Bicycle Computer Integrated Proximity Sensor for Cycling Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle computer systems require external sensors that need to be attached to the bicycle, which can be cumbersome and require frequent battery replacements, making them difficult to use for measuring cycling metrics.
Innovation Solution
Integration of proximity sensors within the bicycle computer that measure cadence, riding position, and drafting metrics without the need for external sensors, allowing for direct attachment to the bicycle or user's body and providing real-time feedback through a user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external sensors are used to measure cycling metrics, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to attachment requirements and pairing procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing functionality into the bicycle computer itself by integrating proximity sensors directly into the device housing. This eliminates the need for separate external sensors and their associated attachment and pairing procedures, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bicycle computer performs self-measurement by using its own integrated proximity sensors to detect cycling metrics directly, without requiring external sensors or complex setup procedures. The device serves itself by incorporating all necessary sensing components within its own structure.
2Ease of operation
If external sensors are attached to the bicycle, then cycling metrics can be measured, but ease of operation worsens due to frequent battery replacements and attachment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power source with the bicycle computer main unit, eliminating the need for separate battery compartments in external sensors. This consolidation reduces the number of components requiring maintenance and extends effective battery life by centralizing power management in the main device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sensing functionality from external sensor devices and integrates it directly into the bicycle computer, removing the need for separate powered external components that would require independent battery management and replacement.
3Measurement precision
If multiple external sensors are used to measure different cycling metrics, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality within the bicycle computer by integrating multiple types of proximity sensors (e.g., for cadence, power, speed, and position measurement) into a single device. This universal approach allows the bicycle computer to perform multiple measurement functions without requiring separate external sensors for each metric.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions into integrated proximity sensors that are embedded within the bicycle computer housing. This consolidation reduces the total number of components while maintaining the capability to measure various cycling metrics with appropriate precision.
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
Simplifies the measurement of cycling metrics by eliminating the need for external sensors and battery replacements, offering a more convenient and reliable system for tracking performance data.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated proximity sensor arranged and dimensioned to measure, in the attached position, proximity data being indicative of a distance to a body part
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle computer for monitoring performance of a user of a bicycle includes a processing circuitry; a user interface; an attaching unit for arranging the bicycle computer in an attached position; and at least one integrated proximity sensor arranged and dimensioned to measure, in the attached position, proximity data being indicative of a distance to a body part. The processing circuitry is configured to obtain the proximity data from the at least one integrated proximity sensor and to process the proximity data into one or more cycling metric. The user interface is configured to output the one or more cycling metric.