Multidisciplinary Senior Design

Create a shoe and pedal system that optimizes both the function of a running shoe and a cycling shoe.

Tri-Better Triathlon ShoeP13673

AcknowledgementsDr. Richard Lux - GuideDr. Jeremy Haefner - SponsorSteve Stanziano & Towpath Bike ShopProf. Mario Gomes

Madeline HoppyMichael KurvachNate MorefieldRyan WilsonCody Woods

Industrial DesignerMechanical Engineer

Industrial EngineerMechanical EngineerMechanical Engineer

Mark Smith & RIT Sr. DesignJohn Bonzo & Brinkman LabKGCOE Machine Tools Lab and Staff

Motivation:Creating a shoe that will replace two shoes will save the triathlete valuable time which is currently used changing shoes.

- Coupling made of lightweight composite materials- Front Clip needs more iterative design

Final Prototype

Concept 1A full length pedal holds the shoe in place while detaching for running.

Advantages:Shoe does not flex during cyclingEasy one step transition

Concept 2A lengthwise insert acts as a clip as well as a stiffening mechanism.

Advantages:Rigid insert removed for runningCompact Pedals

Concept 3Hinged rigid plate constrains excessive foot movement while allowing the foot to flex in critical areas.

Advantages:No loss of power from dampeningHinged plate flexes for running

Disadvantages:Extra step in transitionDampening while cycling from flexible shoe

Disadvantages:Rigid clip in forefoot while runningPedals are large and heavy

Disadvantages:Determining the critical flex points common for all runners may prove difficult.Lost EVA foam volume for clipping in pedals

This graph illustrates the specifications for each of the 14 customer needs that were used to evaluate the success of the project.

In comparison to the industry standard pedals, the first concept was the most viable design. After extensive testing, it also was the most feasible option in terms of the risks and unknowns.

Industry Standard:Examples of models used currently by tri- athletes.

Rear Clip"Backpack clip" made of Delrin plastic clips in and slides sideways out of a groove in the shoe sole reinforced with plastic.

Front ClipWasher embedded in the shoe sole connects with an aluminum clip attached to the pedal.

PedalCarbon fiber with a balsa wood core and embedded attachments for both clips and the coupling.

CouplingAttaches the crank arm to the bike pedal. Made of Aluminum.

Analysis:A finite element analysis was performedon the carbon fiber pedal to determine critical stress and strain. This aided in selection of the fiber lay-up schedule as well as the thickness of material needed.

Results

Future ImprovementPrototype is fully functional in real-world testing.

Forefoot clip twists in to secure shoe on the pedal

Back clip prohibits movement for max

power transfer

Fundamental elements of the clippingdevice are located on the pedal, making

the shoe lightweight and comfortable

Standard coupling designedto fit on any bike crank