Rowing machine metric measurment assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rowing machine (10). The rowing machine (10) comprises a first support member (120), a second support member (125), an axle (130) with an end movably coupled to the second support member (125), a pulley (110)5 configured to rotate about the axle (130), and a line (140). The line (140) is configured to be pulled in a pulling motion during a rowing stroke, which exerts a force on the pulley (110) thereby moving the movably coupled end of the axle (130) relative to the second support member (125). The rowing machine further comprises a load cell (160) that contacts the end of the axle (130) such that the movement of the end of the axle is 10 measured by the load cell (160) and the force exerted on the pulley (110) by the pulling motion of the rowing stroke is determined.

Description

[0001] ROWING MACHINE METRIC MEASURMENT ASSEMBLY

[0002] Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a rowing machine. In particular, the present invention relates to a rowing machine comprising a load cell configured to determine a force exerted by a rowing stroke of said rowing machine.

[0004] Background

[0005] Rowing machines are commonly used to simulate the action of rowing through water for the purpose of exercise or for rowing training. Rowing machines often comprise a line, such as a belt or cable, coupled to a pulley or series of pulleys that allow the line to be pulled and released in a rowing stroke motion. This allows a user of the rowing machine to pull and release the line, for example, via a handle coupled to the line, whilst the rowing machine itself remains stationary, thereby imitating a rowing action.

[0006] Athletes using rowing machines to train, as well as any other users using rowing machines, commonly require metrics of their rowing strokes. Measuring and providing metrics to the user allows them to gain feedback on their rowing stroke performance. This may be in order to improve or change their rowing stroke based on the metrics measured. One common metric measured by rowing machines are the forces of the rowing stroke, this being the forces exerted by the user in pulling the line away from the pulley in the rowing stroke motion. Accurately and precisely measuring the force of a rowing stroke on a rowing machine is difficult, and many rowing machines currently used by rowers do not accurately measure the force exerted during the rowing stroke.

[0007] Current techniques include using methods of approximating the force of the rowing stroke. Load cells may also be used by current rowing machines to determine the forces exerted. However, the way that the load cells are implemented within the rowing machines can also be inaccurate and is known to cause the load cells to experience less sensitivity, especially at lower forces. Many current machines experience drop out zones at low forces, where the force during a rowing stroke is too small to be measured by the load cell. As the market in smart connected fitness equipment grows, the demand for more accurate and reliable measurements of user metrics increases, especially in rowing machines where it is critical for the rower to be able to track their rowing strokes. The present invention set outs to alleviate these problems relating to rowing machines, and to ensure that a user’s metrics are more accurately and reliably measured.

[0008] Summary of Invention

[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a rowing machine comprising: a first support member and a second support member; an axle positioned between the first support member and the second support member, wherein a first end of the axle is fixed to the first support member and a second end of the axle is movably coupled to the second support member; a pulley configured to receive and rotate about the axle; a line coupled to the pulley and configured to be pulled in a pulling motion during a rowing stroke to exert a force on the pulley, thereby causing the movably coupled second end of the axle to move relative to the second support member; a load cell positioned between the pulley and the second support member, wherein the load cell contacts the second end of the axle such that the movement of the second end of the axle relative to the second support member exerts a force onto the load cell, wherein the load cell is configured to measure the force exerted by the movement of the second end of the axle relative to the second support member to thereby determine the force exerted on the pulley by the pulling motion of the rowing stroke.

[0010] This enables the rowing machine to measure the force exerted onto the pulley during a rowing stroke. In this way, the load cell is offset from the pulley such that the force of the movement of the axle is amplified by measuring said movement at the end of the axle. Measuring the force offset to the pulley increases the accuracy and sensitivity of the load cell, as the force applied to the axle will be larger at the ends of the axle and therefore more easily measurable. The present solution further reduces the drop out zone of low forces experienced by current rowing machines, as the sensitivity of the load cell is increased.

[0011] The pulley is configured to receive the axle, such that the axle intersects the centre of the pulley and acts as a central axis for the pulley to rotate about. The second end of the axle is movable in a direction within a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the axle. Preferably, the pulley may comprise a groove configured to receive the line, and wherein the line abuts a surface formed by the groove such that movement of the line causes the pulley to rotate about the axle. In this way, the line is coupled to the pulley by being received in a groove on an outer surface of the pulley. The line abuts the surface of the groove, such that the friction between the line and the surface of the groove causes the pulley to move with the line and given as the pulley receives the axle and is configured to rotate about the axle, the movement of the line causes the pulley to rotate .

[0012] Preferably, the pulley may comprise: a first outer side facing the first support member; and a second outer side facing the second support member, such that the pulley is positioned between the first support member and the second support member, and wherein the load cell is positioned between the second outer side of the pulley and the second support member.

[0013] In this way, the load cell, which is measuring the force exerted by the movement of the second end of the axle, is positioned outside the pulley and between the second support member and the pulley at the end of the axle (i.e., the second end of the axle). Therefore, as a force is applied to the axle by the pulling motion, the movement of the bend of the axle is measured at the end of the axle and outside of the pulley. This allows for the load cell to take advantage of the lever moment across the axle, which causes the force exerted on the axle (at the point in which the pulley is positioned) to increase along the length of the axle. This allows the load cell to more accurately measure the force exerted on said load cell, as well as increasing the sensitivity of the load cell to lower forces and smaller changes in the forces exerted.

[0014] Preferably, the rowing machine may further comprise: a force calculation module configured to determine the force exerted on the pulley, by the pulling motion of the rowing stroke, from the force measured by the load cell based on a calibration measurement.

[0015] In this way, the force applied to the pulley by the pulling motion of the rowing stroke is determined from the force of the movement of the second end of the axle measured by the load cell through using one or more calibration measurements. This allows for the force of the pulling motion to be easily and efficiently calculated from the force measured by the load cell without having to approximate by using equations. This also ensures that the determination of the force of the pulling motion of the rowing stroke is accurate to each specific load cell and rowing machine, as each load cell may be calibrated with one or more calibration measurements.

[0016] Preferably, the calibration measurement may comprise: exerting a predetermined force on the pulley; measuring, with the load cell, a resulting force exerted on the load cell due to the movement of the second end of the axle relative to the second support member caused by the predetermined force exerted on the pulley; and comparing the resulting force measured by the load cell to the predetermined force exerted on the pulley to calibrate the load cell.

[0017] Advantageously, this allows for the force measured by the load cell to be calibrated based on the comparison between one or more predetermined forces exerted on the pulley and one or more resulting forces measured by the load cell. This ensures that the force calculation module is accurate in determining the force of the pulling motion from the force measured by the load cell. The predetermined forces are exerted on the pulley by pulling the line to apply the one or more forces to the pulley of one or more predetermined amounts.

[0018] Preferably, a predetermined load may be coupled to the line to exert the predetermined force on the pulley. This allows for the predetermined force to be applied to the pulley. The load may be one or more weights of a predetermined size coupled to the line, to then measure the force exerted on the load cell in order to perform the calibration measurement. This ensures that the predetermined force applied to the pulley is accurately known and thus that the calibration measurement is accurately performed.

[0019] Preferably, the rowing machine may further comprise: a handle coupled to the line, configured to be held by a user of the rowing machine during the rowing stroke, such that the force exerted on the pulley is exerted by the user pulling the handle in the pulling motion. In this way, a user of the rowing machine may complete the pulling motion of the rowing stroke by pulling the handle away from the pulley. The user therefore exerts a force onto the pulley by pulling the handle, coupled to the line, during the rowing stroke, which is then determined based on the force of the movement of the second end of the axle measured by the load cell. Preferably, the handle may be coupled to the line at a first end of the line and the pulley may be coupled to the line between the first end of the line and a second end of the line, and the rowing machine may further comprise: a load coupled to the second end of the line and configured to provide resistance to the pulling motion.

