External Bicycle Pedal Force Sensor via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle pedaling force and frequency detection systems either require costly modifications to the pedal structure or suffer from positional and steadiness issues when sensors are externally hung, affecting data accuracy and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mounted detecting device comprising a force sensing base, strain touch member, sensor, and cadence sensor externally assembled to the crank and pedal shaft, using a threading structure and microprocessor assembly to transmit pedaling force and speed data to a smart mobile device without altering the pedal's structure, with a G-sensor for tilted angle detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the force sensor and speed sensor are integrated with the pedal frame or pedal shaft, then the sensors are firmly positioned and data reception is reliable, but the pedal must be specially modified which increases cost and requires rider accommodation
Solution Approach 1:
The detecting device is segmented into independent modules (force sensor, speed sensor, signal processing unit) that can be externally attached to the pedal assembly without modifying the pedal structure itself. This allows reliable sensing while maintaining the original pedal design.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary mounting structure is introduced between the sensor and the pedal, allowing the sensor to be firmly positioned for reliable data reception without requiring modifications to the pedal frame or shaft. The intermediary serves as a bridge that maintains both reliability and ease of manufacture.
2Ease of manufacture
If the force sensor and speed sensor are externally hung on the crank or pedal, then the pedal does not need to be replaced, but the position, method, and steadiness may influence the effectiveness of obtaining and receiving data
Solution Approach 1:
The detecting device is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can be applied to various crank and pedal configurations without requiring custom installation methods. This ensures both installation simplicity and consistent data acquisition accuracy across different bicycle setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor mounting structure is pre-configured with appropriate positioning features and securing mechanisms before installation, ensuring that the sensors are correctly positioned and steadily mounted from the outset, thereby guaranteeing effective data acquisition without compromising precision.
3Reliability
If the sensors are integrated with the pedal frame, then data reception is sure, but the original design must be modified which may negatively influence the strength and weight of the pedal structure
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing function is extracted from the pedal structure itself and placed in an externally mounted detecting device. This takes out the sensors from the load-bearing path of the pedal, ensuring data reception reliability while preserving the original strength and weight characteristics of the pedal structure.
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
Enables accurate and cost-effective detection of pedaling force, frequency, and tilted angles without modifying the pedal, providing reliable data for analysis and easy installation on any crank and pedal type.
Implementation Method 1
a strain touch member, contacted with and fastened at an outside of the force sensing base through a ring housing and for detecting a forced direction and a forced magnitude of the force sensing base
Implementation Method 2
screwed with a screw hole of a pedal end of a crank of the bicycle through a threading structure
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle-mounted detecting device for a bicycle comprises a force sensing base, a strain touch member for detecting the direction and magnitude of force, and a sensor contacted with the sensor. The detecting device is assembled to a crank and a pedal shaft of the bicycle in a manner of external hanging. The detecting device may obtain a pedaling force detecting message. The message of the rotating speed and the tilted angle message may be obtained by a cadence sensor which is packaged in a ring housing. The messages are finally transmitted to a smart mobile device by a microprocessor which is mounted at a ring outer base.