Magnetic Force Sensor for Skiing Power Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of commercially available power measurement devices for skiing that allow easy installation on skis, and existing force sensors for skiing are cumbersome and add weight, which is critical for professional athletes.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic force sensor system comprising magnetic elements, magnetic field sensors, and flexible elements that measure force or torque by monitoring magnetic field changes, allowing precise power measurement with wireless data streaming and robustness against external disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional force sensors are used for skiing power measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but weight increases and installation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical force sensors with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Magnetic elements are embedded in the flexible sole material, and magnetic sensors detect the magnetic field changes caused by sole deformation during skiing. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy mechanical sensors while maintaining measurement capability, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and weight.
2Measurement precision
If magnetic sensors are used to measure force, then measurement precision is improved, but sensitivity to external magnetic disturbances increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric arrangement of magnetic sensors relative to the magnetic elements. The magnetic sensors are positioned at specific locations that are not symmetrically equivalent, which allows the system to detect the unique magnetic field signature generated by sole deformation. This asymmetric configuration enables differentiation between deformation-induced field changes and external magnetic disturbances, improving measurement accuracy while reducing susceptibility to interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a processor that analyzes magnetic field data from multiple sensors and applies calibration algorithms. The processor compares measured magnetic field changes against pre-stored calibration data that accounts for environmental magnetic conditions. This feedback mechanism allows the system to compensate for external magnetic disturbances and maintain accurate force measurements despite the presence of interference.
3Weight of moving object
If flexible material with embedded magnetic elements is used, then sensor weight is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates magnetic elements during the manufacturing process of the flexible sole material itself, rather than adding them as separate components afterward. The magnetic elements are embedded into the flexible material matrix during molding or fabrication, which automatically positions them according to the mold design. This preliminary action during manufacturing eliminates the need for subsequent precise positioning operations and reduces manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the magnetic element positioning function with the flexible sole material structure. The magnetic elements are integrated directly into the flexible material, forming a unified component where the flexible material serves both as the structural element and as the positioning medium for the magnetic elements. This merging eliminates the need for separate positioning mechanisms and reduces manufacturing precision requirements.
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 system provides accurate and lightweight power measurement for skiing, enabling improved performance monitoring and feedback without the bulk of traditional sensors, while being cost-effective and resistant to environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
one or more magnetic elements which exhibits a magnetic field; one or more magnetic sensors which can measure magnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
flexible material which is located between the one or more magnetic elements and the one or more magnetic sensors so that the one or more magnetic elements are moveable with respect to the one or more magnetic sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
According to the present invention there is provided a force sensor for measuring a force magnitude, and being suitable for use in sports equipment, the force sensor comprising, one or more magnetic elements which exhibits a magnetic field; one or more magnetic sensors which can measure magnetic field; flexible material which is located between the one or more magnetic elements one or more magnetic sensors so that the one or more magnetic elements are moveable with respect to the one or more magnetic sensors; a processor which can receive a value representative of magnetic field measured by a magnetic sensor, and to determine the distance which a magnetic element has moved with respect to the magnetic sensor based on said value representative of magnetic field and to determine the magnitude of force based on said determined distance. There is further provided a cycling cleat having one or more of the force sensors, and a corresponding method for determining force using the force sensor.