[0020] This provides the user with resistance to their rowing stroke as they pull the line and rotate the pulley. As the line moves and the pulley rotates, the load (i.e., a weight) also increases the force exerted on the pulley by the pulling motion. The load exerts a force onto the pulley as the user pulls the load about the pulley, increasing the force on the pulley and therefore the movement of the second end of the axle and the force measured by the load cell. This allows for the load cell to more easily measure the force of the pulling motion, as the second end of the axle will more easily be moved by the pulling motion due to the additional force of the load being pulled about the pulley.

[0021] Preferably, the load cell may further comprise a strain gauge configured to deform when the force from the movement of the second end of the axle relative to the second support member is exerted onto the load cell, such that the force on the load cell is measured by the deformation of the strain gauge. Advantageously, this allows for the force exerted on the load cell to be accurately measured by using a strain gauge. The force measured by the load cell is determined by the amount the strain gauge deforms, due to the force applied to the load cell by the movement of the second end of the axle onto the load cell.

[0022] Preferably, the load cell may comprise: a first portion fixed to the second support member; and a second portion coupled to the first portion and movable relative to the second support member, wherein the second portion of the load cell comprises a hole configured to receive the second end of the axle.

[0023] In this way, the load cell is coupled to the axle through a hole configured to tightly receive the axle. Preferably, the diameter of the hole is substantially similar to the diameter of the second end of the axle. Advantageously, this provides a way in which the second end of the axle applies the force to the load cell. As the second end of the axle moves and given as the second end of the axle is tightly received within the hole of the load cell, the second portion of the load cell moves with the second end of the axle relative to the fixed first portion. Therefore, the force of the movement of the second end of the axle can be measured by the movement of the second portion of the load cell relative to the first portion of the load cell.

[0024] The hole may be sized such that movement of the second end of the axle causes movement of the second portion of the load cell through an interaction of the second end of the axle and the hole. A diameter of the hole may be substantially similar to a diameter of the second end of the axle, for example the hole in the load cell may have a diameter of 10mm and the axle may have a diameter of 10mm. Or the diameters may be larger or smaller than 10mm.

[0025] Preferably, the hole in the load cell may comprise an inner surface configured to abut an outer circumferential surface of the second end of the axle. This ensures that as the second end of the axle moves relative to the second support member, the second portion, which includes a hole to receive the second end of the axle, moves with the second end of the axle against the fixed first portion.

[0026] Preferably, the load cell may further comprise a strain gauge, wherein the stain gauge is coupled to both the first portion of the load cell and the second portion of the load cell, and wherein the movement, relative to the second support member, of the second end of the axle, exerts the force of the movement of the second end of the axle onto the second portion of the load cell, such that the second portion of the load cell moves with the second end of the axle relative to the fixed first portion of the load cell thereby deforming the strain gauge.

[0027] In this way, the force of the movement of the second end of the axle can be accurately measured based on the deformation of the strain gauge. The second end of the axle moves the second portion of the load cell in which it is received, such that the second portion of the load cell is moved or bent with respect to the fixed first portion, so that the strain gauge coupled to both first and second portions is deformed.

[0028] Preferably, the second support member may comprise: a slot orientated perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the axle and configured to receive the second end of the axle, wherein a longitudinal length of the slot is larger than a diameter of the second end of the axle such that the second end of the axle is movable within the slot along the longitudinal length of the slot.

[0029] Advantageously, the slot in the second support member receives the second end of the axle so that as the second end of the axle is moved due to the force of the pulling motion, it may only move within the slot. This prevents the axle from excessive movement during the rowing stroke as well as preventing the second end of the axle from breaking or being removed from the second support member if a failure of the axle were to occur under the force from the pulley.

[0030] Preferably, a transverse length of the slot may be substantially similar to the diameter of the second end of the axle, such that the second end of the axle is only movable along the longitudinal length of the slot. In this way, the second end of the axle may only move along the length of the slot and is tightly received by the transverse length of the slot. This ensures that the second end of the axle may only move backwards and forwards in one direction within the slot, such that movement of the second end of the axle is more controlled under the force on the pulley.

[0031] Preferably, the load cell may comprise a cut-out. This allows for the load cell to be less rigid, compared to a solid load cell without a cut out. Therefore, under the force exerted by the movement of the second end of the axle relative to the second support member, the load cell is more easily bendable, which increases the accuracy of the force measurement of the load cell as well as the sensitivity of the load cell under smaller forces.

[0032] Preferably, an outer side of the pulley may comprise a reflective region, and wherein the rowing machine may further comprise: a light source facing the pulley and configured to emit light towards the outer side of the pulley; and an optical sensor facing the pulley and configured to detect light reflected from the reflective region, wherein the load cell may be configured to determine a number of rotations of the pulley during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke based on the detection of the light by the optical sensor during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke.

[0033] This allows for the load cell to further determine the distance travelled by the line during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke. The light reflected off of the reflective region during rotation of the pulley is detected by the optical sensor such that the number of rotation of the pulley is determined. The distance travelled by the line is then determined based on the number of rotations of the pulley during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke. The outer side of the pulley comprising the reflective region is the same as the second outer side of the pulley facing the load cell and the second support member.

[0034] The reflective region may be one or more reflective strips. In other arrangements, the one or more reflective regions may be any shape provided that light reflected from said shape is detected by the optical sensor. The load cell is configured to determine a number of rotations of the pulley during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke based on the detection of the light by the optical sensor during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke thereby determine a distance travelled by the line during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke.

[0035] Preferably, the rowing machine may further comprise: a distance calculation module configured to calculate a distance travelled by the line during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke based on the number of rotations of the pulley measured during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke, wherein the distance travelled by the line during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke is proportional to the number of rotations of the pulley during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke.

[0036] Advantageously, the distance calculation module can be used to determine the distance travelled by the line during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke. The number of rotations of the pulley is proportional to the distance travelled by the line, such that the number of rotations detected by the load cell is used to determine the distance travelled by the line during the rotations of the pulley caused by the pulling motion of the line.

[0037] Preferably, the rowing machine may further comprise: a timer configured to measure a length of time elapsed during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke. Advantageously, this allows for the load cell to further calculate the time taken for the pulling motion of the rowing stroke, and therefore the time of the force being exerted on the pulley and the distance travelled by the line.

[0038] Preferably, the rowing machine may further comprise: a power calculation module configured to calculate a power exerted during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke based on the force exerted on the pulley by the pulling motion, a distance travelled by the line during the pulling motion and a length of time elapsed during the pulling motion.

[0039] In this way, the load cell calculates the power exerted by the pulling motion of the rowing stroke, such that the power exerted during the rowing stroke can be measured and monitored. The power is calculated based on the determined force of the pulling motion, the distance of the pulling motion (such as determined by the distance calculation module) and the time taken for the pulling motion (such as by the timer) i.e., the time for the line to travel the distance of the pulling motion of rowing stroke.

[0040] Preferably, the power calculation module may be configured to output the power calculation of the pulling motion of the rowing stroke to a user. Advantageously, this allows for the power calculation of the pulling motion to be outputted, such as to a user or third party. The force calculation module may be configured to output the calculation of the force exerted on the pulley by the pulling motion of the rowing stroke. The distance calculation module may be configured to output the calculation of the distance travelled by the line during the pulling motion. The timer may provide be configured to output the length of time of the pulling motion of the rowing stroke measurement. Alternatively, the power calculation module may be configured to output one or more of the force calculation, distance calculation or time measurement.

[0041] One or more of the power calculation, force calculation, distance calculation or time measurement may be provided to a user of the rowing machine or a third party, for instance one or more of the calculations or measurements may be sent to a user device or a third-party device. The power calculation, force calculation, distance calculation or time measurement may be displayed on a display to the user. The display may be integrated into the rowing machine, or it may be an external display. The display may be in communication with one or more of the power calculation module, force calculation module, distance calculation module and timer. The external display may be in communication either by a wired connection such as a USB connection, or a wireless connection such as via Bluetooth.

