초록 ▼

An instrumentation system for measuring the instantaneous pedal force and power exerted by the rider of a cycle is described. Being small and lightweight, it is intended to be mounted on the cycle and to operate while the cycle is ridden. The pedal crank assembly is modified to provide an elastic su

An instrumentation system for measuring the instantaneous pedal force and power exerted by the rider of a cycle is described. Being small and lightweight, it is intended to be mounted on the cycle and to operate while the cycle is ridden. The pedal crank assembly is modified to provide an elastic support for the chainring assembly, allowing a small relative rotation between pedals and chainrings when force is applied to the pedals. This rotation is a function of the magnitude of the force and is detected by angle detectors, consisting of angle indicators rotating with the pedal crank assembly and stationary sensors mounted on the cycle frame. These angle detectors measure the relative rotation at 25 or more positions distributed around a revolution of the pedal crank assembly. Electrical signals from the sensors are coupled to a microprocessor. The processor compares the signals, computes the applied pedal force and power at each measurement position, and displays and/or stores the results. A procedure is given for individually calibrating each measurement, thereby greatly reducing repetitive errors.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for measuring forces applied to the pedals of a pedal-driven cycle by a rider thereof, comprising: a) a pedal crank assembly comprising: a1) an axle rotatably mounted in the frame of the cycle, having first and second ends; a2) a first pedal crank arm having an end attached to the first

An apparatus for measuring forces applied to the pedals of a pedal-driven cycle by a rider thereof, comprising: a) a pedal crank assembly comprising: a1) an axle rotatably mounted in the frame of the cycle, having first and second ends; a2) a first pedal crank arm having an end attached to the first end of the axle and another end on which is attached a first pedal for exerting a first torsional force on the axle; a3) a second pedal crank arm having an end attached to the second end of the axle and another end on which is attached a second pedal for exerting a second torsional force on the axle; a4) a chainring assembly, comprising at least one chainring located coaxially with the axle; a5) a supporting structure, composed at least partially of elastic material, for supporting the chainring assembly on the axle to rotate therewith, having one surface fixedly attached to the axle and another surface fixedly attached to the chainring assembly, such that coupling the torsional forces from the axle to the supporting structure distorts the elastic material in a known manner, thereby varying the angular position of the chainring assembly relative to the angular position of the axle; b) first angle detecting means for sensing the angular position of the axle and generating a first electrical signal related thereto, comprising: b1) a first angle indicator, coupled with the axle and rotating therewith; b2) a first sensor, mounted on the frame proximate the first angle indicator; c) second angle detecting means for sensing the angular position of the chainring assembly and generating a second electrical signal related thereto, comprising: c1) a second angle indicator, coupled with the chainring assembly and rotating therewith; b2) a second sensor, mounted on the frame proximate the second angle indicator; d) signal processing means, coupled to the first and second electrical signals, for deriving data related to the relative angular positions of the axle and the chainring assembly, and for computing, from these data, the forces applied to the pedals.