Bicycle Ergometer Curve Simulation Base With Variable Radii

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bicycle ergometers with curved elements struggle to maintain stability during cornering simulations due to a small radius of curvature, leading to tilting and instability, making training difficult or impossible.

Innovation Solution

A curve simulation device with a base part featuring a central section of large curvature and lateral tilting sections of smaller curvature, allowing for smooth transitions between upright and cornering positions by preventing the ergometer from returning to a neutral position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If curved elements with small radius of curvature are used to simulate cornering, then the ergometer can tilt to simulate cornering, but the ergometer cannot maintain a stable central position and constantly tilts to one side or the other

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecornering simulation capabilityVSAvoidcentral position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The contact surface is segmented into three distinct curved sections: a first curved section with large radius of curvature for central stable positioning, a second curved section with small radius of curvature for cornering simulation, and a third curved section mirroring the second. This segmentation allows the ergometer to access both stable upright positioning and cornering tilt positions without constant unwanted tilting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the contact surface have different local curvature properties. The central section has large radius of curvature providing stability, while the lateral sections have small radius of curvature enabling cornering simulation. This local differentiation of geometric properties resolves the contradiction between stability and cornering capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the ergometer is designed to tilt for cornering simulation, then cornering can be simulated, but the transition between upright and cornering positions is interrupted by end stops

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecornering simulation capabilityVSAvoidtransition smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The contact surface utilizes continuous curved surfaces with varying radii of curvature instead of flat surfaces with mechanical stops. The first curved section with large radius provides smooth transitions from upright to cornering positions, eliminating abrupt end-stop interruptions and enabling lifelike cycling motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a large radius of curvature is used in the central section, then stable upright positioning is achieved, but the ergometer cannot maintain lean position during simulated cornering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupright position stabilityVSAvoidcornering position maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The contact surface is divided into functional segments: the first curved section with large radius of curvature provides stable upright positioning, while the second and third curved sections with small radius of curvature enable and maintain lean positions during cornering simulation. This segmentation allows both stability requirements to be satisfied in different operational modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different local curvature radii are assigned to different sections of the contact surface. The large radius in the central section ensures upright stability, while the small radius in the lateral sections enables cornering lean maintenance. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between upright stability and cornering position maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 stable and lifelike cycling simulations by maintaining the ergometer's lean position during cornering, providing a smooth transition between upright and cornering modes without end-stop interference.

Implementation Method 1

By slightly shifting your weight towards the center, the bicycle ergometer is pivoted back over the tilting section towards the neutral central position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4251287B1Curve simulation apparatus for a bicycle ergometer

Publication Date: 2025.10.01 ALPHA CHAMP GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a curve simulation apparatus (11) for a bicycle ergometer (1), comprising: a base part (12) having a curved contact area (13) for laterally tiltable placement on a floor, wherein the contact area (13) of the base part (12) has a curved center portion (14), which has a first curvature radius (R1), and a curved tilting portion (15), which has a second curvature radius (R2) and laterally adjoins the curved center portion (14), the second curvature radius (R2) of the curved tilting portion (15) being smaller than the first curvature radius (R1) of the curved center portion (14).