Adjustable Freewheel Wheel for Dual-Mode Exercise Bicycles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exercise bicycles with freewheel and non-freewheel structures require separate purchases, increasing cost and limiting versatility for users who want to perform both spinning and cycling exercises.

Innovation Solution

A freewheel adjustable wheel with a pulley, rotation gear part, and power transmission parts that allow for easy control of freewheel operation, enabling power transmission in both forward and reverse pedal directions without additional motors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a freewheel structure is applied to transmit power only in the forward direction, then the structure allows reverse pedal rotation without resistance, but it cannot transmit power in the reverse direction for spinning exercises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexercise mode versatilityVSAvoidpower transmission structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power transmission structure is made dynamically adjustable through a mode switch that changes the engagement state of the second power transmission part. In the first mode, the second power transmission part engages with the circular gear to enable reverse power transmission for spinning exercises. In the second mode, the second power transmission part disengages to allow free reverse rotation for cycling exercises. This dynamic reconfiguration allows a single structure to serve multiple exercise purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The wheel assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating both a first power transmission part for forward power transmission and a second power transmission part for reverse power transmission. The mode switch enables the system to alternate between these functions, making the same equipment suitable for both spinning exercises (requiring reverse power transmission) and cycling exercises (requiring freewheel operation).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate spinning bicycle and indoor bicycle are purchased to perform different exercises, then exercise versatility is achieved, but purchase cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexercise type coverageVSAvoidnumber of equipment units
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a universal exercise bicycle that can perform both spinning and cycling exercises through a single device. The wheel assembly incorporates a mode switch that allows the user to alternate between freewheel mode (for cycling exercises with reverse pedal rotation) and non-freewheel mode (for spinning exercises with power transmission in reverse direction). This eliminates the need to purchase separate equipment for different exercise types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If a non-freewheel structure is used to transmit power in both forward and reverse directions, then spinning exercises are enabled, but reverse pedal rotation is resisted during cycling exercises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission capabilityVSAvoidpedal rotation freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its power transmission characteristics based on the selected mode. When the mode switch engages the second power transmission part, power is transmitted in both forward and reverse directions, enabling spinning exercises. When the mode switch disengages the second power transmission part, the wheel operates in freewheel mode, allowing free reverse pedal rotation for cycling exercises without resistance. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between power transmission capability and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If freewheel operation is controlled by complex mechanisms, then power transmission control is precise, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission control reliabilityVSAvoidmode switching simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the mode control function into a separate, simple mode switch that is easily operable by the user. The mode switch directly controls the engagement and disengagement of the second power transmission part with the circular gear. This separation of control function from the main power transmission mechanism ensures reliable power transmission control while maintaining operational simplicity. The mode switch provides clear, distinct positions for freewheel and non-freewheel modes, making it easy for users to select the appropriate exercise mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables a single exercise machine to perform both spinning and cycling exercises, reducing purchase costs and electricity consumption while improving usability and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

When a pedal is rotated in a forward direction, a rotational power transmitted to the rotation gear part through a pulley may be transmitted to the case through a second power supply part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical rotation and power transmission: Gear

Implementation Method 2

When the pedal is rotated in the reverse direction, the rotational power transmitted to the rotation gear part through the pulley may be transmitted to the case through the engaging gear part of the second power transmission part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear engagement and power transmission: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP4212217B1Freewheel adjustable wheel and exercise bicycle including same
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4212217B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4212217B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4212217B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a freewheel adjustable wheel and an exercise bicycle including the same and. More specifically, may comprise a rotation gear part which rotates together with a pulley fixed to the outer side thereof and has a circular gear formed along the outer circumference thereof; a case part for rotatably supporting the rotation gear part; a first power transmission part for transmitting power which has been transmitted to the rotation gear part to the case part when the rotation gear part rotates in the normal direction; and a second power transmission part for transmitting power which has been transmitted to the rotation gear part to the case part when the rotation gear part rotates in the reverse direction.