Saddle Sensor Assembly for Rider Load and Posture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing human-powered vehicles lack effective systems to reliably detect and respond to a rider's load and condition, such as posture and fatigue, for adaptive adjustments and control of vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
A saddle sensor assembly with movable parts and sensors that detect relative movement between components, allowing for the detection of a rider's load and condition, and a control system that adjusts vehicle components accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is added to detect rider load and posture, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is divided into multiple functional parts: a first part that receives load from the rider, a second part that is fixed to the saddle or seatpost, and a sensor that detects relative movement between these parts. This segmentation allows each component to have a specific function while working together to achieve accurate load detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The first part is configured to be movable relative to the second part in response to rider load. This dynamic movement allows the sensor to detect changes in load and posture by measuring the relative position between the two parts, transforming a static structure into a dynamic sensing system.
2Measurement precision
If the first part is made movable to detect load, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability may worsen due to additional moving components
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing function is extracted from the saddle structure itself and placed into a separate, dedicated sensor assembly. This allows the sensor to detect posture and load without requiring the entire saddle to be complex or prone to failure, isolating the sensing mechanism from the structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The first part acts as an intermediary between the rider's body and the sensor. It translates physical load and posture into measurable relative movement between the first and second parts, providing a reliable mechanical coupling that enhances detection accuracy while maintaining system stability.
3Ease of operation
If the sensor assembly is integrated into the saddle, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is merged with the saddle structure, with the first part positioned on the saddle and the second part fixed to the saddle or seatpost. This integration allows the sensor to automatically detect rider conditions and trigger adjustments without requiring separate, standalone sensing devices, simplifying the overall system while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly serves multiple functions: it detects rider load, determines rider posture, and provides data for automatic adjustment of saddle position and other vehicle settings. This multi-functionality consolidates several operations into a single integrated system, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through functional consolidation.
Data Source
AI summary
A saddle sensor assembly is provided to a saddle or seatpost. The saddle sensor assembly includes a first part, a second part, a third part and a sensor. The first part is configured to receive a load from a rider, and moves due to the load applied by the rider. The second part is provided closer to a seatpost than the first part. The first part is movable relative to the second part between a first position and a second position. The third part supports the first part and the second part. The third part is attached to at least one of the saddle and the seatpost. The sensor is provided to one of the first part and the second part. The sensor is configured to detect relative movement of at least one of the first part and the second part between the first position and the second position.