Bicycle Handlebar Power Meter for Total Body Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle power meters primarily measure power output from the legs, failing to account for the contributions of the entire body, leading to inaccurate performance monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle power meter system comprising strain gauges on the handlebar or stem, connected to a signal processing unit and processor, which calculates and outputs comprehensive power, torque, stress, and strain values, enabling detection of power exerted on the handlebar and monitoring of handlebar fatigue and service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the power meter is installed on the pedal or crank to measure leg power, then the measurement of leg power output is accurate, but the measurement of total body power output is incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The power meter system is designed to measure power from multiple body parts simultaneously. By installing strain gauges on both the pedal/crank (for leg power) and the handlebar (for upper body power), the system achieves multi-functionality in measuring total body power output during cycling exercises.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement locations into a unified power meter system. The leg power measurement from the pedal/crank and upper body power measurement from the handlebar are merged and processed together to provide comprehensive total body power output data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the strain gauge is disposed on the handlebar to detect upper body power, then the comprehensive power measurement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power measurement function is segmented into separate measurement points: one for leg power (pedal/crank) and another for upper body power (handlebar). Each segment has its own strain gauge and signal processing path, allowing independent measurement and easier troubleshooting while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a signal processing unit as an intermediary that receives signals from multiple strain gauges (on pedal/crank and handlebar), processes these signals, and calculates the total power output. This intermediary component simplifies the integration of multiple measurement points without requiring complex direct connections between all components.
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
Enhances riding performance by providing comprehensive power output data and allowing for accurate estimation of handlebar fatigue and service life, facilitating improved training and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one strain gauge is disposed on an outer peripheral wall of the handlebar, on an inner peripheral wall of the handlebar, or on both the outer peripheral wall and the inner peripheral wall of the handlebar. The signal processing unit is connected to the at least one strain gauge by signal, wherein the signal processing unit correspondingly outputs an electrical signal based on a deformation of the handlebar detected by the at least one strain gauge.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle power meter includes a strain gauge, a signal processing unit, a processor, and a signal transmitter. The strain gauge is disposed on at least one of an outer peripheral wall and an inner peripheral wall of a handlebar of a bicycle. The signal processing unit connected to the strain gauge by signal correspondingly outputs an electrical signal based on a deformation of the handlebar detected by the strain gauge. The processor connected to the signal processing unit by signal receives the electrical signal sent by the signal processing unit and calculates a measuring value based on the electrical signal and sends the measuring value in an output signal. The signal transmitter connected to the processor by signal receives the output signal sent by the processor and converts the output signal to a wired or wireless signal and sends the wired or wireless signal to a terminal device.