Mountain Bike Pedal Design
As part of my ME341: Mechanics of Machine Elements course, I worked on designing a lightweight and durable platform pedal for mountain bikes. This project focused on balancing functionality, cost-efficiency, and engineering rigor while meeting specific mechanical and material constraints
Objective and Approach
The goal was to design a mountain bike pedal capable of withstanding a peak static load of 2000N and achieving an infinite fatigue life under fluctuating normal and tangential loads. The pedal spindle was required to terminate with a 9/16" x 20 male thread, ensuring compatibility with standard crank arms. The final design was constrained to weigh under 300g and cost less than $100 (excluding fabrication).
Our design process involved:
Static and Fatigue Analyses: Conducting stress calculations to evaluate the spindle's strength under static and fluctuating loads. We used MATLAB and Google Spreadsheets for stress analyses, including Mohr's Circle and the Modified Goodman Criterion for fatigue.
Material Selection: Choosing 6013-T6 aluminum for its high strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring durability while minimizing weight.
CAD Modeling: Creating detailed 3D models and assembly diagrams in SolidWorks, incorporating all components such as the spindle, bearings, and foot platform.
Cost Estimation: Analyzing material costs, sourcing components like bearings, and calculating waste factors to stay within budget.
