Dynamic Angle Sensor Calibration for Bicycle Rear Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors for determining and monitoring the position and change in position of a rear wheel and shock absorber of a bicycle suspension require predetermined information about the geometry of the bicycle and are prone to inaccuracies and damage in off-road conditions, especially when mounted in specific locations and orientations.
Innovation Solution
An angle sensor calibrated through a dynamic calibration routine that can be mounted in various positions and orientations, using a magnetometer to sense angular displacement and a dynamic calibration routine to determine sensor orientation and position without requiring specific installation details, allowing for accurate monitoring of rear shock extension, compression, and wheel position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing sensors are mounted in specific locations and orientations to accurately determine rear wheel position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase due to requirements for predetermined bicycle geometry information
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs self-calibration by automatically detecting its own orientation and position relative to the bicycle frame through the calibration routine, eliminating the need for manual configuration or predetermined geometry information. The sensor calibrates itself during the calibration process without requiring external intervention or pre-programmed mounting parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts calibration parameters based on real-time sensor data collected during the calibration routine. By changing the operational parameters of the sensor system during calibration (collecting data at multiple positions and orientations), the system adapts to the actual mounting conditions and generates accurate calibration information without requiring predetermined geometry specifications.
2Measurement precision
If predetermined bicycle geometry information is required for sensor calibration, then measurement accuracy is improved, but adaptability decreases as the system cannot be easily applied to different bicycle models
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system is self-adapting and automatically adjusts to the specific bicycle model it is calibrated for. By performing the calibration routine on the actual bicycle, the sensor system learns the unique geometric characteristics of that specific bicycle model, enabling accurate measurements without requiring pre-programmed model-specific parameters. This makes the system universally applicable across different bicycle models.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a preliminary calibration routine before actual measurement operations. During this preliminary calibration phase, the sensor collects and processes data to determine the specific geometric relationships for the given bicycle model. This preliminary action prepares the calibration parameters in advance, allowing accurate measurements to be taken immediately afterward without requiring predetermined geometry information for each bicycle model.
3Stability of the object's composition
If sensors are mounted in fixed positions with specific orientations, then measurement consistency is improved, but ease of operation decreases as installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system dynamically adapts to the sensor's actual mounting position and orientation rather than requiring a fixed, predetermined configuration. The calibration routine collects data while the sensor is positioned in its final mounting location, and the system automatically adjusts the calibration parameters to match the actual sensor orientation. This dynamic adaptation maintains measurement consistency while eliminating the need for precise, fixed mounting procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system automatically determines its own correct orientation and position parameters through the calibration routine, eliminating the need for manual alignment or precise pre-positioning during installation. The self-calibration process compensates for any variations in mounting position, making the installation process simple and flexible while maintaining measurement stability and consistency.
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 monitoring of rear wheel and suspension characteristics without needing predetermined bicycle geometry, facilitating optimal suspension adjustments and performance improvements across different bicycle models.
Implementation Method 1
using a magnetometer to sense angular displacement
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for generating, using first sensor data from an angle sensor coupled to a bicycle, first angle data representing an extended state of a rear suspension of the bicycle, generating, using second sensor data from the angle sensor, second angle data representing a compressed state of the rear suspension, generating, using the first angle data and the second angle data, calibration data representing a direction of rotation detected by the angle sensor, and a flag regarding whether the angle sensor has detected rotation past a checkpoint, and generating performance data based on the calibration data and third sensor data from the angle sensor.