Pedal Rotation Rate Detection via Acceleration Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotation rate detecting technologies for bicycles require a large number of components, including magnets and sensors, and consume significant power, making them inefficient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A rotation rate detecting apparatus utilizing an acceleration sensor to calculate the pedal rotation rate based on sensor information, reducing the number of required parts and power consumption by leveraging the acceleration sensor already present in mobile devices or wearable technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a magnet and magnetic sensor are used to detect pedal rotation, then rotation rate detection is achieved, but the number of parts increases and power consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotation detection function from a dedicated magnetic sensing system and relocates it to the existing acceleration sensor system. By taking out the rotation detection capability from the mechanical/magnetic domain and implementing it through acceleration data processing, the system eliminates the need for separate magnets and magnetic sensors, reducing part count while maintaining detection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The acceleration sensor, originally designed for motion detection, is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both acceleration measurement and rotation rate detection. Through signal processing algorithms that analyze acceleration patterns during pedaling cycles, the single sensor achieves dual functionality, eliminating the need for dedicated rotation sensing components
2Measurement precision
If an angular velocity sensor is used to detect pedal rotation, then rotation rate detection is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the angular velocity sensor system with an acceleration-based detection system. By substituting direct angular velocity measurement with indirect calculation from acceleration data, the system achieves the same rotational information with lower power consumption, as acceleration sensors consume less energy than dedicated angular velocity sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The acceleration sensor serves itself by processing its own output data to derive rotation rate information. The system uses the acceleration sensor's native output signals, processes them through algorithms that identify pedaling cycle characteristics, and generates rotation rate data without requiring additional sensing components or excessive power input
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 efficient detection of pedal rotation rate with a minimal number of components and reduced power usage, enhancing usability and reducing the risk of theft or prank by allowing easy detachment from the bike.
Implementation Method 1
sensor information of an acceleration sensor in association with movement of a riding apparatus having a pedal rotating by pedaling operation of a user or the user
Data Source
AI summary
A rotation rate detecting apparatus that includes a rotation rate calculating unit configured to calculate a rotation rate of a pedal in a riding apparatus having the pedal rotating by pedaling operation of a user, based on sensor information of an acceleration sensor. The rotation rate calculating unit calculates a rotation rate based on information corresponding to acceleration in a traveling direction of the riding apparatus or a roll direction with respect to the traveling direction in association with movement of the user or the riding apparatus.