[0042] Preferably, the load cell may be further configured to measure a force exerted by movement of the second end of the axle relative to the second support member as the line is returned in a return motion to a starting position of the rowing stroke. Advantageously, this allows for the decrease in the force exerted on the load cell to be measured as the force exerted on the pulley is decreased as the line is returned to the first position, and thus the force of the pulling motion is decreased. This allows the load cell to measure the force of the complete rowing stroke, and not only the force of the pulling part of the rowing stroke, but the decrease in force as the rowing stroke returns to the initial position.

[0043] The rowing stroke may comprise the pulling motion and a return motion, the pulling motion comprising the pulling motion of the line from a starting position of the rowing stroke to an extended position of the rowing stroke, and the return motion of the rowing stroke comprising a return of the line from the extended position of the rowing stroke to the starting position of the rowing stroke. During the return motion of the rowing stroke, the original force exerted on the pulley because of the pulling motion of the rowing stroke may be decreased, such that the force exerted by movement of the second end of the axle on the load cell may be decreased.

[0044] Preferably, the rowing machine may further comprise: a force calculation module configured to determine the decrease in the force on the pulley, from the measured decrease of the force on the load cell during the return motion of the rowing stroke based on a calibration measurement.

[0045] In this way, the decrease in the force applied to the pulley by the pulling motion of the rowing stroke is determined from the decrease in the force of the movement of the second end of the axle measured by the load cell through using calibration measurements. This allows for the decrease in the force during the return motion to be easily and efficiently calculated from the decrease in the force measured by the load cell without the need of complicated equations or calculations. This also ensures that the determination of the decrease in the force of the return motion of the rowing stroke is accurate to each load cell and rowing machine, as each load cell may be calibrated with one or more calibration measurements.

[0046] The force calculation module configured to determine the decrease in the force on the pulley may be the same as the force calculation module configured to determine the distance travelled by the line during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke. The calibration measurement may be the same as the calibration measurement used in determining the force of the pulling motion. Alternatively, the calibration measurement may be specifically determined for the return motion of the rowing stroke. The calibration measurement may also be one or more calibration measurements, and these may be the same one or more calibration measurements used in determining the force of the pulling motion or they may be different one or more calibration measurements.

[0047] The decrease in the force exerted on the load cell during the return motion is caused by the second end of the axle moving in a direction opposite to the movement of the second end of the axle during the pulling motion. The decrease in the force exerted on the load cell may further be measured by a decrease in the deformation of the load cell. In the case were a strain gauge is coupled to the load cell, the decrease in the force of the load cell may be measured by the decrease in the deformation of the strain gauge, as the second end of the axle moves.

[0048] The rowing machine may further comprise a distance calculation module configured to determine a distance travelled by the line during the return motion of the rowing stroke, wherein the distance travelled by the line during the return motion of the rowing stroke is the same as the calculated distance travelled by the line during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke.

[0049] This allows for the load cell to further determine the distance travelled by the line during the return motion of the rowing stroke. The light reflected off of the one or more reflective strips during rotation of the pulley as the line is pulled is detected by the optical sensor such that the number of rotation of the pulley during the pulling motion is determined. The distance travelled by the line is then determined based on the number of rotations of the pulley during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke, where the distance travelled during the return motion is the same as the distance travelled during the pulling motion. The distance calculation module may be the same as the distance calculation module configured to determine the distance travelled by the line during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke.

[0050] Preferably, the load cell may further comprise: a timer configured to measure a length of time elapsed during the return motion of the rowing stroke. Advantageously, this allows for the load cell to further calculate the time taken for the return motion of the rowing stroke, and therefore the time taken for the force to decrease during the pulling motion and the distance travelled by the line. The timer may be the same timer as the timer configured to measure a length of time elapsed during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke.

[0051] Preferably, the rowing machine may further comprise: a power calculation module configured to calculate a decrease in power of the rowing stroke due to the return motion of the rowing stroke, wherein the decrease in power is calculated based on a decrease in the first force exerted on the pulley by the return of the line, a distance travelled during the return motion of the rowing stroke and a length of time elapsed during the return motion of the rowing stroke. In this way, the load cell calculates the decrease in power during the return motion of the rowing stroke, such that the power decrease can be measured and monitored.

[0052] The power calculation module may be further configured to output the power calculation of the return motion of the rowing stroke to a user. Advantageously, this allows for the power calculation of the return motion of the rowing stroke to be outputted, such as to a user or third party. The force calculation module may be configured to output the calculation of the decrease in the force exerted on the pulley by the return motion of the rowing stroke. The distance calculation module may be configured to output the calculation of the distance travelled by the line during the return motion. The timer may provide be configured to output the length of time of the return motion of the rowing stroke measurement. Alternatively, the power calculation module may be configured to output one or more of the force calculation, distance calculation or time measurement.

[0053] The user that receives the power calculation of the return motion of the rowing stroke may be the same user as the user that received the calculation of the pulling motion of the rowing stroke. Alternatively, the users may be different users.

[0054] One or more of the power calculation, force calculation, distance calculation or time measurement may be provided to a user of the rowing machine or a third party, for instance one or more of the calculations or measurements may be sent to a user device or a third-party device. The power calculation, force calculation, distance calculation or time measurement may be displayed on a display to the user. The display me be integrated into the rowing machine or it may be an external display. The display may be in communication with one or more of the power calculation module, force calculation module, distance calculation module and timer. The external display may be in communication either by a wired connection such as a USB connection, or a wireless connection such as via Bluetooth.

[0055] Preferably, the line may be any of a belt, cable, chain, or rope. The line may be any connecting means configured to couple to the pulley and be pulled via a pulling motion during a rowing stroke. The line may be configured to be pulled in the pulling motion by a user of the rowing machine.

[0056] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a load cell configured to be positioned to contact an end of an axle and to measure a force exerted by movement of an end of the axle, wherein a line is coupled to a pulley configured to receive the axle such that movement of the line exerts a force on the pulley thereby causing the movement of the end of the axle to be measured by the load cell.

[0057] Description of Figures

[0058] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a rowing machine;

[0059] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a section of the rowing machine of Figure 1 ;

[0060] Figure 3 shows a front view of the section of the rowing machine of Figure 2;

[0061] Figure 4 shows a front view of the section of the rowing machine of Figure 2 without the pulley shown;

[0062] Figure 5 shows a side view of the section of the rowing machine of Figure 2, indicating a view A and without the first and second support members shown;

[0063] Figure 6 shows the side view A, as indicated in Figure 5, of the section of the rowing machine of Figure 2 without the first and second support members shown;

[0064] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an axle and a load cell of the section of the rowing machine of Figure 2; Figure 8 shows a top view of the section of the rowing machine of Figure 2;

[0065] Figure 9a and 9b show a cross sectional view and a perspective view, respectively, of the load cell of the section of the rowing machine of Figure 2; and

[0066] Figure 10 shows a calibration graph used in relation the rowing machine of Figure 2.

[0067] Detailed Description

[0068] Rowing machines are commonly used as an exercise machine to simulate rowing on water. The present disclosure sets out a rowing machine containing a system for accurately and reliably measure metrics of a user’s rowing stroke using the rowing machine. The present disclosure may be used with any type of rowing machine, such as a water-based rowing machine or a flywheel-based rowing machine.

[0069] Figures 1 to 9b show various diagrams of a rowing machine 10 and a section 100 of the rowing machine 10 according to an aspect of the present invention as will be described further below.

[0070] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a rowing machine 10. The rowing machine 10 includes a main body 15. Extending from the main body 15 is section 100 of the rowing machine 10. The rowing machine 10 also includes a movable seat 30 which moves along the length of the main body, and a handle 145. The seat 30 is configured to be sat on by a user of the rowing machine 10 during use of the rowing machine 10, and the handle 145 is configured to be held by the user in order to perform a rowing stroke. The handle 145 is coupled to a belt 140. As the user performs a rowing stroke, the handle 145 pulls the belt 140 away from the section 100, which in turn forces a flywheel to rotate within a chamber 50. The rowing machine 10 also includes a display 70 configured to provide metrics to the user as they are using the rowing machine 10.

