Bicycle Pedal Angle Sensor for Accurate Force Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle measurement technologies fail to accurately calculate the angle relationship between the pedal plane and the ground surface, leading to inaccurate pedaling force calculation and increased risk of sports injuries and reduced riding efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device for a bicycle pedal plane angle, comprising a pedal body pivotally connected to a mandrel, an angle sensing unit, and a central processing unit (CPU), which senses and analyzes the angle data relative to a reference plane to provide accurate pedaling motion information and alert riders to correct their posture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only angular position of the pedal crank arm is measured, then the measurement device is simple, but the pedaling force calculation is inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new measurement dimension by adding the pedal plane angle sensor. Instead of only measuring the angular position of the pedal crank arm (one dimension), the system now measures both the crank arm angle and the pedal plane angle relative to the ground surface (two dimensions). This dimensional expansion enables accurate calculation of the effective tangential force component by considering the relationship between pedal orientation and ground surface, thereby resolving the inaccuracy in pedaling force calculation while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
2Device complexity
If the pedal plane angle is not measured, then the measurement device is simple, but sports injuries occur and riding efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by measuring the pedal plane angle and using it to calculate the effective tangential force component. The system provides real-time feedback to the rider about their pedaling technique, enabling them to adjust their posture and force application. This feedback loop prevents sports injuries by alerting riders to incorrect pedaling angles and improves riding efficiency by optimizing force application, while the addition of only one sensor keeps the device structure relatively simple.
3Device complexity
If only crank arm angle is measured, then the device structure is simple, but the effective pedaling force cannot be truly calculated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the pedal plane angle as an intermediary measurement parameter. By measuring the angle between the pedal plane and the ground surface, the system creates a reference frame that allows accurate calculation of the tangential force component. This intermediary measurement bridges the gap between the simple crank arm angle measurement and the complex three-dimensional force analysis, enabling true calculation of effective pedaling force without requiring complex multi-sensor configurations.
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 calculation of pedaling force and reduces sports injuries by ensuring correct pedaling angles, enhancing riding efficiency through real-time feedback and data analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an angle sensing unit (20), which senses an angle of the pedal body (10) to send an angle sensing signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A measuring device for a pedal plane angle of a bicycle includes a pedal body (10), an angle sensing unit (20) and a central processing unit (CPU) (30). The angle sensing unit (20) is disposed in an accommodating chamber (11) of the pedal body (10), and senses an angle of the pedal body (10) to send an angle sensing signal. The CPU (30) analyzes the angle sensing signal to obtain angle data of the pedal body (10) relative to an angle of a reference plane to accordingly learn an angle relationship between the pedal body (10) and the reference plane. The angle relationship may coordinate with other sensing units, for example, data of a pedaling force sensing unit to mutually correct and analyze the data, so as to obtain correct pedaling force information. With the angle data, whether a pedaling angle of a rider is correct can be learned to prevent sports injuries caused by incorrect pedaling angles.