Bicycle Trainer Frame Mounting for Natural Tilting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle trainers either fail to simulate the natural motion and balance of cycling on the road due to fixed mounting of the rear axle, leading to unnatural force transmission and potential tire slippage, or require excessive balance and attention with rollers that do not securely support the bicycle.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle trainer that supports the bicycle frame between the front and rear axles, allowing lateral and vertical movement of the rear wheel, with a roller system that carries the weight and provides resistance, mimicking road cycling conditions by distributing force similarly to real cycling and preventing tire slippage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the rear axle is fixedly mounted to the trainer frame, then the bicycle is securely held stationary, but the tilting motion feels unnatural and force transmission is distorted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebicycle stabilityVSAvoidnatural cycling feel
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static fixed mounting into a dynamic system where the rear wheel can move laterally and vertically on the roller. The bicycle frame is mounted to the trainer frame at a position between the front and rear axles, allowing the rear axle to remain free while the frame provides stable support. This dynamic arrangement enables natural tilting motions during sprinting and acceleration while maintaining overall stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the rear axle is not directly connected to the support, then natural tilting motion is enabled, but the bicycle may become unstable or require excessive balance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenatural tilting motionVSAvoidbicycle stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the bicycle frame as an intermediary element between the support and the rear wheel. The frame is mounted to the trainer frame at a position between the front and rear axles, serving as a mediator that provides stable support while allowing the rear axle to move freely. This intermediary mounting enables natural tilting motion without compromising bicycle stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the frame carries substantial weight via couplers, then the rear wheel mounting is simplified, but power transmission efficiency decreases due to tire slippage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting simplicityVSAvoidpower transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the rear wheel to move dynamically on the roller, allowing the tire to grip the roller surface during acceleration and power transmission. By mounting the frame between the axles rather than at the rear axle, the system achieves both simple mounting and effective power transmission without tire slippage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Power

If the bicycle remains entirely stationary on the trainer, then resistance training is effective, but the cycling experience lacks realism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance training effectivenessVSAvoidcycling realism
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic movement capabilities to the stationary trainer by allowing the bicycle frame to tilt and the rear wheel to move laterally and vertically on the roller. This enables natural cycling motions such as tilting during sprinting while maintaining the stationary resistance training environment, thereby improving cycling realism without sacrificing training effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The trainer effectively simulates real road cycling conditions, providing a natural pedaling experience with improved balance and power output by allowing the bicycle frame to move freely and distributing weight through multiple rollers, enhancing user experience and performance.

Implementation Method 1

a roller (3a, 3b) for engaging with the rear wheel (22) of the bicycle. When the bicycle is supported by the support (1), the roller (3a, 3b) is adapted to provide resistance against turning the rear wheel (22)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The means for biasing may comprise two independent springs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

means for biasing the bicycle into an upright orientation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3049161B1Bicycle trainer
Publication Date: 2019.03.27 SBI MEDIA HLDG
  • EP3049161B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3049161B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3049161B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a bicycle trainer comprising a support for supporting a bicycle having a frame and a rear wheel attached to a rear axle, the support comprising means for biasing the bicycle into an upright orientation, and a roller for engaging with the rear wheel of the bicycle, wherein, when the bicycle is supported by the support, the roller is adapted to provide resistance against turning the rear wheel and the rear axle of the bicycle is not connected to the support.