Bicycle Crank Posture Detection via Force and Angle Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing riding posture determination methods, such as those using gyro sensors, are prone to errors when the bicycle is inclined or when the rider is not in a seated position, leading to inaccurate assessments of the riding posture.
Innovation Solution
A device that acquires angle information and force information from the crank of a man-powered machine, using strain gauges and sensors to determine the riding posture based on the rotation angle and force applied, eliminating the need for gyro sensors and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a gyro sensor is used to determine riding posture, then the determination can be performed, but the determination accuracy deteriorates when the bicycle is inclined or the rider is not in a seated position
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the measurement parameters from gyro sensor data (angular velocity, orientation) to crank-specific parameters (rotation angle, applied force). By measuring the rotation angle of the crank and the force applied to it, the system can determine riding posture without being affected by bicycle inclination or rider position, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and determination accuracy under various conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the gyro sensor-based mechanical measurement system with a crank-based measurement system using strain gauges and rotation angle sensors. This substitution eliminates the problems associated with gyro sensors (attachment requirements, sensitivity to inclination) while providing direct measurement of pedaling characteristics that indicate riding posture
2Measurement precision
If a gyro sensor is attached to the bicycle, then riding posture can be determined, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crank serves multiple functions: it is both the primary component for power transmission in the bicycle and the measurement platform for detecting riding posture. By integrating strain gauges and rotation angle sensors into the existing crank structure, the system eliminates the need for separate gyro sensors and their associated mounting hardware, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The crank structure itself provides the measurement interface through its inherent mechanical properties. The strain gauges attached to the crank utilize the crank's own deformation under load to provide posture information, and the rotation angle sensors use the crank's natural rotation to provide angular data. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external gyro sensors and complex attachment systems
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
The solution accurately determines the riding posture by analyzing the angle and force data, reducing errors associated with bicycle inclination and improving the precision of posture assessment.
Implementation Method 1
force information on a force applied to the crank in the rotation angle
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a riding posture outputting device that is able to determine a riding posture with accuracy. The riding posture outputting device includes a communication unit which acquires a crank rotation angle θ of a bicycle, and a propulsion force and a loss force which are added to a crank in the crank rotation angle θ, and a determination unit which determines whether a user is dancing on the basis of the crank rotation angle θ when the load calculated from the propulsion force Ft and the loss force Fr is maximized. Then, the communication unit outputs a determination result obtained by the determination of the determination unit.