Gauge-Type Bicycle Computer with Analog Indicators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycle computers with digital displays face challenges in power efficiency and legibility, especially for real-time, mission-critical data, as they require constant power and can be distracting for cyclists due to numerical representations, and mechanical speedometers introduce mechanical friction.
Innovation Solution
A gauge-type bicycle computer with analog-mechanical indicators powered by stepper motors, embedded RF antennas for optimal RF performance, and adaptive power management to extend battery life, allowing for clear, spatial representation of data like velocity, distance, and ascent without constant power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If digital displays (LCD, OLED) are used to represent data numerically, then the device can show rapidly changing information, but the display requires constant power supply and increases overall power usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs bi-stable E Ink display technology that updates information periodically rather than continuously. The display only changes state when data needs to be updated, maintaining its state without power during intervals, thus reducing power consumption while still providing rapid data representation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The E Ink display utilizes phase transition properties of electrochromic materials that can maintain their visual state without continuous energy input. The display transitions between different ink states (colored/bleached) and maintains these states passively, enabling rapid information display without constant power supply.
2Reliability
If mechanical linkages and couplings are used to articulate mechanical indicators for true gauge-type display, then the display provides authentic gauge-type representation, but mechanical friction must be overcome by the cyclist's pedaling effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkages and couplings with magnetic field-based actuation. Magnets mounted on the rear wheel interact with corresponding magnets in the indicator mechanism, eliminating the need for direct mechanical connection to the drivetrain. This substitution maintains authentic gauge-type visual representation while eliminating mechanical friction losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the wheel rotation and the indicator movement. Instead of direct mechanical coupling, the magnetic interaction serves as a mediator that transfers rotational information to the gauge indicators without requiring physical contact, thus eliminating friction while maintaining display authenticity.
3Device complexity
If digital displays are used to represent data, then the device can interface with digital microcontrollers, but the numerical representation can be distracting and increase cognitive load for cyclists
Solution Approach 1:
The E Ink display utilizes color changes in the electrochromic ink to represent different data states and alert conditions. Different colors indicate different information types or alert levels, providing intuitive visual cues that reduce cognitive processing requirements compared to numerical displays, while maintaining full digital interface capabilities.
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 provides improved legibility, reduced cognitive load, and extended battery life by using analog-mechanical indicators and adaptive power management, optimizing RF performance and minimizing mechanical friction.
Implementation Method 1
a first indicator hand mechanically affixed to a stepper motor
Implementation Method 2
In communication with the microcontroller is a barometric pressure sensor
Implementation Method 3
In communication with the microcontroller is a global positioning system (GPS) receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A cycling gage assembly comprises a housing, a dial gauge face, a first antenna, a second antenna, a motor assembly a printed circuit board and a battery. The housing has a rotating bezel, a transparent cover, and a rear cover. The transparent cover structured to fit within the rotating bezel. The rotating bezel structured to fit at least partially over the rear cover. The dial gauge face has a top and a bottom and structured behind the transparent cover the dial gauge face having a first slot and a second slot, the slot. The first antenna has a portion coupled with the first slot of the dial gauge face and a portion along a bottom of the dial gauge face. The second antenna has a portion coupled with the second slot of the dial gauge face and a portion along a bottom of the dial gauge face. The motor assembly coupled with the dial gauge face. The printed circuit has a microcontroller, a Bluetooth circuit and a global positioning system (GPS) circuit. The microcontroller coupled to drive the motor assembly. The Bluetooth circuit coupled with the first antenna and the GPS circuit coupled with the second antenna. The battery is coupled with the printed circuit board to provide power to the printed circuit board.