Self-generating exercise bicycle

By combining a damping training module and a thermoelectric power generation unit on the exercise bike, the efficient conversion of mechanical energy and thermal energy is achieved, solving the problem of low power generation efficiency in existing exercise bikes and improving energy acquisition capabilities and user experience.

CN224252026UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-19ZHEJIANG YULU ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
View PDF 1 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
ZHEJIANG YULU ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-05-20
Publication Date
2026-05-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing power generation methods of exercise bikes are inefficient, and energy is lost during the heating process, resulting in low energy recovery efficiency.

Method used

The system combines a damping training module and a thermoelectric power generation unit. The mechanical energy generated by the damping mechanism is converted into electrical energy, and the Seebeck effect is used to convert thermal energy into electrical energy. The system combines a kinetic generator and a thermoelectric power generation unit to achieve efficient energy conversion and store the energy in the energy storage module.

Benefits of technology

It improves the power generation efficiency of exercise bikes, achieves efficient conversion of kinetic and thermal energy, enhances energy acquisition capabilities and usage flexibility, supports wireless charging, extends battery life, and improves device reliability and user experience.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN224252026U_ABST
    Figure CN224252026U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of fitness equipment, and particularly relates to a self-generating exercise bicycle. A self-generating exercise bicycle comprises a bicycle frame; the damping training module comprises at least one wheel body rotatably arranged on the frame, the at least one wheel body is configured to be treaded and driven by an exerciser, the at least one wheel body is provided with a damping mechanism to apply mechanical resistance to the exerciser, and the surface of the wheel body matched with the damping mechanism is provided with a heat conduction area; the self-generating module comprises a kinetic energy generator which is in transmission connection with the wheel body and converts the rotation kinetic energy of the wheel body into electric energy; the thermoelectric power generation units are attached to the heat conduction area, the hot ends of the thermoelectric power generation units make contact with the surface of the wheel body, the cold ends of the thermoelectric power generation units are exposed in ambient air, and the thermoelectric power generation units convert the heat energy difference between the wheel body and the environment into electric energy; and the energy storage module is electrically connected with the kinetic energy generator and the thermoelectric power generation unit and stores electric energy of the kinetic energy generator and the thermoelectric power generation unit. The power generation device has the advantage of higher power generation efficiency.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of fitness equipment technology, and in particular relates to a self-generating exercise bike. Background Technology

[0002] In modern life, as people pay more and more attention to fitness, exercise bikes are being used more and more. Exercise bikes integrate audio-visual systems, electronic resistance control systems, etc., and require electricity, so they are equipped with batteries for power supply.

[0003] For example, Chinese patent application number 202410417696.1 discloses a self-generating fitness equipment, which is equipped with an active plate, a load plate and a generator. When the exerciser steps on the active plate, the active plate drives the load plate and the generator to rotate, so that the exercise bike generates electricity while the user is exercising.

[0004] Currently, existing exercise bikes all use a similar power generation method as described above, but this method has low power generation efficiency, and a large portion of the energy is lost as heat. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, a self-generating exercise bike with higher power generation efficiency is proposed.

[0006] This utility model is achieved using the following technical solution: a self-generating exercise bike, comprising:

[0007] Frame;

[0008] The damping training module includes at least one wheel rotatably mounted on the frame, the at least one wheel being configured for pedaling drive by an exerciser, the at least one wheel being equipped with a damping mechanism to apply mechanical resistance to the exerciser, and the surface of the wheel with the damping mechanism having a heat conduction area.

[0009] The self-generating module includes: a kinetic energy generator, which is connected to the wheel body to convert the rotational kinetic energy of the wheel body into electrical energy; and several thermoelectric power generation units, which are attached to the heat conduction area, with their hot ends in contact with the surface of the wheel body and their cold ends exposed to the ambient air, and the thermoelectric power generation units convert the thermal energy difference between the wheel body and the environment into electrical energy.

[0010] The energy storage module is electrically connected to the kinetic energy generator and the thermoelectric power generation unit, and stores the electrical energy of both.

[0011] During use, the user pedals the wheels to exercise. As the wheels rotate, they drive a kinetic energy generator to produce electricity, which is stored in an energy storage module. The wheels, equipped with a damping mechanism, generate heat during rotation, causing the temperature of the thermoelectric generator units in the heat conduction area to rise. This creates a stability difference with the environment, resulting in the directional movement of electrons, which then output electrical energy. The electrical energy from the thermoelectric generator units is also stored in the energy storage module.

[0012] Among them, the thermoelectric power generation unit realizes the conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy based on the Seebeck effect.

