Power Pedal Strain Sensor Integration for Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power meters installed on pedals or cranks increase pedal volume, are prone to damage from collisions, and require destructive battery replacement, affecting riding comfort and service life.
Innovation Solution
A power pedal design featuring a shaft with a strain sensing module and a power sensor with a processing unit and wireless transmission, housed in a compact shell with a replaceable battery, minimizing volume and risk of damage, while allowing non-destructive battery replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the conventional power meter is installed on the pedal body, then the power measurement function is achieved, but the volume of the pedal body increases greatly affecting riding comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The power meter is extracted from the pedal body and integrated into the crank instead. The strain gauge is installed on the crank arm or crank arm holder, and the power measurement components are positioned in the crank assembly, separating the measurement function from the pedal body to reduce its volume while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power meter components are nested within the crank structure. The strain gauge is mounted on the crank arm or crank arm holder, and the processing units are integrated into the crank assembly, allowing the power measurement system to be contained within the existing crank volume without adding significant external dimensions.
2Reliability
If the conventional power meter is installed on the crank, then the power measurement function is achieved, but the device is easy to be damaged due to external collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The power meter components installed on the crank are protected by protective structures such as protective covers or housings that cushion against external collisions. The strain gauge and electronic components are positioned within the protected space of the crank assembly, shielded from direct impact by the crank's structural design.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a lithium battery is used to power the conventional power meter, then the power supply function is achieved, but the battery replacement requires destructive dismantling affecting service life
Solution Approach 1:
The power meter is designed as a modular system where the battery compartment is separated from the main crank structure. The battery can be accessed and replaced by removing a protective cover or access panel without dismantling the entire crank assembly, allowing non-destructive battery replacement and extending the overall service life of the power meter.
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 solution reduces pedal volume, enhances riding comfort, and extends service life by providing a compact, collision-resistant power measurement system with convenient battery replacement, improving the accuracy and durability of power data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
the connection section including a strain sensing module
Data Source
AI summary
A power pedal is provided, including: a shaft, including a first end configured to be assembled to a bicycle crank, a second end and a connection section connected between the first end and the second end, the connection section including a strain sensing module; a pedal body, connected to the second end; a power sensor, including a processing module and a shell member, the processing module being disposed on an outer circumferential wall of the connection section, the processing module including a processing unit and a wireless transmission unit electrically connected to each other, the processing unit being electrically connected to the strain sensing module, the shell member being disposed on the connection section and encompassing the processing module, the shell member including a receiving room, the receiving room being configured to receive a battery which is replaceable and electrically connected to the processing unit.