Sensor-Based Bicycle Pedal Release Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bicycle pedal lock-in and release systems require ankle twisting, which can lead to injuries and fail to timely release the shoe during falls, especially at high speeds, risking cyclist safety and bicycle damage.

Innovation Solution

A computerized system using sensors (accelerometers and gyroscopes) to detect changes in velocity and angle, controlling retractable shoe grips on the pedal for safe locking and releasing the shoe based on predefined thresholds, allowing for automatic or manual command-driven operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional ankle-twisting lock-in systems are used, then the cyclist can secure their shoe to the pedal, but the system risks ankle injuries and fails to timely release during falls

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidankle injuries

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical ankle-twisting release mechanism with an automated sensor-based system. Accelerometers and gyroscopes detect fall conditions and trigger automatic shoe release, eliminating the need for ankle twisting during critical moments and preventing injury while maintaining secure attachment during normal cycling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the pedal mechanism to automatically release the shoe based on sensor data without requiring cyclist intervention. The microcontroller processes accelerometer and gyroscope signals to detect falls and autonomously actuates the release mechanism, allowing the system to protect the cyclist without human input during emergencies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the cyclist manually releases the shoe by twisting the ankle, then the shoe can be released from the pedal, but the release may be delayed causing the cyclist to fall while still attached

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelease operationVSAvoidrelease time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors cycling conditions through accelerometers and gyroscopes, preparing to release the shoe automatically when fall conditions are detected. This preliminary monitoring and automatic triggering eliminates the time delay associated with manual reaction and ankle twisting, ensuring immediate release when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manual ankle-twisting release action is replaced with an automated electronic release mechanism triggered by sensor detection. The microcontroller processes sensor data and actuates the release mechanism automatically, replacing the slow manual process with a rapid automated response that occurs in milliseconds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the pedal grip tension is increased to prevent premature release, then the shoe remains securely attached, but the cyclist cannot release quickly enough during high-speed falls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshoe attachment securityVSAvoidrelease speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical tension-based grip system with an automated sensor-triggered release system. The accelerometer and gyroscope detect fall conditions and immediately activate the release mechanism, allowing the shoe to detach rapidly regardless of grip tension settings, thus resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and rapid release capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from accelerometers and gyroscopes to continuously monitor cycling conditions and dynamically control the release mechanism. When sensor data indicates a fall, the system immediately actuates release, providing a feedback-driven response that overrides grip tension and enables rapid release when needed while maintaining secure attachment during normal cycling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Ensures safe and timely locking and releasing of the cyclist's shoe, reducing the risk of ankle injuries and preventing the shoe from being stuck during falls, thereby enhancing safety and reducing bicycle damage.

Implementation Method 1

one or more sensors for detecting change of velocity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer detection: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

one or more sensors for detecting a change of angle of the bicycle (including, for example, a change of the angle of the bicycle's frame relative to (a) the surface on which the bicycle is traveling or (b) the vertical axis of the bicycle's frame)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGyroscope detection: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentUS12110077B2Computerized bicycle pedal lock-in and release system and method

Publication Date: 2024.10.08 VELOPATH LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for ensuring safe gripping or locking and release of a cyclist's shoe by a bicycle pedal are disclosed. The system may comprise a computing device, one or more sensors for detecting change of velocity, one or more sensors for detecting a change of angle of the bicycle, and a pedal with one or more retractable members. The retractable member may be configured to grip or lock in a cyclist's shoe by extending to interlock with a portion or a cavity of the cyclist's shoe, or to release the cyclist's shoe by retracting on receiving a command from the computing device based on inputs from the one or more sensors.