Bicycle Pedal Strain Gauge Mounting for Precision Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic measurement systems for bicycles are hindered by large substrates that occupy space in the pedal-pin, leading to reduced precision and increased costs, as they indirectly measure pedal deformation and require external component placement.
Innovation Solution
The integration of highly flexible, thin sheet-like strain gauges directly fixed to the internal surface of the pedal-pin using an adhesive layer, eliminating the need for a rigid substrate and allowing for more space to accommodate other electronic components within the pedal-pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid substrate is used to support strain gauges and electronic components, then the structural stability is improved, but the space available in the pedal-pin is reduced and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid substrates with flexible thin films to support strain gauges. This allows the sensing element to conform directly to the pedal-pin surface without introducing rigid interference, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining structural stability through the flexibility of the film material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the rigid substrate from the system entirely, eliminating it as a separate component. Instead, strain gauges are mounted directly on flexible carriers or the pedal-pin surface, removing the source of measurement interference and freeing up space within the pedal-pin for other electronic components.
2Reliability
If a large substrate is used to house electronic components, then the reliability of component mounting is improved, but the space for other electronic devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electronic components into separate functional modules that can be independently mounted on the pedal-pin. This allows each component to be positioned optimally within the available space, eliminating the need for a single large substrate and enabling better space utilization while maintaining reliable mounting for each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar mounting on a large substrate to three-dimensional spatial arrangement of components within the pedal-pin volume. By utilizing vertical space and multiple mounting surfaces, the system accommodates all electronic components without requiring a large single-plane substrate, thereby preserving measurement precision and freeing up internal space.
3Ease of manufacture
If strain gauges are mounted on a substrate, then the ease of installation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to indirect measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate substrate between the strain gauges and the pedal-pin. Strain gauges are mounted directly on the pedal-pin surface or on extremely thin flexible carriers that transmit deformation directly to the sensing elements, eliminating the decoupling effect of rigid substrates and enabling direct measurement of pedal-pin deformation for improved precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric mounting configurations where strain gauges are positioned and oriented specifically to maximize sensitivity to the dominant deformation modes of the pedal-pin. This asymmetric arrangement, combined with direct mounting, optimizes the gauge factor and measurement precision while maintaining ease of installation through standardized gauge patterns.
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
This configuration reduces space occupation, enhances measurement precision, and allows for a self-contained electronic measurement system within the pedal-pin, including a battery and printed circuit board, without external components.
Implementation Method 1
The strain gauges are fixed to the internal surface of the pedal-pin by means of an adhesive material-based fixing layer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~6
AI summary
A pedal (1) for bicycles comprising a pedal-pin (2), which extends along a reference axis (A), and a pedal-body (5), which is coupled to the pedal-pin (2) in a rotary free manner. An internal chamber (11) is obtained in the pedal- pin (2) and has an internal surface, which extends along the reference axis (A) approximately coaxial to the latter. The pedal further comprises strain gauges (8), which are configured to detect electrical parameters indicative of the mechanical deformation of the pedal-pin (2), and an electronic circuit (9), which is configured to determine, based on the electrical parameters, the mechanical deformation of the pedal-pin (2). The strain gauges (8) are rigidly fixed on the internal surface (12) of the internal chamber (11) by means of a thin fixing layer of adhesive material.