Bicycle Pedal Generator Integration for Battery-Free Power Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic measurement systems for bicycles face challenges with rechargeable batteries, including increased costs due to charging connectors and power supply devices, and risk of damage from external positioning, as well as inconvenience during competitions or lack of charging facilities.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an electric generator within the pedal pin or its extension body to convert mechanical energy into electrical power, eliminating the need for rechargeable batteries and charging systems, while ensuring full integration and protection of the electronic measurement system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electric generator is positioned outside the pedal pin, then the electronic measurement system can be powered without batteries, but the overall dimensions of the device increase and the risk of damage from accidental contact/impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electric generator with the pedal pin structure, integrating the power generation component directly into the existing pedal assembly. This combination eliminates the need for separate external generator housing, thereby reducing overall device dimensions while protecting the generator within the pedal pin's structural envelope.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric generator is nested within the pedal pin structure, with the generator components housed inside the pedal pin's internal cavity. This nesting approach allows the generator to be protected by the pedal pin's outer shell while maintaining compact dimensions, as the generator occupies the internal space already defined by the pedal pin geometry.
2Ease of operation
If rechargeable batteries are used to power the electronic measurement system, then replacement interventions are reduced, but charging connectors and power supply devices increase costs and create vulnerability when charging facilities are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The electric generator enables the electronic measurement system to be self-sufficient by generating its own power from the cyclist's pedaling motion. The generator converts mechanical energy from the pedal into electrical energy, eliminating the need for external batteries, charging connectors, and power supply devices, thereby simplifying the system while ensuring continuous operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If replaceable batteries are used in the electronic measurement device, then charging infrastructure is not required, but the externally accessible charging connector is exposed to damage and deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vulnerable charging connector and battery components from the system entirely, replacing them with an electric generator that has no exposed external connectors. The generator's internal construction, with no moving external interfaces, eliminates the durability issues associated with replaceable batteries and their charging connectors.
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
The solution provides a self-sufficient, cost-effective, and reliable power source for the electronic measurement system, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing usability by eliminating the need for external charging components and batteries.
Implementation Method 1
an electric generator (40) which is designed to transform the mechanical energy developed by the cyclist while pedalling into electrical energy to supply power to the electric measurement system
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 4
AI summary
A pedal (1) for bicycles comprising a pedal pin (2), a pedal body (5) coupled in a freely rotatable manner on the pedal pin (2). An internal chamber (11) obtained in the pedal pin (2) has an internal surface extending along a reference axis (A) approximately coaxial with the same. The pedal further comprises an electronic measurement system provided with deformation sensors (8) configured to detect electric parameters indicative of the mechanical deformation of the pedal pin (2), an electronic circuit (9) configured to determine, based on the electric parameters, the mechanical deformation of the pedal pin (2), and an electric generator (40) which generates electrical power based on the rotation of the pedal body (5) and is arranged in the internal chamber (11) of the pedal pin (2).