DEVELOPMENT OF A TRIAXIAL FORCE PLATFORM FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF FORCE AT A BICYCLE PEDAL

Abstract

The main purpose of this work is to present the methodology used to develop a triaxial force platform for the use at a pedal bicycle; this platform is based on the flexion of beams where strain gages are bonded for the measurements of force components FX, FY and FZ, as well as the force moments MX and MY. The theoretical analysis of this force platform was realized by the Finite Element method, with the simulation of 384 combinations of static loads (force and moments) at different directions. Deformation data numerically obtained is related to the position were sensors will be placed. Output signals obtained were numerically organized and graphically analyzed, in order to show the mathematical relation between force and strain, which is used to generate a "calibration matrix", free of mechanical coupling which usually appears in multiaxis systems. At last, a test was made, simulating an input load, and the output signal obtained was practically equal.