Sensor Insoles for Real-Time Cycling Power Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of devices that can accurately measure power exerted by a cyclist while riding a bicycle without modifying the bicycle or installing sensors on its components, and existing sensor systems for foot force monitoring are primarily focused on rehabilitation rather than performance metrics.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising sensor insoles with force sensors and an accelerometer that transmit data to a portable electronic device for calculating power and other performance metrics, such as cadence and average power, without requiring any changes to the bicycle, allowing real-time feedback for improved cycling performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain gauges and sensors are mounted on bicycle components (pedals, crank arms, chains, hubs), then power measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power measurement function from the bicycle components and relocates it to the cyclist's footwear. By placing force sensors in the shoe instead of mounting them on pedals or crank arms, the system eliminates the need for complex installation on bicycle components while maintaining the ability to measure power output through foot force analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach by using the shoe as a mediator between the cyclist's foot and the power measurement system. The force sensors in the shoe indirectly measure power output by detecting foot forces during pedalation, eliminating the need for direct sensor mounting on bicycle components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing foot force sensor devices are used for rehabilitation purposes, then measurement capability is provided, but the system lacks performance monitoring functionality for cycling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a shoe-mounted sensor system that serves both rehabilitation monitoring and cycling performance measurement. The same force sensors and processing system can analyze foot forces for rehab purposes while simultaneously calculating cycling metrics such as power output, cadence, and pedal force distribution, eliminating the need for separate specialized systems.
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 accurate and real-time monitoring of cycling performance metrics, providing cyclists with data to optimize their speed and endurance without altering the bicycle, and assisting in training and rehabilitation by offering detailed feedback on force distribution and movement analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The substrate layer has a plurality of force sensors... receiving the data from the force sensors to determine a force exerted by the person again the pedals
Implementation Method 2
an accelerometer... receiving the data from the accelerometer regarding movement of the sensor insoles
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system and method for monitoring power exerted by a person riding a bicycle has a pair of sensor insoles and a portable electronic device. The sensor insoles each have a plurality of force sensors, an accelerometer, and a transmitter for transmitting data from the plurality of force sensors and the accelerometer. A power measurement program operably installed in the computer memory of the portable electronic device receives the data and calculates power and other outputs based upon the data received.