[0013] The wheel can be one, directly connected to the foot pedal and the resistance mechanism; or it can be two, one being a drive wheel connected to the foot pedal and the other being a load wheel equipped with the resistance mechanism, with the load wheel and drive wheel connected by a transmission.

[0014] The resistance mechanism can be either a magnetic damping mechanism or a friction plate mechanism.

[0015] This solution converts the mechanical energy (rotational kinetic energy of the wheels) generated by the user's movement into electrical energy in real time through an efficient transmission path, ensuring rapid response and stability of the basic power output. Addressing the heat energy (friction / eddy current heat dissipation) inevitably generated during the operation of the resistance system, the thermal gradient response characteristics of the thermoelectric power generation unit are utilized to convert this previously wasted heat energy into usable electrical energy, filling the gaps in the energy recovery chain. This results in higher overall power generation efficiency for the exercise bike.

[0016] Preferably, the damping training module includes two wheels, namely a drive wheel and a load wheel. The drive wheel has foot pedals on both sides for the exerciser to step on. The load wheel is equipped with a damping mechanism and the surface of its wheel body is provided with the heat conduction area. A speed transmission assembly is connected between the drive wheel and the load wheel, and the speed transmission assembly makes the rotational speed of the load wheel greater than that of the drive wheel.

[0017] By configuring a drive wheel and a load wheel, and connecting them via a speed-changing transmission assembly, the load wheel rotates at a higher speed than the drive wheel. This faster load wheel speed generates more heat, thus improving power generation efficiency. The speed-changing transmission assembly can be any existing type, consisting of a speed-changing pulley and a drive belt or chain.

[0018] Preferably, the transmission assembly includes a gearshift wheel and a transmission belt or chain. The gearshift wheel is fixed to and coaxially arranged with the load wheel. The diameter of the gearshift wheel is smaller than the diameter of the drive wheel. The gearshift wheel and the drive wheel are connected by the transmission belt or chain.

[0019] By making the diameter of the gearshift wheel smaller than that of the drive wheel, and fixing and coaxially aligning the gearshift wheel with the load wheel, the load wheel can rotate faster.

[0020] Preferably, the gearbox and the kinetic engine are also connected via the transmission belt or transmission chain.

[0021] The faster rotation speed of the gearbox allows the kinetic energy engine to rotate at a faster speed, thereby increasing the rotation speed of the kinetic energy generator.

[0022] Preferably, the thermoelectric power generation unit includes a thermoelectric power generation block attached to the heat conduction area and an electronic slip ring fixed coaxially with the load wheel. The electronic slip ring is connected to the thermoelectric power generation block by a wire and is electrically connected to the energy storage module.

[0023] The electronic slip ring, which includes the rotor and stator, acts as a wire harness. When the load wheel rotates, the electronic slip ring rotates with it, achieving rotational connection. This avoids wire tangling and thus transmits electrical energy to the energy storage module.

[0024] Preferably, the thermoelectric power generation block includes a heat sink exposed to ambient air, the heat sink being made of a high-efficiency heat dissipation material and having a finned structure.

[0025] By installing heat sinks, and using heat sinks made of high-efficiency heat dissipation materials with fin structures, heat dissipation efficiency can be improved, thereby ensuring that the thermoelectric power generation unit has a large temperature difference.

[0026] Preferably, the exercise bike also includes a control module and a wireless charging module. The control module is used to monitor and control the operation of the entire exercise bike. The wireless charging module is connected to the energy storage module and controlled by the control module. The wireless charging module includes a wireless charging area. When the control module detects that the electronic device is located in the wireless charging area, it automatically starts the wireless charging module to wirelessly transmit the electrical energy in the energy storage module to the electronic device.

[0027] The entire exercise bike is monitored and controlled by the control module, and the wireless charging module can wirelessly charge electronic devices without the need for external wires, making it more convenient.

[0028] Preferably, the control module includes:

[0029] The energy control unit is used to collect the output voltage / current of the self-generating module, the state of charge and temperature parameters of the energy storage module, and the working status of the wireless charging module in real time; and dynamically allocate the self-generated power to the energy storage module for buffer storage or to the wireless charging module for direct output according to the state of charge of the energy storage module and the priority weight of the wireless charging module.

[0030] The power regulation unit, based on the operating parameters of the self-generating module, generates control commands through a dynamic power point tracking algorithm to regulate the output power of the self-generating module, thereby achieving maximum power point tracking;

[0031] The human-machine interaction unit includes a local interaction channel and a remote interaction channel; the local interaction channel includes an adjustment panel located on the control console, used to display the power of the energy storage module and receive resistance adjustment commands and motion target parameters input by the user; the remote interaction channel exchanges system status data with the terminal device through a wireless communication protocol and receives external control commands to adjust the energy supply strategy.

