those positions dictate the center line of the user and as those positions are directly affected by the pedal relationship to the center line of the bicycle frame, additionally there is a multitude of lateral movement length options for the rider to utilize to garner specific exercise benefits.