[0071] Section 100 of the rowing machine 10 includes a first support member 120, a second support member 125 and a pulley (not shown) therebetween. A load cell 160 is coupled to the second support member 125 and, as will be explained in detail below, is configured to measure a force exerted by the user pulling the handle 145 and the belt 140 during a rowing stroke using the rowing machine 10. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the section 100 of the rowing machine 10. The section 100 as shown in Figure 2 is the same as the section 100 shown in Figure 1. The section 100 of the rowing machine 10 is a section of the rowing machine 10 that houses and supports a pulley 110. The section 100 is an assembly of parts, as described in detail below, fixed to other parts and the main body 15 of the rowing machine, as shown in Figure 1.

[0072] The section 100 of the rowing machine 10 includes the first support member 120 and the second support member 125. The first support member 120 is the same as the first support member 120 shown in Figure 1, and the second support member 125 is the same as the second support member 125 shown in Figure 1. The first and second support members 120, 125 are positioned either side of the pulley 110 (i.e., on opposite sides of the pulley 110 to each other). As shown in Figure 2, the first and second support members 120, 125 are generally rectangular shaped elongated columns, each with a single semi-circular shaped side 121, 126. The pulley 110 is coupled to the first and second support members 120, 125, which provide rigid housing to support the pulley 110 with respect to the main body of the rowing machine 15. The pulley 110 has a first side 114 facing the first support member 120 and a second side 115 facing the second support member 125. The pulley 110 includes a groove 112. The groove 112 extends around the full circumference of the pulley 110. The groove 112 defines a surface 113 of the pulley 110.

[0073] Figure 3 shows a front view of the section 100 of the rowing machine 10. An axle 130 extends between the first support member 120 and the second support member 125, through the pulley 110. Figure 4 shows the same front view of the section 100 of the rowing machine 10 as that shown in Figure 2, but without showing the pulley 110, for clarity purposes. Figure 4 also shows the axle 130.

[0074] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the axle 130 is coupled to the first support member 120 and the second support member 125. The axle 130 is a circular rod. The axle 130 is rigidly fixed to the first support member 120 and is movably coupled to the second support member 125 such that the axle 130 is movable relative to the second support member 125. The axle 130 is fixed to the first support member 120 at a first end 131 of the axle 130. The axle 130 is movably coupled to the second support member 125 at a second end 132 of the axle 130. Attachment mechanism 135 fixes the first end 131 of the axle 130 to the first support member 120. Attachment mechanism 135 includes, for example, a nut configured to receive the first end 131 of the axle 130.

[0075] The second end 132 of the axle 130 is configured to move in a direction within a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 134 of the axle 130. The perpendicular plane to the longitudinal axis 134 is shown in Figure 6 by the axes x and y. Movement is restricted within this plane as the first end 131 of the axle 130 is fixed to the first support member 120, such that the axle 130 cannot move in a direction parallel to its central axis 134.

[0076] The second support member 125 has a slot that receives the second end 132 of the axle 130. The second end 132 of the axle 130 extends into and out from the hole 164 of the load cell 160 and into the slot of the second support member 125. The slot is orientated perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 134 of the axle 130. The slot is also orientated perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the second support member 125, such that the slot is oriented along the axis x shown in Figure 6. The slot has a longitudinal length and a transverse length, where the longitudinal length is larger than the transverse length. The longitudinal length of the slot is defined by two transverse sides of the slot, and the transverse length of the slot is defined by two longitudinal sides of the slot, where the four transverse and longitudinal sides make up the slot cut into the second support member 125.

[0077] The longitudinal length of the slot is sized such that it is larger than a diameter of the axle 130 and the second end 132 of the axle 130 (it is noted that the diameter of the axle 130 is the same along the entire length of the axle 130). This allows for the second end 132 of the axle 130 to move within the slot along the longitudinal length of the slot.

[0078] The transverse length of the slot is substantially similar to the diameter of the second end 132 of the axle 130, such that the second end 132 of the axle 130 is only movable along the longitudinal length of the slot. The second end 132 of the axle 130 may slidably contact the longitudinal sides of the slot. This ensures that the second end 132 of the axle 130 cannot move in a direction between the longitudinal sides of the slot (i.e., along the transverse length of the slot) but is able to move between the transverse sides of the slot (i.e., along the longitudinal length). The slot ensures that if a failure where to occur to the rowing machine, the axle 130 remains coupled to the second support member 125 due to the restricted movement of the second end 132 of the axle 130 within the slot.

[0079] The pulley 110 is positioned on the axle 130 and is configured to rotate about the axle 130. The pulley 110 includes a bore 111 that extends through a centre of the pulley 130. The bore 111 receives the axle 130, so that the pulley 110 can be positioned on the axle 130. The axle 130 therefore intersects the centre of the pulley 110, so that the pulley 130 is able to rotate about the axle 130. The attachment means 135 is further configured to hold the pulley 110 in place in its position on the axle 130.

[0080] Figure 5 shows a side view of the section 100 of the rowing machine 10, but without showing the first support member 120 and the second support member 125, for clarity. The rowing machine 10 further includes the belt 140. The belt 140 is used to rotate the pulley 110 about the axle 130. The belt 140 is a line that couples to the pulley 110. In other arrangements, the belt 140 may instead be a rope, a cable, or a chain, or any other type of line. The belt 140 shown in Figure 5 is the same as the belt 140 shown in Figure 1.

[0081] The groove 112 (shown in Figures 2 and 3) of the pulley 110 receives the belt 140. The belt 140 abuts the surface 113 formed by the groove 112 on the pulley 110. The friction caused by the abutment between the belt 140 and the surface 113 of the groove 112 ensures that as the belt 140 moves, the pulley 110 is rotated about the axle 130. The belt 140 is positioned around the pulley 110, such that a portion of the belt 140 remains in contact with a portion of the surface 113 formed by the groove 112 at all times during use of the rowing machine.

[0082] A rowing stroke performed using the rowing machine includes a pulling motion and a return motion. The pulling motion is the movement of the belt 140 from an initial starting position of the rowing stroke to an extended position of the rowing stroke. A direction 141 of the pulling motion is shown in Figure 5. A user using the rowing machine to row will begin the rowing stroke from the initial stating position by pulling away from the section 100 of the rowing machine. Once the user has reached an extended position (i.e., final position) of the pulling motion, they will return the belt 140 back to the initial starting position, or to another position between the starting and extended position, in order to complete a return motion of the rowing stroke (in the opposite direction to direction 141). Therefore, as the belt 140 is pulled in a pulling motion, the pulley 110 coupled to the belt 140 will be rotated in a first direction 142 about the axle 130, and as the belt 140 is returned in a return motion of the rowing stroke, the pulley 110 will be rotated in an opposite direction to the first direction 142 about the axle 130.

[0083] The rowing machine 10 also includes the handle 145. The handle 145 shown in Figure 4 is the same as the handle 145 shown in Figure 1. The handle 145 is configured to be held by a user as they perform the rowing stroke using the rowing machine. The handle 145 is connected to the belt 140. In this way, as the user performs the pulling motion of the rowing stroke, the handle 145 is pulled such that the belt 140 is also pulled in the direction 141 of the pulling motion, causing the pulley 130 to rotate. As the user performs the return motion of the rowing stroke, the handle 145 is returned in a direction opposite to the direction 141 of the pulling motion, such that the belt 140 is also returned in the direction opposite to the direction 141 of the pulling motion, causing the pulley 130 to rotate.

[0084] As shown in Figure 5, a load 147 is connected to the belt 140. The load 147 provides a resistance to the pulling motion of the belt 140. As the belt 140 is pulled in the pulling motion, the load acts against the belt 140 being pulled around the pulley 110. As shown in Figure 5 the load 147 is a weight connected to the belt 140.

