A variable load dynamometer (VLD) measures the performance and operating characteristics of a test motor without the use of flywheels to supply the fixed resistance to the test motor. The VLD uses a slave motor coupled to the test motor. Using a software-controlled computer interface, the user can vary the load on the slave motor allowing for evaluation of the test motor under various load conditions. The VLD enables the user to analyze the operating characteristics and performance of the test motor by adjusting the speed of the test motor and the load applied to the test motor by the slave motor. Use of the slave motor coupled to the test motor eliminates the need for flywheels. The VLD's modular and compact design permits the evaluation of small-scale motors.

A power sensing system for bicycles includes a power sensing device and an electronic carrier, wherein the power sensing device includes at least one inertial sensing module, a processing module and a transmission module, such that the inertial sensing module can transfer the digital signal change data measured by the power sensing device installed within the frame or on the surface of the frame of a bicycle to the processing module, and the processing module can calculate data by itself or otherwise transfer the data to the electronic carrier via the transmission module for calculations so as to calculate and analyze the pedaling frequency and the pedaling force during riding and then display and provide the real-time riding information on the electronic carrier.

A power sensing system for bicycles includes a power sensing device and an electronic carrier, wherein the power sensing device includes at least one inertial sensing module, a processing module and a transmission module, such that the inertial sensing module can transfer the digital signal change data measured by the power sensing device installed within the frame or on the surface of the frame of a bicycle to the processing module, and the processing module can calculate data by itself or otherwise transfer the data to the electronic carrier via the transmission module for calculations so as to calculate and analyze the pedaling frequency and the pedaling force during riding and then display and provide the real-time riding information on the electronic carrier.

A power measurement assembly mounted within an axle. In a specific example, the axle is a spindle that is interconnects the cranks of a bicycle, exercise, bicycle, or other fitness equipment. The power measurement assembly may include strain gauges connected with an appropriate circuit (e.g., Wheatstone bridge) that provides an output of the force on the axle by a rider pedaling the crank. In the case of an axle, the strain gauges measure the torsion due to the applied torque on the crank. The value is converted to a power value by a processor and that value is then wirelessly transmitted for display. The processor and/or the transmitter may be mounted within the axle. A separate power measurement assembly may be mounted on one of the cranks, which may include its own processor and transmitter or may take advantage of the processor and transmitter within the axle.

A dynamometer load device applies a load to a dynamometer unit that is connected to a hub of a wheel of a motor vehicle and being movable. The dynamometer load device applies, in conjunction with steering of the motor vehicle, a load to the dynamometer unit turning along with the hub. The load is applied in a direction opposite to a turning direction of the dynamometer unit.

A pedal exercise signal detection device includes a sleeve having an outer circumference having a pressure signal connection device and a pressure detection unit mounted thereon; a first bearing disposed in the sleeve; a stator having a positioning axle having an end formed with a fastening hole; a fastener element fastening the stator and the sleeve together; a pedal having an axle hole into which the sleeve is inserted to be positioned therein and a receiving trough including a through opening corresponding to the pressure signal connection device; and a control circuit board disposed in the receiving trough and including signal reader units that extend through the through opening and corresponding to the pressure signal connection device.

Apparatus and method for monitoring operational performance of an engine, the apparatus comprising a sensor (10) for detecting torsional strain of a shaft (21) of an engine, and the apparatus further comprising a data processor arranged to process signals received from the strain sensor, and the data processor further arranged to compare one or more operational characteristics of the measured torsional strain data with idealised operational data so as to provide a measure of operational performance indicator of the engine.

A power meter for cycling is capable of measuring a positional and/or alignment change of a first measurement location on a rigid component of a human-powered vehicle relative to a second measurement location. Power output by the cyclist during cycling is then calculated based upon the measured positional and/or alignment change. The positional and/or alignment change may be measured using, e.g., a magnet/magnetic-field sensor pair or by a light source/light sensor pair.

A power measurement device, which may be mounted to an inside area of a crank arm, includes processing circuitry within a housing. The processing circuitry is coupled with strain gauges mounted on the crank arm, and produces a power value that is wireless transmitted to a separate display that may receive and display power measurements. The housing may include a mounted portion and a cantilever portion where the mounted portion houses the processing circuitry and the cantilever portion houses batteries supply energy for the processing circuitry and other features.

An information output device that can output the position of a load applied to the pedal is provided. A strain gauge is provided on the inner face of a crank of a bicycle and detects strain occurring in the crank. A cycle computer display unit displays an image showing the center position of the load applied to the pedal connected to the crank based on the tangential force and the torsional torque calculated based on the output values of the first strain gauge to the sixth strain gauge.