Pedal Light Modules With Auto Color Switching and Motion Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pedal-mounted bicycle lights lack position and motion sensing capabilities, resulting in limited forward illumination and cumbersome operation, making them ineffective for enhancing cyclist visibility and safety at night.
Innovation Solution
The automated bicycle lighting system incorporates LED-based light modules with position and motion sensing capabilities, automatically adjusting light output and color based on the module's orientation and the bicycle's motion, ensuring optimal visibility and energy conservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If LED lights are mounted on bicycle pedals without position sensing, then the structure is simple, but the lights cannot automatically determine orientation and require manual positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The light module automatically detects its own position (forward or rearward facing) using an accelerometer sensor, eliminating the need for manual positioning by the cyclist. The system serves itself by autonomously determining orientation and selecting the appropriate LED color based on detected position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an electronic sensing system. An accelerometer sensor detects the direction of gravity to determine whether the light module is facing forward or rearward, substituting the need for manual mechanical orientation adjustment.
2Illumination intensity
If pedal lights provide continuous illumination, then visibility is improved, but battery power is consumed rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The light module uses motion sensing to activate illumination only when needed - specifically, when the bicycle is in motion or when motion is detected after a period of inactivity. The system enters sleep mode during stationary periods and activates upon detecting motion, creating a periodic on-off pattern that conserves energy while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The accelerometer continuously monitors bicycle motion and provides feedback to the control circuit, which adjusts LED operation accordingly. When motion is detected, the system activates the appropriate colored LED; when motion stops, the system turns off the lights after a predetermined time period, optimizing energy usage based on real-time conditions.
3Ease of operation
If motion sensing is implemented, then automatic operation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light module automatically activates and deactivates based on motion detection without requiring manual intervention. The accelerometer and control circuit work together to autonomously determine when the bicycle is in motion and adjust lighting accordingly, making the system self-operating.
4Illumination intensity
If narrow beam LED lights are used, then energy consumption is reduced, but forward illumination and projection are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs different colored LEDs (white and red) positioned to provide different lighting functions. White LEDs provide broad-spectrum illumination for forward visibility and road illumination, while red LEDs provide rearward visibility. This local differentiation of light properties optimizes both illumination quality and energy efficiency for different directional needs.
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 enhanced forward and rearward illumination, automatically adjusting light output and color to improve cyclist visibility and safety, while conserving battery power through intelligent motion sensing and automatic operation.
Implementation Method 1
The processor determines whether the light module is forward or rearward facing by receiving input from an installation configuration sensor, which in the exemplary embodiment is a Hall effect sensor
Implementation Method 2
The processor determines whether the light module is forward or rearward facing by receiving input from an installation configuration sensor, which in the exemplary embodiment is a Hall effect sensor
Implementation Method 3
the light modules' ability to sense whether they are at rest or moving, which corresponds to the bicycle on which they are mounted being at rest or moving, allows the modules to adjust LED power output
Implementation Method 4
LED based light modules
Data Source
AI summary
An automated bicycle lighting system comprising light modules that contain sensors and a processor which enable the color and/or flash state of the emitted light to be changed depending upon the physical orientation of the modules is provided. The sensors and processor also allow the operating state of the light modules to be adjusted depending upon whether movement of the light modules is sensed. The modules are used in combination with pedals configured to removably receive the modules and/or with an auxiliary mount that provides for mounting the modules to other components of a bicycle, such as, for example, handlebars, seat-posts, frame tubes, helmets and/or a rider's clothing.