Bicycle Steering Angle Sensor Mounting System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for simulating bicycle handlebar rotation in virtual reality cycling are unreliable due to the crude use of cellular phones and gyroscope functionality, leading to trigonometric errors and false recordings, necessitating a robust and reliable method for mounting sensors on bicycles with a 'top cap' styled system.
Innovation Solution
A steering angle sensor assembly that attaches to the steering mechanism of a bicycle, featuring a housing that replaces the top cap, incorporating an angle sensing device such as a rotary potentiometer, and a universal mounting system using a cap or coupler to maintain the angle sensing device's fixed position, ensuring accurate measurement of handlebar rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cellular phones and gyroscope functionality are used to simulate bicycle handlebar rotation, then the system can be implemented with existing consumer electronics, but the measurement accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to trigonometric errors and false recordings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the software-based gyroscope calculation system with a dedicated mechanical angle sensing device (rotary potentiometer) that directly measures handlebar rotation angle. This mechanical sensing approach eliminates the trigonometric calculation errors inherent in using consumer electronics gyroscopes, providing accurate angular position data without relying on complex mathematical transformations of acceleration signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a universal mounting system with a coupler as an intermediary component between the bicycle's steering mechanism and the angle sensing device. This coupler serves as a mediator that adaptively connects the sensor to various bicycle stem configurations, ensuring reliable mechanical coupling and accurate signal transmission while accommodating different bicycle geometries and mounting scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a universal mounting system is implemented to accommodate various bicycle configurations, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional mounting components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal mounting system where the coupler serves multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical connector between the stem and sensor housing, provides adaptive adjustment for different bicycle configurations, and maintains fixed positioning of the angle sensing device. This multi-functional design allows a single mounting mechanism to accommodate various bicycle stem types and geometries without requiring multiple specialized mounting solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into distinct functional components: the coupler for adaptive connection to the stem, the sensor housing for mounting the angle sensing device, and the fastening mechanism for securing the assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system versatility and ease of assembly.
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 accurate and reliable measurement of handlebar rotation, enhancing the realism of virtual reality cycling simulations by eliminating errors and ensuring precise data transmission to the simulation system.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating an angle sensing device such as a rotary potentiometer
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system for a bicycle steering angle sensor is presented herein. The mounting system is capable of being mounted to a steering assembly of a bicycle with an angle sensor coaxially aligned with the steering axis. The steering assembly includes a steering tube, a stem and a headset, such that the headset is structured to provide a rotatable interface between the steering tube and a frame head tube. The mounting system includes a housing defining an interior portion and a bottom mounting portion. The bottom mounting portion of the housing is fixedly mountable to a portion of the steering assembly of the bicycle via a top cap mounting fastener. The angle sensing device is disposed within the housing and at least partially rotatable with the housing to determine an amount of angular rotation applied thereto. An attachment assembly maintains a coupler in a fixed position while the housing rotates.