Bottom Bracket Generator for Wireless Sensor Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycles lack a practical power supply solution for torque and speed sensors in the bottom bracket area, as existing methods rely on batteries, wiring, or external power sources, which are costly, cumbersome, and prone to failure.
Innovation Solution
A bottom bracket with an integrated electrical generator, utilizing a magnetic pole ring and induction coil or linear generator to generate electrical energy from the rotary motion, powering wireless data transmission to a mobile device via Bluetooth, ANT, or similar protocols, eliminating the need for batteries or wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are used to power sensors in the bottom bracket, then the sensors can be powered, but the device becomes expensive and requires frequent battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the mechanical energy already present in the bottom bracket shaft rotation to generate electrical energy through an integrated generator. The generator converts the kinetic energy of the rotating shaft directly into electrical power, eliminating the need for external batteries or power sources. The system serves itself by harvesting its own operational energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical energy storage system (batteries) with a mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion system. The generator uses electromagnetic induction to convert the mechanical rotation of the bottom bracket shaft into electrical energy, substituting a mechanical energy harvesting approach for chemical battery operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If wiring is used to connect sensors to power sources, then power can be transmitted, but the system becomes complex and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the wiring infrastructure from the system by generating electrical energy directly at the sensor location through the integrated generator. The generator is mounted on the bottom bracket shaft itself, allowing power to be produced where needed without requiring external connections or wiring harnesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator acts as an intermediary device that converts mechanical energy from the bottom bracket shaft into electrical energy locally. This intermediary conversion eliminates the need for physical wiring connections between power sources and sensors, as the energy transformation occurs in-situ at the point of use.
3Measurement precision
If conventional sensors are installed in the bottom bracket, then torque and speed data can be measured, but the available space is insufficient for traditional power supply solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power generation function with the measurement system by integrating the generator directly onto the bottom bracket shaft. The generator, pole ring, and sensor components are combined into a single compact assembly that occupies the existing bottom bracket space, eliminating the need for separate battery compartments or power supply housings.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom bracket shaft serves multiple functions: it transmits mechanical power from the pedals, provides the rotational motion for speed measurement, and acts as the prime mover for the generator to produce electrical energy. This multi-functionality maximizes the utility of the existing structural components within the limited space.
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 wireless data transmission of mechanical power and performance metrics from conventional bicycles, reducing component complexity, cost, and user burden by harnessing the mechanical energy of the bottom bracket shaft to supply sensors and transmit data without batteries or cables.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical generator includes the magnetic pole ring and an induction coil. In this way, the existing pole ring continues to be used to generate electrical energy by inducing an electrical voltage therein through the interaction of the rotating magnetic poles on the pole ring with at least one induction coil.
Implementation Method 2
The linear motor can include a magnet that is moved up and down and past a coil in this way.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a bottom bracket with a bottom bracket shaft, a measuring device for measuring a rotational speed of the bottom bracket shaft and/or a torque applied to the bottom bracket shaft, and an electric generator arranged in the bottom bracket for supplying the measuring device with electrical energy.