Non-Visual Pedaling Balance Feedback via Audio and Haptic Cues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Riders of bicycles need to constantly monitor a display to determine the power balance between their left and right legs while pedaling, which is inconvenient and distracting.
Innovation Solution
A pedaling state detecting apparatus that includes a communication unit and a controller to receive data on pedaling force from both crank arms, providing non-visual notifications such as sound or haptic feedback to indicate the balance without requiring the rider to look at a display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a display device is used to show pedaling state information, then the rider can obtain accurate pedaling balance information, but the rider must visually focus on the display which causes distraction and safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visual display system with non-visual notification systems including sound output devices (speakers) and haptic feedback devices (vibration motors). The controller generates audio signals or vibration patterns that convey pedaling balance information without requiring visual attention, thus eliminating the distraction hazard while preserving information delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sound and haptic feedback as intermediary channels between the pedaling state measurement system and the rider. Instead of directly displaying visual information that requires eye contact, the system uses audio signals and vibration patterns as mediators to transmit the same information through sensory channels that do not compete with road monitoring attention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-visual notifications are implemented, then the rider can receive pedaling information without visual distraction, but the device complexity increases due to additional notification components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the notification system multi-functional by enabling both sound output and haptic feedback through a single controller unit that can selectively activate different notification types. The controller serves multiple functions: measuring pedaling force, processing balance calculations, and driving various notification outputs (audio speaker, vibration motor, or both simultaneously), thereby reducing overall system complexity through functional consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification system is designed to be dynamically configurable, allowing the rider to select between different notification modes (sound only, haptic only, or combined) based on riding conditions and personal preference. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to use simpler notification modes when appropriate while providing comprehensive feedback when needed, optimizing the complexity-benefit ratio.
Data Source
AI summary
A pedaling state detecting apparatus is basically provided with a communication unit and a controller. The communication unit is configured to receive left and right crank arm data relating to a pedaling force applied to left and right crank arms. The controller is configured to output a non-visual notification command indicative of a left-right crank arm balance based on the left and right crank arm data received from the communication unit.