bocarider
04-16-2009, 03:50 PM
Integrated Power Meter in an Upcoming Iteration of Dura Ace?
I spotted a post about this on the google wattage forum. Shimano recently patented a bottom bracket torque sensor (a strain gauge which is what drives Power Taps, SRMs, Quarks and used to drive Ergomos).
Relevant quotes from the patent summary:
Recently, bicycles have been provided with cycle computers to inform the rider of various traveling conditions of the bicycle.
Bicycles are sometimes equipped with a torque sensor (e.g., a torque-detecting device) for detecting torque acting on an axle.
One object of the present invention is to provide a cylindrical torsion-detecting sleeve member and a torque sensor wherein the range of torque detection can be varied in relation to the applied torque.
You can see the whole thing here:
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7516677.html?query=PN%2F7516677+OR+7516677&stemming=on
Having your power meter integrated into the gruppo would be a nice feature.
I spotted a post about this on the google wattage forum. Shimano recently patented a bottom bracket torque sensor (a strain gauge which is what drives Power Taps, SRMs, Quarks and used to drive Ergomos).
Relevant quotes from the patent summary:
Recently, bicycles have been provided with cycle computers to inform the rider of various traveling conditions of the bicycle.
Bicycles are sometimes equipped with a torque sensor (e.g., a torque-detecting device) for detecting torque acting on an axle.
One object of the present invention is to provide a cylindrical torsion-detecting sleeve member and a torque sensor wherein the range of torque detection can be varied in relation to the applied torque.
You can see the whole thing here:
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7516677.html?query=PN%2F7516677+OR+7516677&stemming=on
Having your power meter integrated into the gruppo would be a nice feature.