If you were creating a bike exercise machine, how would you electronically track the movement of the legs while pedaling?
To electronically track the movement of the legs while pedaling on a bike exercise machine, you would need to implement a system that can measure the rotation of the pedals. There are several approaches you can take to accomplish this:
1. Magnetic Sensors: One common method is to use magnetic sensors. You can attach a small magnet to the pedal crankarm, and position the sensors near the magnet's path. As the pedal rotates, the magnet passes by the sensors, generating a signal. By measuring the frequency of these signals, you can calculate the rotation speed and track the movement of the legs.
2. Optical Encoders: Another approach is to use optical encoders. These systems typically consist of a light source and a light sensor positioned across from each other. As the pedal rotates, it interrupts the light path, creating a series of pulses. By measuring the time between these pulses, you can determine the rotation speed and track the leg movement.
3. Hall Effect Sensors: Hall effect sensors can also be used to track pedal movement. These sensors detect changes in magnetic fields. You can attach a magnet to the pedal crank and position the Hall effect sensor nearby. As the pedal rotates, the magnet creates a magnetic field which is detected by the sensor, allowing you to track the leg movement.
Once you have a system in place to track the rotation of the pedals, you can use this data to calculate various workout metrics such as distance traveled, speed, cadence (pedal rotations per minute), and calories burned. This information can then be displayed on a screen or stored for analysis.