Self-Centering Dual-Axis Bicycle Pedal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard bicycle pedals cause strain on cyclists' knees due to fixed foot positioning, leading to discomfort and potential injury during pedaling.
Innovation Solution
Design of dual-axis pedals that allow foot rotation side-to-side on a vertical axis perpendicular to the pedal axle, combined with self-centering mechanisms to return the pedal to a resting position after use, enabling adaptable foot engagement on either side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard fixed-position pedal is used, then the pedal structure is simple and reliable, but it causes strain on the cyclist's knees due to restricted foot movement
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal incorporates a rotatable housing that allows the pedal body to rotate relative to the fixed axle, transforming the static fixed-position pedal into a dynamic system that adapts foot position during pedaling. This rotational freedom reduces knee strain while maintaining structural integrity through bearing-supported rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a rotational degree of freedom in a direction perpendicular to the traditional pedal rotation plane. By allowing foot movement around a vertical axis rather than only around the horizontal pedal axle, the system provides lateral foot adjustment without compromising the primary pedaling motion.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a rotatable pedal housing is added to allow foot movement, then knee strain is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable housing is extracted as a separate functional component from the pedal body, allowing the rotation mechanism to be isolated and optimized independently. This modular extraction enables the rotation function to be added without redesigning the entire pedal structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Bearings serve as intermediary elements that facilitate the rotation between the pedal body and housing while distributing loads and reducing friction. The bearings mediate the rotational motion, enabling smooth foot adjustment without direct mechanical interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If self-centering springs are added to return the pedal to resting position, then pedal adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides self-centering functionality that automatically returns the pedal to its resting position without external intervention. This self-service feature eliminates the need for complex control systems or additional actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring constant and pre-load parameters are optimized to provide appropriate centering force while maintaining ease of manual adjustment. By carefully selecting spring parameters, the system achieves reliable self-centering without excessive manufacturing 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
Reduces knee strain by allowing lateral foot movement and self-centering functionality, enhancing cycling comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a forward spring bore housing a forward spring adapted to apply a rearward force to a forward side of the rotatable housing, and a rear spring bore housing a rear spring adapted to apply a forward force to a rear side of the rotatable housing
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a pedal for use on a device such as a bicycle or stationary bicycle are provided. A pedal may include a pedal body member having an internal cavity. The pedal may include an axle having a shaft adapted to extend into the internal cavity. The pedal body member may be adapted for transverse or side-to-side rotatable movement relative to a longitudinal axis of the axle shaft. The pedal body member may be self-centering and include one or more springs (such as coil, leaf, cantilever, torsion, etc., for example) to apply force to move the pedal body member toward a home or resting position relative to the axle shaft. The pedal may be adapted so that the user's foot can be placed on either a top surface or a bottom surface of the pedal body member.