[0085] The handle 145 is coupled to the belt 140 at a first end 146 of the belt 140 and the load 147 is coupled to the belt 140 at a second end 148 of the belt 140. The pulley 110 is coupled to the belt 140, via the abutment between the belt 140 and the surface 113, anywhere on the belt 140 that is between the first end 146 and the second end 147. In this way, the pulley is coupled to the belt 140 between the handle 145 and the weight 147, such that load 147 provides the resistance to the movement of the handle 145 around the pulley 110.

[0086] As the pulling motion of the rowing stroke is carried out by the user of the rowing machine, the belt 140 is pulled and the pulley 110 is rotated. In doing so, a first force 150 is exerted on the pulley 110. The first force 150 from the belt 140 being pulled in the pulling motion is exerted onto the pulley 110. The belt 140 pushes against the surface 113 of the pulley 110 in the direction of the pulling motion. This causes the pulley 110 to move in the direction indicated by arrow 151 into the axle 130 under the first force 150 from the pulling motion, whilst also rotating about the axle 130 in the direction 142.

[0087] As the pulley 110 moves under the first force 150 applied due to the pulling of the belt 140, a second force 151 is exerted onto the axle 130. However, given as the second end 132 of the axle 130 is not fixed to the second support member 125, the second force 151 exerted onto the axle 130 by the movement of the pulley 110 causes the second end 132 of the axle 130 to move. The first end 131 is fixed to the first support member 120, therefore only the movably coupled second end 132 of the axle 130 moves, causing the axle 130 to bend. The movably coupled second end 132 of the axle 130 moves relative to the second support member 125, as the second force 151 is exerted onto the axle 130. The second end 132 of the axle 130 moves, for example, by 0.1mm under the force 151 acting on the axle 130 by the pulley 130.

[0088] The second force 151 applied to the axle 130 during the pulling motion is amplified by the load 147. As the belt 140 is pulled in the direction 141, the load 147 acts against the pulling motion in an opposite direction 149 around the pulley to the direction 141 of the pulling motion. The direction 149 in which the load 147 acts on the line 140 is shown in Figure . As the user pulls the belt 140 against the load 147, a component of the resistance force applied to the belt 140 by the load 147 is exerted onto the pulley 110 and thus the axle 130. This causes the second force 151 applied to the axle 130 to increase, resulting in an increase in the movement of the second end 132 of the axle 130 relative to the second support member 125.

[0089] The second force 151 acting on the axle 130 due to movement of the pulley 110 is caused by the first force 150 exerted by the pulling of the belt 140. In this way, the first force 150 and the second force 151 may be considered the same force. However, a direction in which the belt 140 is pulled and a direction in which the pulley 110 moves into the axle 130 are not necessarily the same direction. Therefore, it would be understood that the second force 151 is a component of the first force 150.

[0090] As a rower uses the rowing machine and performs a rowing stroke, by pulling the belt 140 in a pulling motion, the axle 130 bends and the movably coupled second end 132 of the axle 130 moves relative to the second support member 125. This movement of the second end 132 of the axle 130 exerts a third force 152. The third force 152 is a component of the second force 151 exerted onto the axle 130. From this third force 152, the rowing machine is able to measure the first force 150 exerted onto the pulley 110 during the pulling motion. The rowing machine therefore measures the force metrics of the users rowing stroke as they are rowing on the rowing machine, as will be described in detail below.

[0091] The section 100 of the rowing machine includes the load cell 160 as can be seen in Figures 3 to 5. The load cell 160 shown in Figures 3 to 5 is the same as the load cell 160 shown in Figure 1. The load cell 160 is coupled to the second support member 125 and is positioned between the second support member 125 and the pulley 110. The load cell 160 is positioned on the second support member 125 such that the second end 132 of the axle 130 contacts and abuts against the load cell 160, as will be further described below. The load cell 160 is coupled to the second support member 125 and is positioned between the second outer side 115 of the pulley 110 and the second support member 125.

[0092] As the second end 132 of the axle 130 moves relative to the second support member 125, the load cell 160 is configured to measure the third force 152 exerted by this movement. The load cell 160 deforms and bends under the force 152 exerted by movement of the second end 132 of the axle 130, where the load cell 160 is configured to measure this deformation, and therefore the force 152 exerted.

[0093] Figure 6 shows a more detailed side view A of the section 100 of the rowing machine as indicated in Figure . Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the load cell 160 and the axle 130. Figure 8 shows a top view of the section 100 of the rowing machine. Figures 6 and 7 show the load cell 160 in further detail. Figures 6, 7 and 8 show the forces 150, 151, 152 acting on the pulley 110, the axle 130, and the load cell 160 in further detail.

[0094] The load cell 160 includes attachment means 161, which couple the load cell 160 to the second support member 125. The section 100 of the rowing machine includes two screws as the attachment means 161. As can be seen in Figures 4 to 7, the load cell 160 includes a first portion 162 and a second portion 163. The second portion 163 includes a hole 164 configured to receive the second end 132 of the axle 130. The first portion 162 is fixed to the second support member 125 by the attachment means 161. The second portion 163 which receives the second end 132 of the axle 130 through the hole 164 is not fixed to the second support member 125. The second portion 163 of the load cell

[0095] 160 is free to move relative to the second support member 125. In this way, the second portion 163 of the load cell 160 is able to bend and move against the attachment means

[0096] 161 fixing the first portion 162 of the load cell 160 to the second support member 125.

[0097] Therefore, as the second end 132 of the axle 130 moves under the force 151 on the axle 130 during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke, the second portion 163 of the load cell 160, which receives the axle 130 through the hole 164, moves with the second end 132 of the axle 130 relative to the fixed first portion 162.

[0098] The hole 164 is sized so that the movement of the second end 132 of the axle 130 causes the second portion 163 of the load cell 160 to move, through interaction between the second end 132 of the axle 130 and the hole 164. A diameter of the hole 164 is similar, or substantially similar, to a diameter of the second end 132 of the axle 130 to ensure that as the second end 132 of the axle 130 moves, it abuts an inner surface 165 of the second portion 163 of the load cell 160 formed by the hole 164. The inner surface 165 of the hole 164 abuts an outer circumferential surface of the second end 132 of the axle 130.

[0099] The load cell 160 further includes two strain gauges 170. Each of the two strain gauges 170 are coupled to both the first portion 162 of the load cell 160 and the second portion 163 of the load cell 160. Each of the two strain gauges 170 include a first end 171 that is fixed to the first portion 162 through a screw 173. The strain gauges 170 extend from the first portion 162 to the second portion 163. Each of the two strain gauges 170 include a second end 172 which are glued to the second portion 163 of the load cell 160.

[0100] As the second end 132 of the axle 130 moves relative to the second support member 125 under the force 152 caused by the pulling motion, the second portion 163 of the load cell 160 moves relative to the fixed first portion 162 thereby causing the strain gauges 170 to deform. The second end 172 of each strain gauge 170 on the second portion 163 of the load cell 160 move whilst the first end 171 of each strain gauge 170 on the first portion 162 of the load cell 160 does not move. This causes the strain gauges 170 to bend and deform. The strain gauges 170 are each electrical conductors, such as a series of tightly wound wires, that when deformed or compressed, experience changes in their electrical resistance. As the strain gauges 170 are deformed, they will become narrower and longer, increasing their electrical resistance. However, as the strain gauges 170 are compressed, they become shorter and broader, decreasing their electrical resistance. As the strain gauges 170 are deformed, and / or compressed, the amount of stress induced on the strain gauges 170 can be calculated based on the change in electrical resistance. Therefore, during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke, as the strain gauges 170 are deformed, the force 152 in which caused the deformation is measured, this being the third force 152 exerted by movement of the second end 13 of the axle 130.

[0101] The load cell 160 therefore allows for the force 152 exerted by movement of the second end 132 of the axle i.e., the bend of the axle 130 to be measured. From this measurement of the force 152, the force 150 exerted by the pulling of the belt 140 in the pulling motion is determined by the rowing machine, as described in further detail below.

