Retrofittable Bicycle Sensor for Drag Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring aerodynamic drag on vehicles, such as bicycles, are costly, complex, and require high technical skill, with limited integration into moving vehicles and reliance on bespoke systems that are not practical for retrofitting or accurate measurement.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system that can be retrofitted to standard mounting points on vehicles, such as between the seat post and saddle or handlebars, to measure mechanical forces and moments in multiple axes, with an integral angle measurement device to account for inclination, allowing for accurate drag force calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If custom aerodynamic drag measurement systems are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but cost and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into modular components: a sensor unit with load cells for force measurement, an angle measurement device for inclination compensation, and a processing unit. This segmentation allows the complex measurement task to be divided into manageable parts while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor arrangement is designed to be universally applicable to different bicycle types and mounting configurations. The system can measure multiple parameters (drag force, weight, inclination angle) using a single integrated device that can be retrofitted to various bicycle frames, reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If bespoke measurement systems are used, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arrangement incorporates adjustable and adaptable mounting mechanisms that can accommodate different bicycle frame geometries and rail configurations. The system transitions from static custom installations to dynamic retrofittable configurations, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit acts as an intermediary device that interfaces between the bicycle structure and the measurement function. By providing standard mounting interfaces and adaptation mechanisms, it mediates between the need for accurate measurement and the requirement for easy retrofitting to various bicycle types.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are placed directly in the load path, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit merges multiple functions into a single device: force sensing elements (load cells) are integrated with angle measurement capabilities and mounting mechanisms. This consolidation places the sensor directly in the load path for accurate force measurement while reducing the complexity of separate installation components.
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
Significantly reduces the cost and complexity of drag force measurement while enabling accurate real-time data collection, improving rider performance by providing precise feedback on technique.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor retrofitted between extant parts of the vehicle... Placing a sensor directly in the load path as forces pass from, for example, the rider to the bicycle frame, enables their measurement
Implementation Method 2
an integral angle measurement device to account for inclination
Data Source
AI summary
A device adapted to be retrofitted between extant parts of a bicycle. The device comprises a sensor for measuring forces in a substantially horizontal plane and weight forces in a substantially vertical plane. The device further comprises engagement means for connecting the device to the extant parts.