Bicycle Trainer Stability via Non-Return Unit and Pivot Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle trainers suffer from instability and difficulty in lifting due to a deviated center of gravity, and can collapse during high-effort pedaling or cadence training, as they lack sufficient structural strength and stability mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle trainer design featuring a base frame, damper unit, support frame, and non-return unit with pivot connections and a cam or ratchet mechanism to secure the support frame in place, preventing it from pivoting away from the base frame and ensuring stability during use, while allowing for easy folding and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the support frame is made pivotable to allow folding for storage, then ease of storage is improved, but structural stability deteriorates during high-effort pedaling
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is designed to be dynamically adjustable between two states: a folded position for storage and an extended locked position for use. The pivot connection allows the frame to transition between these states, while the non-return unit ensures stability when extended.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate mechanism (non-return unit with cam portion and fixed member) distinct from the pivot connection. This allows the pivot connection to provide folding capability while the non-return unit provides stability when engaged.
2Strength
If the non-return unit is engaged to prevent frame collapse, then structural strength is improved, but ease of folding deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The non-return unit is designed to be manually engaged or disengaged by the user based on whether the trainer is in use or being stored. The user activates the locking mechanism when needed and releases it when folding is required, making the system self-service rather than automatically locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-return unit provides conditional stability: the support frame is locked when engaged (during use) but can be freely folded when disengaged (for storage). This dynamic locking state allows the system to exhibit different mechanical properties based on operational requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the center of gravity is positioned for stability during use, then trainer stability is improved, but ease of lifting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The trainer is divided into separable components: the base frame with damper unit and the support frame with locating portion. This segmentation allows the support frame to be folded against the base frame for compact storage and easy lifting, while maintaining stability when extended for use.
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 design enhances structural strength and stability, preventing trainer collapse during exercise and facilitating safe pedaling, while enabling convenient folding and storage.
Implementation Method 1
The engaging member comprises a cam portion. The fixed member faces toward the cam portion. The cam portion of the engaging member can be selectively moved into engagement with or in direction away from the fixed member.
Implementation Method 2
The base frame comprises a first pivot connection part. The support frame comprises a second pivot connection part. The second pivot connection part is pivotally connected to the first pivot connection part of the base frame, allowing the support frame to pivot relative to the base frame in direction away from or toward the damper unit.
Implementation Method 3
a rear wheel 9 of a bicycle 8 is held in place between two side bars of the U-shaped frame 2, and kept in contact with an impeller unit 100 that provides a damping resistance to achieve training effects
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle trainer includes a base frame including a first pivot connection part, a damper unit mounted at the base frame, a support frame including a locating portion and a second pivot connection part, which is pivotally connected to the first pivot connection part of the base frame for enabling the support frame to be biased relative to the base frame in direction away from or toward the damper unit such that when the support frame is held in an inclined position relative to the base frame, the locating portion and the damper unit can hold a wheel of a bicycle in place, and a non-return unit mounted at the base frame or support frame and adapted to prohibit the support frame from being biased in direction away from the base frame. The invention enables the support frame to be constrained by the non-return unit.