Bicycle Pedaling Feedback System for Smooth Stroke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cyclists find it challenging to consistently apply optimal tangential forces during pedaling, leading to inefficiencies in propulsion, as the round pedaling technique is difficult to achieve perfectly, resulting in suboptimal power generation.
Innovation Solution
An electric bicycle equipped with dual cranks, force sensors, crank sensors, a control unit, and an output device provides real-time feedback and assistance to improve pedaling technique by detecting pedaling forces and crank positions, and optionally uses an electric motor to apply additional torque to align forces with the round pedaling technique, while also monitoring and adjusting for lateral inclination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cyclists attempt to apply optimal tangential forces during pedaling, then propulsion efficiency is improved, but the complexity of maintaining correct pedaling technique increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors pedaling forces via force sensors and crank positions via crank sensors, then provides real-time feedback through visual displays and haptic actuators. This closed-loop feedback mechanism guides cyclists to apply forces more tangentially to the crank, improving propulsion efficiency without requiring them to consciously master complex pedaling techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the reliance on cyclist skill and manual technique with an automated sensor-actuator system. Force sensors and crank sensors detect pedaling parameters, and electronic control systems process this data to provide guidance, substituting mechanical skill-based control with sensor-based automated assistance.
2Measurement precision
If force sensors and crank sensors are added to monitor pedaling, then pedaling technique can be improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensors and crank sensors serve multiple functions: they detect pedaling forces, determine crank positions, provide feedback for technique improvement, and enable the haptic guidance system. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive measurement capabilities that benefit multiple system functions.
3Power
If an electric motor is used to provide additional torque, then propulsion power is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor provides partial torque assistance rather than full propulsion, activating only when pedaling technique deviations exceed threshold values. This partial action approach supplements human power only when needed to correct technique, improving overall propulsion power while minimizing additional energy consumption compared to continuous motor operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a bicycle comprising a crank mechanism (3) which has a first crank (7) with a first pedal (9) and a second crank (8) with a second pedal (10), at least one force sensor (11) for determining a pedaling force of a rider of the bicycle, at least one crank sensor (13) for determining a position of the cranks, an output device (15) for outputting information to the rider and a control unit (20) which is connected to the force sensor (11), the crank sensor (13) and the output device (15), wherein the control unit (20) is configured to provide assistance to improve the rider's pedaling process by means of the output device (15), based on the detected values of the force sensor (11) and the crank sensor (13), in order to approximate an optimal, smooth pedal stroke.