[0032] The above-described modules are used to monitor and control the operation of the entire exercise bike. The adjustment panel can be any existing push-button, touch-sensitive, or rotary control panel. The energy control unit can be any existing processor, such as an MCU or SoC. The power regulation unit can employ PWM technology, compatible with MPPT and other control strategies. The remote interaction channel can support all wireless protocols such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, as well as multi-terminal interaction methods such as apps and web interfaces.

[0033] Preferably, the energy storage module includes an energy management system and a battery. The energy management system is electrically connected to the kinetic generator and the thermoelectric generator unit, respectively, and is used to rectify and regulate the two sources of electrical energy before storing them in the battery. The energy management system also monitors the battery in real time and transmits the data to the control module.

[0034] The power management system rectifies and regulates the voltage of the two power sources. Furthermore, the power management system monitors battery parameters such as charge, voltage, current, and temperature in real time, transmitting this information to the control module. The control module then adjusts the self-generating module and the wireless charging module accordingly based on the battery status.

[0035] Preferably, the upper side of the frame is provided with an armrest and a control console, the control console is located between the two armrests, and the wireless charging area is provided on the control console; the boundary contour of the wireless charging area is adapted to the placement posture of the electronic device.

[0036] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. The use of both kinetic and thermoelectric self-generation methods greatly improves the energy acquisition capability and operational flexibility of the device. 2. By adopting a wireless charging module, it can provide fast and efficient wireless charging services for most wireless charging-enabled electronic devices, with charging power and efficiency superior to similar products, effectively shortening the charging time of electronic devices. 3. By setting up a control module, it can perform real-time monitoring and intelligent control of self-generation, energy storage, and the wireless charging process, ensuring the safe and stable operation of the device, extending battery life, and improving the overall reliability and user experience of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the utility model;

[0038] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the connecting plate after it has been rendered in perspective;

[0039] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A structural diagram of the other side;

[0040] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Another structural diagram from a different perspective;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a thermoelectric power generation unit;

[0042] Reference numerals: 1. Frame; 11. Mounting plate; 12. Handrail; 2. Drive wheel; 21. Foot pedal; 31. Conveyor belt; 32. Gear shifter; 4. Load wheel; 41. Heat transfer area; 5. Kinetic energy generator; 6. Control module; 7. Battery; 81. Thermoelectric generator block; 82. Electronic slip ring; 83. Wire; 9. Wireless charging area; 10. Adjustment panel. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The present invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this embodiment discloses a self-generating exercise bike, including a frame 1. Handrails 12 are provided on the upper side of the frame 1, and a control console is provided between the handrails 12. A drive wheel 2 and a load wheel 4 are rotatably mounted on the frame 1. A vertically extending fixing plate 11 is fixed to the frame 1, located on the axial side of the drive wheel 2 and the load wheel 4. The drive wheel 2 and the load wheel 4 are rotatably connected to the frame 1 via a pivot.

[0045] The drive wheel 2 has foot pedals 21 on both sides for the exerciser to step on. The load wheel 4 is equipped with a damping mechanism, which can be any existing magnetic damping mechanism. A speed-changing transmission assembly is provided between the load wheel 4 and the drive wheel 2. The speed-changing transmission assembly includes a speed-changing wheel 32 and a conveyor belt 31. The conveyor belt 31 is a belt. The speed-changing wheel 32 is fixed to one axial side of the load wheel 4 and rotates together with the load wheel 4. The diameter of the speed-changing wheel 32 is smaller than the diameter of the drive wheel 2. The speed-changing wheel 32 and the drive wheel 2 are connected by the transmission belt 31, so that the load wheel 4 has a faster rotation speed than the drive wheel 2.

[0046] The surface of the load wheel 4 opposite the axial direction of the transmission wheel 32 is a heat conduction area 41. A thermoelectric power generation unit is fixed on the heat conduction area 41. The thermoelectric power generation unit includes a thermoelectric generator block 81, an electronic slip ring 82, and a wire 83 connecting the thermoelectric generator block 81 and the electronic slip ring 82. The hot end of the thermoelectric generator block 81 is attached to the heat conduction area 41, while the cold end is exposed to the ambient air. The cold end is also equipped with a heat sink (not shown in the figure), which is made of a high-efficiency heat dissipation material, such as aluminum or copper, and has a finned structure to further improve the heat dissipation speed of the cold end. The electronic slip ring 82 is located on one axial side of the load wheel 4. When there is a certain temperature difference between the hot and cold ends, electrons will move in a directional manner inside the thermoelectric generator block 81 based on the Seebeck effect, thereby outputting electrical energy. When the hot end temperature is 80°C, the cold end temperature is 25°C, and the temperature difference is 55°C, the thermoelectric power generation unit can generate 30 watts of power output.

