Bicycle Power Meter Weighting Algorithm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-sided power meters on bicycles are not accurate due to the assumption that both legs exert equal power, leading to inaccurate total power estimation, which increases training costs and decreases convenience compared to bilateral power meters.
Innovation Solution
A power measuring system with a power sensor, control unit, memory unit, and processor that includes a sensing unit and signal processing unit, allowing users to input a weighting command to calculate a total power value by multiplying the power values from both sides of the bicycle, providing a more accurate estimation of total power exerted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-sided power meter is used, then the cost is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to the assumption that both legs exert equal power
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter from a fixed assumption (50:50 power distribution) to a variable weighting ratio that can be adjusted by users. The processor applies different weighting parameters to the single-sided power measurement to estimate total power, allowing the system to adapt to different riders' actual power distribution patterns between legs.
2Measurement precision
If a bilateral power meter is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of physically installing sensors on both sides of the bicycle, the system creates a virtual copy of the power measurement by applying a weighting parameter to the single-sided measurement. This computational approach replicates the functionality of a bilateral power meter without the physical complexity and cost of dual-sided sensor installation.
3Ease of operation
If a single-sided power meter with fixed 50:50 weighting is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to account for uneven leg power output
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, fixed weighting approach to a dynamic, adjustable weighting system. Users can modify the weighting parameter based on their individual performance characteristics, fatigue levels, or training conditions, allowing the power estimation to adapt and remain accurate under varying operational conditions.
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 more accurate total power estimation by allowing users to set a weighting parameter based on measured force ratios, improving accuracy over conventional single-sided power meters.
Implementation Method 1
The signal processing unit correspondingly outputs an electrical signal according to a deformation of the sensing unit
Data Source
AI summary
A power measuring system includes a processor, a control unit, a memory unit, and a power sensor including a sensing unit and a signal processing unit correspondingly outputting an electrical signal according to a deformation of the sensing unit. The sensing unit is disposed to either a right operational part or a left operational part of a bicycle. The control unit is controlled by a user and outputs a weighting command. The processor receives the weighting command and stores the weighting command into the memory unit, and obtains a weighting parameter corresponding to the weighting command according to a reference table stored in the memory unit, and receives the electrical signal outputted from the signal processing unit, and calculates a first power value, and multiplies the first power value by the weighting parameter to get a second power value, and adds the first power value and the second power value to obtain a total power value.