[0102] The load cell 160 includes one or more capacitors 174, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, connected to each of the strain gauges 170. The capacitors 174 reduce any noise from the circuitry of the strain gauges 170.

[0103] The pulley 110 is located at a central point 133 of the axle 130 as shown in Figure 3. Therefore, the force 151 on the axle 130 due to the movement of the pulley 110 during the pulling motion is exerted on the axle 130 at the central point 133. However, it is at the end 132 of the axle 130 that the load cell 160 is located and the force 152 is measured. In this way, the point in which the load cell 160 measures the force 152 for the movement of the axle 130 is offset from the central point 133 of the axle 130 that receives the force 151. The rowing machine makes use of a lever moment along the length of the axle 130 in order to increase the accuracy and sensitivity of the load cell 160. The force 151 exerted on the centre of the axle 130 is amplified along the longitudinal length of the axle 130. This provides an increased force 152 for the load cell 160 to measure, compared to the force 151 at the central point 133 of the axle 130.

[0104] Therefore, in measuring the movement of the end 132 of the axle 130, rather than the centre point 133, the load cell 160 is able to take advantage of the increased force 152 and measure the force exerted more precisely. Smaller forces will be amplified and therefore more easily measured by the load cell 160. The load cell 160 is also able to measure small changes in the force exerted, that would not be possible, or would be less accurately measured, if the load cell 160 were measuring the force 151 exerted on the axle 130 at the centre of the axle 130.

[0105] The load cell further includes a cut-out 166. The cut-out 166 is an oval shaped hole in the load cell 160. The cut-out 166 decreases the rigidity of the load cell 160. This allows for the load cell 160 to more easily bend and deform, compared to a solid load cell without the cut-out 166. The load cell 160 is made out of metal. Therefore, the cut-out 166 allows the rigid metal material of the load cell 160 to more easily deform under the force 152 from the second end 132 of the axle 130.

[0106] As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 8, the section 100 of the rowing machine further comprises a load cell housing 167. Figures 9a and 9b show the load cell housing 167 in further detail. Figure 9a shows a cross-sectional view of the housing 167 and Figure 9b shows a perspective view of the housing 167. The housing 160 encapsulates the load cell 160, such that an outer surface of the housing 167 is between the second outer side 115 of the pulley 110 and the load cell 160. The housing 167 includes a hole 169 configured to receive the second end 132 of the axle 130, in belt with the hole 164 of the load cell 160 configured to receive the axle 130. The housing 167 further includes an attachment means, such as housing screw 182, to secure the housing 167 to the second support member 125. The housing screw 182 allows for the housing 167 to be removed from the second support member independent of the load cell 160.

[0107] The rowing machine also includes an optical sensor 180. The housing 167 houses the optical sensor 180, as shown in Figure 9b. The optical sensor 180 is used to determine the distance travelled by the belt 140, and the handle 145, during the pulling motion and the return motion of the rowing stroke.

[0108] The pulley 100 includes the second outer side 115 that faces the load cell 160 and the housing 167. The second outer side 115 includes a series of reflective strips. The reflective strips are a series of reflective regions made out of reflective material such as mirrors. The housing 167 further includes a light source 181 configured to emit light towards the second outer side 115 of the pulley 110. As the pulley 110 rotates during the rowing stroke, the optical sensor 180 is configured to detect the light emitted from the light source 181 that is reflected off of the reflective strips. In this way, the optical sensor 180 is used to determine the number of the reflective strips that have rotated past the optical sensor 180, and therefore the number of rotations of the pulley 110 during the pulling motion, and the return motion, of the rowing stroke.

[0109] From the determined number of rotations of the pulley 110, the rowing machine further determines the distance travelled by the belt 140, and therefore the length of the rowing stroke of the user. The distance travelled by the belt 140 coupled to the pulley 110 is proportional to the number of rotations of the pulley 110. The distance travelled by the belt 140 is calculated based on a circumference of the pulley 110 multiplied by the number of rotations measured by the optical sensor 180.

[0110] The pulley 110 rotates in the first direction 142 during the pulling motion, and rotates in the opposite direction, the second direction, during the return motion of the rowing stroke. Therefore, the optical sensor 180 is configured to determine a number of rotations of the pulley 110 in the first direction 142, which corresponds to the distance travelled during the pulling motion, and a number of rotations of the pulley 110 in the second direction, which corresponds to the distance travelled during the return motion.

[0111] The section 100 of the rowing machine comprises a timer. The timer is configured to measure a length of time elapsed during the pulling motion and the return motion of the rowing stroke. The timer measures the time taken for the belt 140 to be pulled from the initial position to the extended position of the rowing stroke, and thus the time taken for the user to pull the belt 140, and the handle 145, in the pulling motion. The timer also measures the time taken for the belt 140 to be returned by the user in the return motion.

[0112] The section 100 of the rowing machine further comprises an electronic chipboard 168, such as a printed circuit board (PCB). The chipboard 168 is housed within the housing 167. The chipboard includes electronic components that provide voltage to each of the load cell 160 and strain gauges 170, the optical sensor 180 and the light source 181. The timer is located on the chipboard 168. The electronic chipboard 168 further includes modules configured to receive data from the strain gauges 167, the optical sensor 180, and the timer. The chipboard 168 includes a force calculation module. The force calculation module receives the signals and measurements from the load cell 160 and calculates the force 152 exerted onto the load cell 160 based on these measurements. For example, the force calculation module 160 may receive the changes in electrical resistance from the deformation of the strain gauges 170, and calculate the strain applied to the strain gauges 170 from said changes in resistance. The force calculation module further calculates the force 150 exerted onto the pulley 110 by the pulling of the belt 140 based on the measured force 152 exerted onto the strain gauges 170, as will be further described below.

[0113] The force calculation module determines the force exerted onto the pulley 110 from the force 152 measured by the load cell 160 based on one or more calibration measurements. Figure 10 shows an example calibration graph 900 used in connection with the rowing machine 10, components of which are shown in Figures 1 to 9b, in order to determine the force 150 exerted onto the pulley 110 by the rowing stroke.

[0114] A predetermined load (i.e., reference weight as labelled in the title and x-axis of the graph of Figure 10), is coupled to the belt 140 in order to exert a known, predetermined force 150 onto the pulley 110. The predetermined load is coupled to the belt 140 at the point 148. The pulley 110 and the first 120 and second 125 support members are mounted on a fixed platform. The end 146 of the belt 140 is also fixed such that it is tethered to not move. The predetermined load is then coupled to the belt 140 at the point 148 of the belt 140 in order to increase the tension in the belt 140.

[0115] The load cell 160 is then used to measure a resulting force 152 exerted by movement of the second end 132 of the axle 130 under the reference weight. The output from the load cell 160 is then amplified and digitised into a unitless number. The predetermined load and the unitless number representing the resulting force is then compared and plotted on the calibration graph 900 as shown in Figure 10. The above process is carried out for a number of different predetermined forces such that the calibration graph 900 may be plotted comprising multiple calibration measurements.

[0116] Therefore, as the user performs a rowing stroke using the rowing machine, the force 150 exerted onto the pulley 110 is determined from the calibration measurements of the load cell 160. Specifically, by measuring the force 152 with the load cell 160, this can then be mapped to the calibration graph 900 to determine the weight (and thereby force 150) that this actually equates to, to determine the force 150 from the pulling motion.

[0117] As shown in Figure 10, the calibration graph 900 may include one or more linear calibration curves, 910, 920, 930, in which one of the calibration curves 910, 920, 930 is used to determine the force 150 exerted by the pulling motion. In other arrangements, an average linear calibration curve 940 may be determined and used as the one or more calibration measurements of the load cell 160 and force calculation module.