[0047] A kinetic energy generator 5 is also installed on the frame 1. The kinetic energy generator 5 is also connected to the transmission wheel 32 via a conveyor belt 31, so that the kinetic energy of the drive wheel 2 is converted into electrical energy by the kinetic energy generator 5. The kinetic energy generator 5 generates electricity using the kinetic energy generated by human movement. The core components of the generator include a permanent magnet and a coil winding. When moving, the generator receives kinetic energy, and the permanent magnet moves within the coil winding, cutting magnetic field lines, thereby generating an induced electromotive force. By optimizing the magnetic circuit design and the number of coil turns, the kinetic energy generator 5 can stably output 100 watts of power at a speed of about 2000 RPM. At the same time, the speed is amplified by the transmission wheel 32, and the small speed is transmitted to the kinetic energy generator 5.

[0048] The frame 1 is equipped with an energy storage module and a control module 6. The energy storage module includes a battery 7 fixed to the frame 1 and an energy management system. The energy management system is electrically connected to the electronic slip ring 82 of the kinetic generator 5 and the thermoelectric generator unit. The energy management system includes a rectifier and filter circuit and a voltage regulator control circuit, which can rectify and regulate the voltage of the two electrical sources before storing them in the battery 7. The battery 7 uses a high-performance lithium-ion battery as the energy storage element, with a battery capacity of 1000-10000mAh and a rated voltage of 3.7-24V.

[0049] The power management system features overcharge protection, over-discharge protection, and short-circuit protection to ensure safe charging and use of the battery. Furthermore, the system monitors battery parameters such as charge, voltage, current, and temperature in real time and transmits this information to the control module 6. The control module 6 then adjusts the self-generating module and wireless charging module accordingly based on the battery status. The power management system can be any existing system capable of monitoring batteries.

[0050] The exercise bike also features a wireless charging module based on the Qi wireless charging standard, using a 20-watt wireless charging transmitting coil.

[0051] The wireless charging module is connected to the battery 7 of the energy storage module and controlled by the control module 6. The wireless charging module includes a wireless charging area 9, which is located on the control panel between the two armrests 12, and the boundary contour of the wireless charging area 9 is adapted to the placement posture of the electronic device. When the control module 6 detects that the electronic device is located within the wireless charging area 9, it automatically activates the wireless charging module to wirelessly transmit the electrical energy in the energy storage module to the electronic device. The wireless charging area 9 is made of a special inductive material, which can effectively improve the transmission efficiency and stability of wireless charging. Within a range of 4-12mm from the transmitting coil, it can provide a stable 20-watt wireless charging power to the electronic device, with a charging efficiency of over 80%.

[0052] The control module 6, with a microcontroller (MCU) as its core, can monitor and control the operation of the entire exercise bike. It includes an energy control unit, a power regulation unit, and a human-machine interaction unit.

[0053] The energy control unit is used to collect in real time the output voltage / current of the self-generating module (kinetic generator 5 and thermoelectric generator block 81), the state of charge and temperature parameters of the energy storage module, and the operating status of the wireless charging module. Based on the state of charge of the energy storage module and the priority weight of the wireless charging module, it dynamically allocates the self-generated energy to the energy storage module for buffer storage or to the wireless charging module for direct output. When the battery power is low and the wireless charging demand is small, the energy control unit prioritizes using the energy generated by the self-generating module to charge the battery to quickly increase its capacity. When the battery power is sufficient and the wireless charging demand is high, the control module allocates more energy to the wireless charging module to meet the charging needs of the electronic devices. Simultaneously, when the output power of the self-generating module is insufficient, the control module can automatically adjust the output power of the wireless charging module to ensure stable operation of the device.

[0054] The power regulation unit, based on the operating parameters of the self-generating module, generates control commands using a dynamic power point tracking algorithm based on PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) technology to adjust the output power of the self-generating module (kinetic generator 5 and thermoelectric generator block 81) to achieve maximum power point tracking. The control module also adjusts the output power of the self-generating module using PWM technology. Based on real-time collected information such as the output voltage, current, and battery charge of the self-generating module, the control module calculates the current operating point of the self-generating module and compares it with the maximum power point. If the current operating point deviates from the maximum power point, the control module adjusts the duty cycle of the PWM signal to change the operating state of the self-generating module, bringing it back to operate near the maximum power point, thereby maximizing the output power of the self-generating module.

