Bicycle Frame-Mounted Pedal Cadence Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of human-powered transportation vehicles need a data collection system that is both safe and discrete to prevent theft, while also providing valuable data for personal and commercial purposes.
Innovation Solution
An activity tracker that can be securely attached to a bicycle using standardized mounting holes or zip ties, featuring a removable battery pack for easy recharging and environmental sealing, and integrated pedal cadence sensors to detect rider activity, allowing data transmission via Bluetooth or cellular networks without drawing attention to the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a data collection system is mounted on a bicycle to track activity and routes, then valuable data for personal and commercial purposes is obtained, but the device may draw extra attention to the vehicle increasing theft risk
Solution Approach 1:
The activity tracker is designed to perform multiple functions: GPS tracking, activity monitoring, and secure data collection. By consolidating these functions into a single device that can be securely mounted on the bicycle frame, the system reduces the number of separate components that could draw attention, while maintaining comprehensive data collection capabilities for both personal and commercial use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a secure mounting system as an intermediary between the activity tracker and the bicycle. This mounting mechanism allows the device to be firmly attached to the bicycle frame in a discrete location, enabling data collection without the device being visibly prominent or easily removable, thus reducing theft risk while maintaining functionality
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a discrete device is used to reduce theft risk, then safety is improved, but data collection and transmission capabilities may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The activity tracker employs wireless communication technologies (Bluetooth, cellular networks) to replace physical data transfer methods. This allows the device to maintain a compact, discrete form factor that can be securely mounted on the bicycle without requiring large antennas or external communication hardware, thereby preserving both theft prevention and data transmission capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes wireless electromagnetic dimensions for data transmission instead of physical connections. By transmitting data through airwaves via integrated wireless modules, the system eliminates the need for bulky external antennas or cables, allowing the device to remain small and discreet while maintaining full data collection and transmission functionality
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the activity tracker is securely attached to the bicycle frame, then device security is improved, but ease of removal for charging or maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The activity tracker is designed with a modular architecture where the battery pack can be independently removed from the main device body. This segmentation allows users to access and recharge the battery without removing the entire activity tracker from its secure mounting on the bicycle frame, thus maintaining both device security and operational convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates dynamic elements that allow for quick release and reattachment of the device. The secure mounting mechanism can be rapidly engaged or disengaged with simple actions, enabling users to remove the device for maintenance or reattach it quickly, balancing security with ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
An activity tracker includes a device that includes a sensor component, a radio, and a mounting member. The sensor component is configured to obtain bicycle route information based on information from one or more sensors. The sensor component detects pedal proximity and calculates a pedal rotation speed based on data provided by an integrated pedal cadence sensor. The radio is configured to wirelessly communicate the bicycle route information to a remote computing device. The mounting members are for mounting the device to a bicycle frame.