Cleat-Embedded Power Sensor for Bicycle Pedaling Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for measuring a cyclist's power output are cumbersome, requiring special bicycle parts, are difficult to install and calibrate, and cannot accurately measure power from each foot or identify inefficiencies in pedaling style.
Innovation Solution
A measurement device embedded in a bicycle cleat, incorporating force sensors and an accelerometer, allows for accurate measurement of power output, pedaling cadence, and foot angle, enabling detailed analysis of pedaling style and efficiency without modifying the bicycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain gauges are embedded in special bicycle parts (hub, crank, axle), then power measurement is achieved, but the bicycle requires modification and special replacement parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a chain tension sensor as an intermediary element that does not require modification of the bicycle's power transmission path. The sensor measures chain tension, which is indirectly related to power output, allowing measurement without embedding sensors in special bicycle parts. This resolves the contradiction by providing a measurement method that maintains bicycle compatibility while achieving power measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of embedding strain gauges in bicycle components with an electronic sensing system that measures chain tension. This substitution allows power measurement without modifying the mechanical power transmission path, thereby maintaining adaptability across different bicycles while achieving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are installed in the power transmission path, then power measurement is enabled, but installation requires significant time, effort and expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The chain tension sensor serves as an intermediary that can be installed without disassembling the bicycle's power transmission components. By measuring chain tension rather than embedding sensors in cranks or axles, the installation process is simplified and reduces the time and expertise required, while still enabling accurate power measurement through indirect measurement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If chain tension sensors are used, then no special bicycle parts are required, but the system is difficult to install and calibrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a microprocessor-based system that automatically calculates power output from chain tension measurements, eliminating the need for manual calibration. The system self-calibrates by using the known relationship between chain tension, chain speed, and power transmission, thereby maintaining bicycle compatibility while significantly easing the installation and calibration process.
4Measurement precision
If existing power measurement systems are used, then power output can be measured, but they cannot accurately measure power from each foot or identify pedaling inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power measurement into two independent channels, one for each pedal. By installing separate chain tension sensors on the left and right sides of the chain, the system can independently measure power output from each foot. This segmentation enables detailed analysis of pedaling style and identification of inefficiencies, resolving the contradiction between overall power measurement and per-foot power measurement capability.
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
Provides accurate and efficient power output measurement, allowing cyclists to improve their performance by identifying and addressing inefficiencies in pedaling technique, and can be easily transferred between bicycles.
Implementation Method 1
A measurement device for measuring a cyclist's power output, in response to an external force provided by said cyclist applied to a bicycle, comprises a force sensor
Implementation Method 2
A measurement device embedded in a bicycle cleat, incorporating force sensors and an accelerometer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a measurement device and method for measuring a cyclist's power output, in response to an external force provided by said cyclist applied to a bicycle, including a force sensor (13), characterised in that said force sensor is embedded in a bicycle cleat (11) bolted to the shoe (10). The invention further provides an accelerometer (14) for measuring a cyclist's power output. The inventive device and method provides a number of advantages over prior art solutions. The device of the invention means that the installation does not need any part of the bicycle to be replaced. The present invention does not restrict the type of components that may be used on the bicycle. Because the sensors are embedded in the cleat it is very simple to move the system to another bicycle. The invention also allows for detailed analysis of pedalling style, leading to improvements in efficiency.