[0118] The electronic chipboard 168 includes a distance calculation module. The distance calculation module receives measurements from the optical sensor 180, and determines the distance travelled by the belt 140 based on the number of rotations of the pulley 110 during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke. The relationship between rowing stroke distance and the one or more reactive regions of the pulley 110 is fixed by a spacing pattern of the one or more reflective regions on the second outer side 115 of the pulley 110 and no calibration is needed.

[0119] The electronic chipboard also includes a power calculation module. The power calculation module receives inputs from the force calculation module, distance calculation module and the timer. The power calculation module then calculates the power exerted by the pulling motion of the rowing stroke, based on the force 150 determined by the force calculation module, the distance determined by the distance calculation module and the time recorded by the timer for the pulling motion of the rowing stroke. The power calculation model determines the power of the pulling motion at any given time by multiplying the calculated force 150 by the distance travelled by the belt 140 and dividing by the time taken for the belt 140 to travel said distance.

[0120] As the user begins the return motion of the rowing stroke, the force calculation module continuous to measure the force exerted at any one point in time during the rowing stroke. However, given as the belt 140 is being returned to the initial position, the force on the pulley 110 will be decreasing and thus the second end 132 of the axle will be moving back to its original position, causing the deformation of the load cell 160 and the strain gauges 170 to decrease. Therefore, over the distance travelled during the return motion, the force calculation module determines a decrease in the force 150 exerted onto the pulley 110.

[0121] The distance calculation module also measures a number of rotations of the pulley 110 during the return motion of the rowing stroke, and calculates the distance travelled by the belt 140 in the return motion. The timer is also configured to measure a length of time elapsed during the return motion of the rowing stroke. From the force 150 calculation, the distance calculations and time measured, the power calculation further determines the power of the return motion, which over the time elapsed, decreases to no power exerted as the belt 140 returns to the initial position and the rowing stroke is completed by the user.

[0122] During the entirety of the pulling motion, from the starting position of the rowing stroke to the end (i.e., extended position) of the rowing stroke, as well as during the return motion, the second end 132 of the axle 130 will move varying amounts and will thus exert different amounts of force 152 onto the load cell 160 and the strain gauges 170 at different points during the rowing stroke. The force calculation module is configured to measure the force 152 exerted by the movement of the second end 132 of the axle 130 at any given time during the rowing stroke.

[0123] For example, the force calculation module may determine the force exerted at 1, 0.5 or 0.1 second intervals. The distance calculation module and timer may also be configured to determine the distance and time elapsed respectively, in corresponding time intervals. In this way, the force 150 exerted onto the pulley 110, the distance travelled and the time elapsed may be measured throughout the whole of the rowing stroke (i.e., both pulling motion and return motion).

[0124] The force and power calculation modules are also configured to determine a peak force exerted and a peak power of the rowing stroke. In this way, the largest measured force exerted onto the pulley 110 is used to determine the peak power of the rowing stroke.

[0125] The chipboard is configured to provide the force 150, distance, time, and power calculations of the pulling and return motions of the rowing stroke to the user. Each of the force, distance, and power calculation modules, and the timer, may are configured to output their respective metric that has been measured to the user of the rowing machine. The chipboard is also configured to output the metric calculations and measurements to any user, not only the rower themselves, such as a trainer of the rower.

[0126] The metric calculations are sent to a user device or a third-party device. The power calculation, force calculation, distance calculation or time measurement are also displayed on a display to the user. The display may be integrated into the rowing machine, for example display 60 shown in Figure 1, or it may be an external display. The display may be in communication with one or more of the power calculation module, force calculation module, distance calculation module and timer. The external display may be in communication either by a wired connection such as a USB-A connection, or a wireless connection such as via Bluetooth.

[0127] The section 100 of the rowing machine also comprises two methods of providing power to the chipboard 168. The chipboard 168 includes a USB-A connector, which may be used to output metric calculation as described above, but also is used to power the chipboard 168. The rowing machine also includes a battery pack capable of powering the chipboard 168 and the Bluetooth connectivity, in cases where no wired connection is needed or possible.

[0128] The housing 167 further includes a status light 175. The status light 175 indicates a status of the chipboard 168, such as whether power is being provided to the chipboard 168 and thus the timer, load cell 160 and optical sensor 180, or whether Bluetooth connectivity is successful. The status light 167 includes a range of colours to indicate the status of the chipboard 168 and allows for easier diagnosis of the state the device if any problems were to occur.

[0129] While the disclosure has been described in terms of various embodiments, the person skilled in the art will recognise that the disclosure can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.

[0130] Although it is shown in Figures 1 to 4, that the first and second support members 120, 125 are columns with a mostly rectangular shape, the first and second support members 120, 125 may be any shape and may be any size with respect to the pulley 110, provided that the pulley is positioned between each of the support members 120, 125. Although it is described that the rowing machine comprises the belt 140, the belt 140 may instead be any line suitable for coupling the handle 145 to the pulley 110. For example, the belt 140 may instead be a cable, a rope, a cord, a chain, or any other attachment means suitable for coupling to the pulley 110 and the handle 145.

[0131] As described in relation to Figure 5, the load 147 coupled to the belt 140 is a weight of a predetermined size. However, in other arrangements the load 147 may be another pulley in which the second end of line 148 is coupled to, or a series of other pulleys in which the belt 140 is coupled to.

[0132] Although it is described that the force 150 exerted on the pulley 110 as the user pulls the belt 140 in the pulling motion of the rowing stroke also pulls the pulley 110 in the same direction, the pulley 110 may be positioned in a way relative to the belt 140, and a location on the belt 140 where the user is pulling said belt 140 (e.g., at the first end 146 of the belt 140 where the handle 145 is located) such that the direction in which the force 150 is exerted on the pulley 110 is not the same direction as the pulling motion. For example, a further pulley may be coupled to the belt 140 between the first end 146 of the belt 140 and the pulley 110, thereby changing the direction in which the user pulls the line 140 in the pulling motion relative to the pulley 140.

[0133] As previously described, the third force 152 is a component of the second force 151, and the second force 151 is a component of the first force 150 exerted on the pulley 110. However, the forces 150, 151, 152 may be the same amount of force exerted onto each component. For example, if the second end of the axle 152 moves in the same direction as the direction of the pulling motion, and without any loss due to friction between components, the force exerted onto the load cell 160 may be the same as the force exerted onto the pulley 110.

[0134] As shown in Figures 3 to 7, the first portion 162 of the load cell 160 is attached to the second support member 125 by screws. However, the attachment means 161 may be any means suitable for fixing the first portion 162 of the load cell 160 to the second support member 125. For example, the first portion 162 may be integrated or glued onto the second support member 125. In a similar way, the screws 173 attaching the strain gauges 170 to the first portion 162 of the load cell 160 may be any means suitable for attaching the strain gauges 170 to the first portion 162 of the load cell 160. As shown in the Figures, the load cell 160 comprises two strain gauges 170. However, any number of strain gauges, including a single strain gauge, may be connected to the load cell 160 in order to measure the deformation of the load cell 160.

[0135] The pulley 110 is located on the centre of the axle 130 at point 133. However, in other arrangements the pulley 110 may be located anywhere on the axle 130, provided that the load cell 160 is located between the second support member 125 and the pulley 110.

[0136] Strain gauges 170 are connected to the second portion 163 of the load cell 160 by being glued on. However, in other arrangements, this coupling may be through further screws, or any other attachment means, provided that the strain gauges 170 are coupled to both the first and second portions 162, 163 of the load cell 160.

[0137] Although it is described above that the slot is orientated perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 134 of the axle 130, the slot of the second support member 125 may be oriented in any direction to allow movement of the second end 132 of the axle 120 in said specified direction. For example, the slot may not be orientated perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the axle 130 or the second support member 125 and may be oriented at a specified angle relative to the longitudinal axis 134 of the axle 130.

[0138] Although, it is described that the axle 130 has the same diameter along its whole longitudinal length, in other arrangements, the diameter of the axle 130 may be different at different points along its longitudinal length. This is provided that the longitudinal length of the slot is larger than the diameter of the end 132 of the axle 130 and that the transverse length of the slot is similar or substantially similar to the diameter of the end 132 of the axle 130.

