Bicycle Crank Arm Sensor Mounting Surfaces for Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bicycle systems lack effective methods for accurately measuring and processing input forces applied by the rider, particularly in terms of torque, tension, compression, and torsional moments, which are crucial for optimizing performance and rider feedback.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a bicycle crank arm with dedicated sensor-mounting surfaces for strain gauges, which are connected to measurement boards and a power source, allowing for the detection and processing of driving torque, out-of-plane forces, radial forces, and torsional moments through strategically placed sensors and circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are mounted on crank arm surfaces to measure torque, tension, compression, and torsional moments, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crank arm is divided into multiple sensor-mounting surfaces (first sensor-mounting surface and second sensor-mounting surface) that can be independently instrumented. This segmentation allows different sensor types to be placed on different surfaces to measure different force components (torque, tension, compression, torsional moments) without interfering with each other, thereby improving measurement precision while managing complexity through modular sensor placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point force measurement to multi-surface distributed measurement by adding sensor-mounting surfaces in different spatial dimensions and orientations. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive capture of multi-axis forces and moments acting on the crank arm, significantly improving measurement precision by capturing the full vector nature of input forces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensor-mounting surfaces are added to the crank arm for comprehensive force measurement, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The crank arm design incorporates universal sensor-mounting surfaces that can accommodate multiple types of sensors (strain gauges, force sensors, torque sensors) for measuring various force components. These surfaces are designed with standardized mounting features that provide adaptability for different measurement configurations while using robust mounting mechanisms that tolerate normal manufacturing variations, reducing the stringency of precision requirements.
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
This solution enables precise measurement and calculation of input forces, providing riders with accurate feedback and optimizing bicycle performance by enhancing the integration of sensor data into the control unit for improved shifting and braking control.
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 comprises a first crank arm member having a first sensor-mounting surface and a second crank arm member having a second sensor-mounting surface. A first sensor is mounted to the first sensor-mounting surface, and a second sensor mounted to the second sensor-mounting surface.