[0055] The human-machine interface unit includes a local interaction channel and a remote interaction channel. The local interaction channel includes an adjustment panel 10 located on the control console. The adjustment panel 10 displays the power level of the energy storage module and receives user input of resistance adjustment commands and exercise target parameters. The remote interaction channel exchanges system status data via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or a mobile app, and receives external control commands to adjust the power supply strategy, allowing users to view the exercise bike's working status and power information in real time.

Claims

1. A self-generating exercise bike, characterized in that, include: Frame; The damping training module includes at least one wheel rotatably mounted on the frame, the at least one wheel being configured for pedaling drive by an exerciser, the at least one wheel being equipped with a damping mechanism to apply mechanical resistance to the exerciser, and the surface of the wheel with the damping mechanism having a heat conduction area. The self-generating module includes: a kinetic energy generator, which is connected to the wheel body to convert the rotational kinetic energy of the wheel body into electrical energy; and several thermoelectric power generation units, which are attached to the heat conduction area, with their hot ends in contact with the surface of the wheel body and their cold ends exposed to the ambient air, and the thermoelectric power generation units convert the thermal energy difference between the wheel body and the environment into electrical energy. The energy storage module is electrically connected to the kinetic energy generator and the thermoelectric power generation unit, and stores the electrical energy of both.

2. The self-generating exercise bike according to claim 1, characterized in that: The damping training module includes two wheels, namely a drive wheel and a load wheel. The drive wheel has foot pedals on both sides for the exerciser to step on. The load wheel is equipped with a damping mechanism and the surface of its wheel has the heat conduction area. A speed transmission assembly is connected between the drive wheel and the load wheel, and the speed transmission assembly makes the speed of the load wheel greater than the speed of the drive wheel.

3. The self-generating exercise bike according to claim 2, characterized in that: The speed transmission assembly includes a speed change wheel and a transmission belt or transmission chain. The speed change wheel is fixed to and coaxially arranged with the load wheel. The diameter of the speed change wheel is smaller than the diameter of the drive wheel. The speed change wheel and the drive wheel are connected by the transmission belt or transmission chain.

4. The self-generating exercise bike according to claim 3, characterized in that: The gearbox and the kinetic engine are also connected via the transmission belt or transmission chain.

5. The self-generating exercise bike according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thermoelectric power generation unit includes a thermoelectric power generation block attached to the heat conduction area and an electronic slip ring fixed coaxially with the load wheel. The electronic slip ring is connected to the thermoelectric power generation block by a wire and is electrically connected to the energy storage module.

6. The self-generating exercise bike according to claim 5, characterized in that: The thermoelectric power generation block includes heat sinks exposed to ambient air, the heat sinks being made of high-efficiency heat dissipation material and having a finned structure.

7. The self-generating exercise bike according to claim 1, characterized in that: The exercise bike also includes a control module and a wireless charging module. The control module is used to monitor and control the operation of the entire exercise bike. The wireless charging module is connected to the energy storage module and controlled by the control module. The wireless charging module includes a wireless charging area. When the control module detects that the electronic device is located in the wireless charging area, it automatically starts the wireless charging module to wirelessly transmit the electrical energy in the energy storage module to the electronic device.

8. The self-generating exercise bike according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control module includes: The energy control unit is used to collect the output voltage / current of the self-generating module, the state of charge and temperature parameters of the energy storage module, and the working status of the wireless charging module in real time; and dynamically allocate the self-generated power to the energy storage module for buffer storage or to the wireless charging module for direct output according to the state of charge of the energy storage module and the priority weight of the wireless charging module. The power regulation unit, based on the operating parameters of the self-generating module, generates control commands through a dynamic power point tracking algorithm to regulate the output power of the self-generating module, thereby achieving maximum power point tracking; The human-machine interaction unit includes a local interaction channel and a remote interaction channel; the local interaction channel includes an adjustment panel for displaying the power of the energy storage module and receiving resistance adjustment commands and motion target parameters input by the user; the remote interaction channel exchanges system status data with the terminal device through a wireless communication protocol and receives external control commands to adjust the energy supply strategy.

9. The self-generating exercise bike according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The energy storage module includes an energy management system and a battery. The energy management system is electrically connected to the kinetic generator and the thermoelectric generator, respectively, and is used to rectify and stabilize the two sources of electrical energy before storing them in the battery. The energy management system also monitors the battery in real time and transmits the data to the control module.

10. The self-generating exercise bike according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The upper side of the frame is provided with armrests and a control console, the control console is located between the two armrests, and the wireless charging area is provided on the control console; the boundary contour of the wireless charging area is adapted to the placement posture of the electronic device.