[0139] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the load cell 160 includes a single oval shaped cut-out 166. However, in other arrangements the load cell may comprise any number of cut-outs. The cut-out 166 may also be any shape to allow the load cell to bend and deform more easily.

[0140] Although it is described, and shown in Figure 9b, that the optical sensor 180 and light source 181 are integrated into the housing 167, in other arrangements the optical sensor 180 and the light source 181 may be separate to the load cell housing 167, and additionally may be housed by a separate housing. This is provided that the optical sensor 180 and light source face the second outer side 115 of the pulley 110. Further, the rowing machine may comprise multiple optical sensors and light sources to aid with determining the number of rotations of the pulley 110.

[0141] Although it is described that the second outer side 115 of the pulley 110 comprises a series of reflective strips, the second outer side 115 of the pulley may include a single or any number of reflective regions which may be of any shape or size, such as reflective circles. This is provided that sufficient light is reflected by the one or more reflective regions in order to be detected by optical sensor 180.

[0142] It is also described and shown in Figure 9a that the chipboard 168 is housed within housing 167 along with the load cell 160. However, the chipboard 168 may instead be housed in a sperate housing to the housing 167 and the load cell 160, provided that the chipboard 168 is still in connection with the load cell 160, optical sensor 180 and the light source 181.

[0143] As described above, the force calculation module, distance calculation module, timer and power calculation modules are all separate modules of the chipboard 168. However, in alternative arrangements a single metric calculation module may calculate the force, distance, time, and power of the rowing stroke, based on the measurements made by the load cell 160, optical sensor 180 and the timer.

[0144] Further, although it is described that the force calculation, distance calculation, timer and power calculation modules are included on the chipboard 168, in other arrangements the above calculation modules and timer are not on the chipboard 168, and instead the raw measured data from each module may be sent to an external chipboard comprising the calculation modules.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A rowing machine comprising: a first support member and a second support member; an axle positioned between the first support member and the second support member, wherein a first end of the axle is fixed to the first support member and a second end of the axle is movably coupled to the second support member; a pulley configured to receive and rotate about the axle; a line coupled to the pulley and configured to be pulled in a pulling motion during a rowing stroke to exert a force on the pulley, thereby causing the movably coupled second end of the axle to move relative to the second support member; a load cell positioned between the pulley and the second support member, wherein the load cell contacts the second end of the axle such that the movement of the second end of the axle relative to the second support member exerts a force onto the load cell, wherein the load cell is configured to measure the force exerted by the movement of the second end of the axle relative to the second support member to thereby determine the force exerted on the pulley by the pulling motion of the rowing stroke.

2. The rowing machine according to claim 1, wherein the pulley comprises a groove configured to receive the line, and wherein the line abuts a surface formed by the groove such that movement of the line causes the pulley to rotate about the axle.

3. The rowing machine according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the pulley comprises: a first outer side facing the first support member; and a second outer side facing the second support member, such that the pulley is positioned between the first support member and the second support member, and wherein the load cell is positioned between the second outer side of the pulley and the second support member.

4. The rowing machine according to any preceding claim, further comprising: a force calculation module configured to determine the force exerted on the pulley, by the pulling motion of the rowing stroke, from the force measured by the load cell based on a calibration measurement.

5. The rowing machine according to claim 4, wherein the calibration measurement comprises: exerting a predetermined force on the pulley; measuring, with the load cell, a resulting force exerted on the load cell due to the movement of the second end of the axle relative to the second support member caused by the predetermined force exerted on the pulley; and comparing the resulting force measured by the load cell to the predetermined force exerted on the pulley to calibrate the load cell.

6. The rowing machine according to claim 5, wherein a predetermined load is coupled to the line to exert the predetermined force on the pulley.

7. The rowing machine according to any preceding claim, further comprising: a handle coupled to the line, configured to be held by a user of the rowing machine during the rowing stroke, such that the force exerted on the pulley is exerted by the user pulling the handle in the pulling motion.

8. The rowing machine according to claim 7, wherein the handle is coupled to the line at a first end of the line and the pulley is coupled to the line between the first end of the line and a second end of the line, and the rowing machine further comprises: a load coupled to the second end of the line and configured to provide resistance to the pulling motion.

9. The rowing machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the load cell further comprises a strain gauge configured to deform when the force from the movement of the second end of the axle relative to the second support member is exerted onto the load cell, such that the force on the load cell is measured by the deformation of the strain gauge.

10. The rowing machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the load cell comprises: a first portion fixed to the second support member; and a second portion coupled to the first portion and movable relative to the second support member, wherein the second portion of the load cell comprises a hole configured to receive the second end of the axle.

11. The rowing machine according to claim 10, wherein the hole in the load cell comprises an inner surface configured to abut an outer circumferential surface of the second end of the axle.

12. The rowing machine according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the load cell further comprises a strain gauge, wherein the stain gauge is coupled to both the first portion of the load cell and the second portion of the load cell, and wherein the movement, relative to the second support member, of the second end of the axle, exerts the force of the movement of the second end of the axle onto the second portion of the load cell, such that the second portion of the load cell moves with the second end of the axle relative to the fixed first portion of the load cell thereby deforming the strain gauge.

13. The rowing machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the second support member comprises: a slot orientated perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the axle and configured to receive the second end of the axle, wherein a longitudinal length of theslot is larger than a diameter of the second end of the axle such that the second end of the axle is movable within the slot along the longitudinal length of the slot.

14. The rowing machine according to claim 13, wherein a transverse length of the slot is substantially similar to the diameter of the second end of the axle, such that the second end of the axle is only movable along the longitudinal length of the slot.

15. The rowing machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the load cell comprises a cut-out.

16. The rowing machine according to any preceding claim, wherein an outer side of the pulley comprises a reflective region, and wherein the rowing machine further comprises: a light source facing the pulley and configured to emit light towards the outer side of the pulley; and an optical sensor facing the pulley and configured to detect light reflected from the reflective region, wherein the load cell is configured to determine a number of rotations of the pulley during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke based on the detection of the light by the optical sensor during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke.

17. The rowing machine according to claim 16, further comprising: a distance calculation module configured to calculate a distance travelled by the line during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke based on the number of rotations of the pulley measured during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke, wherein the distance travelled by the line during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke is proportional to the number of rotations of the pulley during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke.

18. The rowing machine according to any preceding claim, further comprising:a timer configured to measure a length of time elapsed during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke.

19. The rowing machine according to any preceding claim, further comprising: a power calculation module configured to calculate a power exerted during the pulling motion of the rowing stroke based on the force exerted on the pulley by the pulling motion, a distance travelled by the line during the pulling motion and a length of time elapsed during the pulling motion.

20. The rowing machine according to claim 19, wherein the power calculation module is configured to output the power calculation of the pulling motion of the rowing stroke to a user.

21. The rowing machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the load cell is further configured to measure a force exerted by movement of the second end of the axle relative to the second support member as the line is returned in a return motion to a starting position of the rowing stroke.

22. The rowing machine according to claim 21, further comprises: a force calculation module configured to determine the decrease in the force on the pulley, from the measured decrease of the force on the load cell during the return motion of the rowing stroke based on a calibration measurement.

23. The rowing machine according to claim 21 or claim 22 , the load cell further comprising: a timer configured to measure a length of time elapsed during the return motion of the rowing stroke.

24. The rowing machine according to any of claims 21 to 23, further comprising:a power calculation module configured to calculate a decrease in power of the rowing stroke due to the return motion of the rowing stroke, wherein the decrease in power is calculated based on a decrease in the first force exerted on the pulley by the return of the line, a distance travelled during the return motion of the rowing stroke and a length of time elapsed during the return motion of the rowing stroke.

25. The rowing machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the line is any of a belt, cable, chain, or rope.

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