Bicycle Chain Ring Power Sensor Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power measuring systems for bicycles are difficult to install and require replacing original components, making them inaccessible to recreational cyclists who lack the tools and skills necessary for modification.
Innovation Solution
A chain ring based power meter with an adapter ring that carries strain sensing elements, allowing for easy installation and integration with existing crank sets without replacing original components, using strain gauges to measure torque and calculate power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional power measuring systems are installed in driven components, then power measurement capability is achieved, but installation difficulty increases and requires professional tools and skills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter ring as an intermediary component that interfaces between the chain ring and crank arm. This adapter ring contains the strain sensing elements and serves as a mediator that enables power measurement without requiring direct modification of the original crank set components. The adapter ring can be installed using standard tools and procedures, making the system accessible to recreational cyclists while maintaining accurate power measurement capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power measuring components replace original components, then measurement functionality is integrated, but cost increases and original components are discarded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power measurement functionality into a separate adapter ring component that is distinct from the original crank set. This segmentation allows the original chain ring and crank arm to be preserved and reused, while the adapter ring provides the measurement functionality. The adapter ring itself can be removed or replaced without affecting the original components, thus avoiding the loss of functional parts.
3Ease of operation
If adapter ring with strain sensors is used, then installation ease is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the strain sensing elements directly into the adapter ring structure, combining the measurement functionality with the mechanical interface component. This integration reduces the overall number of separate parts and simplifies the installation process, as the strain sensors are already positioned and configured within the adapter ring. The merged design eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting and alignment procedures.
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 non-professionals to install a power meter system that provides accurate power measurement without discarding original bicycle components, enhancing usability and accessibility for recreational cyclists.
Implementation Method 1
at least one strain sensor associated with the ring and adapted to measure strain resulting from torque applied to the crank arm by a cyclist during riding of the bicycle
Data Source
AI summary
A torque sensing arrangement has a set of strain sensors, such as strain gauges, mounted to an adapter that can be mounted to a chain ring of the crank set of a bicycle wheel. The adapter may have an annular body that can be used to retrofit the original crank set of a bicycle to have torque sensing components without having to replace the chain rings or the crank arm of the crank set. Together with angular velocity measurements, the measurements of the strain sensors may be used to calculate the amount of work or power exerted by the cyclist to propel the bicycle.