Bicycle Force Sensing Assembly Bilateral Strain Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle force sensing assemblies inaccurately measure pedaling force on the crank axle as they only detect force from one leg, leading to incomplete and inaccurate calculations.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle force sensing assembly is designed with a first and second attachment member mounted on either side of the bottom bracket hanger, each equipped with a translation sensing device to detect strain on the crank axle, allowing for simultaneous measurement of pedaling force from both legs, using semiconductor sensors or strain gauges to calculate torque and pedaling force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned between a radial inner surface of the bottom bracket tube and a radially extending outer surface of an annular member, then the force sensor can detect torque applied to the crank axle, but the strain sensors only detect pedaling force from one leg, leading to inaccurate calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensing assembly is divided into two separate sensing locations: one on the left side of the bottom bracket hanger and one on the right side. Each location has its own attachment member and translation sensing device, allowing independent detection of forces from each leg. This segmentation enables complete capture of bilateral pedaling forces that were previously missed by single-location sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-dimensional force detection (one location) to two-dimensional force detection (both sides of bottom bracket hanger). By placing sensing assemblies on both the left and right sides, the system captures force vectors from both legs simultaneously, adding spatial dimensionality to the measurement and eliminating information loss about bilateral pedaling contributions.
2Measurement precision
If a single force sensor unit is used to detect torque, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of pedaling force is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses two separate force sensing assemblies instead of one, with each assembly containing its own attachment member and translation sensing device. This segmentation allows each sensor to independently measure forces from its respective side, improving overall measurement accuracy while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functionality of force detection from both legs into a unified measurement system. By merging the data from left and right sensing assemblies, the system achieves comprehensive pedaling force measurement that neither single sensor could accomplish alone, while the combined output is processed as integrated torque information.
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
This solution provides a more accurate measurement of pedaling force by detecting strain on both sides of the crank axle, enabling precise calculation of torque and pedaling force, enhancing the reliability of force data for improved cycling performance and system control.
Implementation Method 1
The first translation sensing device is coupled to the first attachment member such that the first translation sensing device senses strain on the first attachment member
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle force sensing assembly is basically provided with a first attachment member, a second attachment member, a first translation sensing device and a second translation sensing device. The first attachment member is configured to be mounted to a first side of a bicycle bottom bracket hanger and configured to receive and rotatably support a crank axle. The second attachment member is configured to be mounted to a second side of the bicycle bottom bracket hanger and configured to receive and rotatably support the crank axle. The first translation sensing device is coupled to the first attachment member such that the first translation sensing device senses strain on the first attachment member. The second translation sensing device is coupled to the second attachment member such that the second translation sensor senses strain on the second attachment member.