Flywheel Torque Measurement via Tangential Reaction Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power meters for flywheel bicycles lack accurate and cost-effective methods to measure torque and power, as they rely on strain gauges and wireless transmission technologies, which are expensive and not suitable for indoor cycling training devices, and fail to account for the tangential direction of the flywheel's reaction force, leading to inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that measure the reaction force of a flywheel's resistance mechanism using a horizontal sliding mechanism to ensure tangential direction alignment with a force sensor, calculating torque and power without wireless transmission, applicable to both contact and non-contact resistance mechanisms, and suitable for sports and medical rehabilitation equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain gauges and wireless transmission technology are used to measure torque and power, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional strain gauge-based mechanical measurement system with a magnetic field-based measurement system. Specifically, it uses the relationship between magnetic field strength, current, and torque to calculate torque and power without physical contact, thereby eliminating the need for expensive strain gauges and wireless transmission components while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a mathematical model that copies the torque measurement function through magnetic field analysis. By measuring the magnetic field generated by the motor during operation and using calibrated relationships, the system reproduces torque and power data without requiring actual torque sensors, thus achieving accurate measurement at low cost
2Device complexity
If pre-built comparison tables are used for torque and power reference, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to non-linear power-rotation speed relations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static pre-built comparison tables with a dynamic magnetic field-based measurement system. By continuously measuring the magnetic field strength during operation and calculating torque and power in real-time based on the relationship between magnetic field, current, and rotational speed, the system adapts to non-linear relationships and provides accurate measurements without relying on simplified reference tables
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static reference data to dynamic real-time measurement. The system continuously monitors magnetic field changes during flywheel operation and calculates torque and power based on actual operating conditions, allowing the measurement to adapt to varying speeds, loads, and non-linear relationships rather than relying on fixed pre-built tables
3Device complexity
If the resistance mechanism does not move along the tangential direction of the flywheel, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to angular component forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment mechanisms with a magnetic field-based measurement approach. By measuring the magnetic field generated by the motor during rotation, the system determines torque and power without requiring physical contact or precise tangential alignment of resistance mechanisms, thereby eliminating complex alignment requirements while maintaining high measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the magnetic field as an intermediary between the flywheel and the measurement system. Instead of requiring direct mechanical contact and precise alignment between the resistance mechanism and flywheel, the magnetic field serves as a mediator that transfers information about torque and power to the sensors, eliminating the need for complex mechanical alignment
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 approach allows for accurate calculation of torque and power by measuring the reaction force in the tangential direction, reducing production costs and making power meters more accessible for sports and medical rehabilitation equipment, providing accurate data on energy consumption and torque.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the reaction force of a resistance force exerted by the resistance mechanism on the flywheel
Implementation Method 2
a horizontal sliding mechanism that ensures the resistance mechanism moves translationally in the tangential direction of the flywheel
Implementation Method 3
whether it is a contact-frictional resistance or a non-contact magnetic resistance
Implementation Method 4
whether it is a contact-frictional resistance or a non-contact magnetic resistance
Implementation Method 5
calculating a torque of a shaft of the flywheel with the calculated resistance force
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for measuring a tangential reaction force of a resistance device on a flywheel, and the reaction force multiply the radius of the flywheel to obtain a torque, such that the torque multiply a gear ratio is the torque to overcome the resistance of flywheel on the drivetrain. The torque to overcome the resistance of flywheel on the drivetrain adding a torque to overcome the inertia of the flywheel and mechanical friction under the state of no resistance is the total torque presented on the drivetrain. Such that using the total torque to calculate power and energy consumption.