Bicycle Saddle Height Adjustment via Pedaling Force Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle saddle height adjustment methods fail to recognize and correct potentially incorrect adjustments, leading to inefficient pedaling and unhealthy loading on the rider's knee and joint muscles.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that determine the current saddle height and inclination by analyzing pedaling force data from sensors, comparing it to optimal settings, and providing feedback or automatic adjustments to ensure proper alignment, using sensors to detect pedaling force and angle over multiple revolutions to filter out outliers and suggest or implement changes when deviations exceed a threshold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If saddle height is adjusted manually or by simple mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and adjustment accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesaddle height measurement precisionVSAvoidadjustment device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors pedaling force variables and uses this feedback to determine the current saddle setting and compare it with the optimal setting. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise measurement and automatic adjustment of saddle height without requiring complex manual measurement devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement and adjustment mechanisms with an electronic sensor-based system that detects pedaling force variables and uses a processing unit to calculate optimal saddle settings. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic sensing and processing achieves higher precision while managing complexity through integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If saddle height is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different riders and conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesaddle height adaptabilityVSAvoidadjustment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the optimal saddle setting based on detected pedaling force variables and either automatically adjusts the saddle or provides guidance to the rider. This self-service capability enables the system to adapt to different riders and conditions without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic adjustment system that can modify saddle height based on real-time detection of pedaling characteristics. The system adapts to varying riding conditions and rider preferences, transforming a static saddle into a dynamic one that responds to actual usage patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If pedaling force detection is used to determine saddle height, then measurement accuracy is improved, but use of energy by the sensor system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesaddle setting detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor system energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system serves multiple functions: it detects pedaling force for saddle height determination, monitors pedaling performance, and provides data for optimizing riding efficiency. By making the sensor system multi-functional, the patent justifies the energy consumption through the multiple benefits derived from the same sensing capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3663178B1Method for determining the saddle height of a bicycle
Publication Date: 2022.07.20 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3663178B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP3663178B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2c
  • EP3663178B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention claims a method and a device for adjusting the saddle of a two-wheeled vehicle, in particular a bicycle. For this purpose, at least one current saddle setting is determined, representing, for example, the height, tilt, and/or inclination. The current setting is determined as a function of the time course of a pedaling force, detected by a corresponding sensor, which is generated by the rider by means of the pedaling force applied to the crank.