Bicycle Crank Arm with Detachable Circuit Mounting for Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bicycle systems lack an efficient and integrated method for accurately measuring input forces applied by the rider, which is essential for optimizing pedaling efficiency and providing real-time feedback to the rider.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle crank arm apparatus with a detachable circuit-mounting structure that houses measurement boards equipped with strain gauges and control/communication circuitry, allowing for precise detection and processing of driving torque, out-of-plane forces, radial forces, and torsional moment forces, and transmitting this data wirelessly to a control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are attached to bicycle components to measure operating characteristics, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement board is nested within the crank arm structure, with the circuit mounting structure integrated into the crank arm. The strain gauges are mounted on the measurement board which is itself mounted on the crank arm, creating a nested arrangement that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the measurement function, circuit mounting, and data processing into a single integrated measurement board assembly. The control unit is integrated with the measurement board, merging multiple functions (sensing, signal processing, and control) into one compact unit that attaches to the crank arm.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a detachable circuit-mounting structure is used to mount measurement boards, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit mounting structure is designed with universal mounting features that can accommodate different measurement board configurations. The same mounting structure can hold various types of measurement boards depending on the sensing requirements, making the system versatile while using a standardized mounting interface.
3Measurement precision
If strain gauges are mounted on the crank arm to measure torque and forces, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into a separate measurement board that contains the strain gauges, rather than directly mounting strain gauges on the crank arm itself. This segmentation allows the strain gauges to be mounted on a dedicated platform with appropriate mounting features, reducing the manufacturing precision requirements on the crank arm while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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 accurate and real-time measurement of input forces, enhancing pedaling efficiency and providing valuable feedback to the rider, thereby improving overall cycling performance.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor such as a strain gauge may be mounted to the surface of a component such as a pedal crank or a wheel hub in order to measure torque being applied to the component
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle crank arm apparatus comprises a crank arm having a crank axle mounting portion and a pedal mounting portion. A circuit-mounting structure is disposed between the crank axle mounting portion and the pedal mounting portion, wherein the circuit-mounting structure is configured to detachably mount a measurement board. When a measurement board is mounted to the circuit-mounting structure, the resulting combination forms a bicycle input force processing apparatus.