MTB Platform Pedal Design

Designed a mountain bike platform pedal and spindle mechanism to withstand standard static and fluctuating fatigue loads.

Type

Academic

Timeframe

Nov 2021

Dec 2021

Status

Complete

Overview

For a final project in Clarkson University's Mechanics of Machine Elements class, we were tasked with designing a platform pedal to be used on a mountain bike. The pedal shaft needed to withstand a given static load as well as fluctuating fatigue in an infinite cycle life.

Goals

Conceptually design a mountain bike pedal assembly
Develop a spindle to withstand a given peak static load, infinite-cycle fluctuating fatigue loads
Include a 0.5" long male 9/16"x20 thread for crank arm attachment

Labeled exploded view of the CAD model for a mountain bike platform pedal.

How Was It Made?

Cross-sectional view of the mountain bike platform pedal CAD model.

Researched mountain bike pedals and designs currently available on the market
Developed a conceptual design improving on identified failure areas
Completed hand-calculations and engineering analysis on the spindle to determine minimum dimensions and implemented factor of safety
Used a weighted decision matrix (WDM) to make a material selection

Results

Used SolidWorks to create detailed CAD models and technical drawings
Reported findings in a concise technical write-up
Identified further improvements that could be made to the design to account for manufacturability and additional safety

Technical Report