Wearable Cadence Sensor via Body Motion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cycling cadence measurement devices require attachment to a bike, limiting their mobility and usability for cyclists with multiple bikes, as they are cumbersome and only functional on a single bike.
Innovation Solution
A wrist- or arm-worn device equipped with a motion sensor, such as an accelerometer or gyroscope, that detects movement to calculate cadence through motion signals, potentially combined with optical sensors for improved accuracy and heart rate monitoring, allowing cadence determination without being attached to the bike.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cadence measuring device is attached to the bike, then the cadence measurement is accurate, but the device lacks mobility and can only be used on one bike
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical attachment system (magnet on crank, sensor on frame) with a wearable electronic device containing motion sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope) that detects pedaling motion through body movement, eliminating the need for mechanical bike attachment while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the cyclist's body (wrist or arm) as an intermediary carrier for the measurement device, using body motion during pedaling as a proxy for direct crank measurement, thereby enabling portable yet accurate cadence detection
2Measurement precision
If a cadence measuring device is attached to the bike, then the cadence can be measured, but the attachment process is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the cumbersome mechanical attachment process entirely by replacing it with a simple wearable device that relies on body motion detection, transforming a complex installation procedure into a simple wear-based operation
3Measurement precision
If cyclists with multiple bikes each get a dedicated cadence device, then each bike has accurate measurement, but the cost and number of devices increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal measurement device that can be used across multiple bikes by any cyclist, as the wearable nature and body-motion-based detection method are independent of specific bike characteristics, allowing one device to serve multiple purposes and users
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 mobile cadence measurement on any bike, reducing the need for multiple devices and providing comprehensive cycling data, including heart rate and environmental parameters, with real-time display and storage capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A wrist- or arm-worn device equipped with a motion sensor, such as an accelerometer or gyroscope, that detects movement to calculate cadence through motion signals
Implementation Method 2
potentially combined with optical sensors for improved accuracy and heart rate monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (100) for measuring a cycling cadence, a method (500) of operating a device (100) for measuring a cycling cadence, and a cycling cadence computer program. The device (100) comprises a motion sensor (such as, e.g., an accelerometer) for detecting a movement of the device (100) and for generating a motion signal (x, y, z) corresponding to the movement; a cadence determination unit (300) for determining cycling cadence based on the motion signal (x, y, z). The device (100) can be worn on the cyclist's wrist or arm (110). The motion sensor in the device is able to pick up the tiny movements of the arm or wrist that correspond to the cadence. Optionally, an algorithm is applied that can derive the cadence from a noisy signal.