Bicycle Trainer Roller Dynamics and Braking Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle trainers fail to simulate the experience of real road cycling, lacking the dynamic forces and environmental conditions that mimic actual riding, which is essential for effective training, especially for professional cyclists.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle trainer with two rollers for the rear wheel, a motor to provide driving and braking forces, and an electronics unit that simulates real-world tracks and environmental conditions, including slope, wind, and inertia, while adjusting forces in real-time to match the user's input and track data, and optionally displaying virtual reality imagery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a stationary bicycle or basic turbo trainer is used, then the bicycle can be trained indoors, but the experience does not resemble real road cycling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindoor training capabilityVSAvoidsimulation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical resistance mechanisms (wind, magnetic, fluid) with an electronically controlled brake system that can dynamically adjust braking force based on recorded track conditions, enabling more accurate simulation of real road cycling forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously including braking force, roller position, and resistance levels to match the physical conditions of recorded tracks, transforming the trainer from a static device to a dynamically adjustable simulation system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If traditional trainers with fixed resistance mechanisms are used, then resistance can be provided, but dynamic forces like inertia and gravity cannot be simulated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance provisionVSAvoiddynamic force simulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities where the brake force, roller position, and resistance levels are continuously modified during training sessions to match changing conditions on recorded tracks, including acceleration, deceleration, and elevation changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses recorded data from real track conditions (gradient, speed, power output) to provide real-time feedback control of the brake mechanism and resistance, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to simulate authentic cycling forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If the bicycle is fixedly mounted to the trainer, then stability is provided, but the ability to simulate different terrains and slopes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebicycle mounting stabilityVSAvoidterrain simulation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the terrain simulation into separate controllable elements: individual roller positions, independent resistance mechanisms, and adjustable brake forces, allowing each element to be optimized for stability while collectively providing diverse terrain simulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The trainer system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated platform: it can simulate flat terrain, uphill climbs, downhill descents, and various speed conditions by adjusting the same core components (brakes, rollers, resistance) in different configurations

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

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 provides a highly realistic cycling experience by accurately simulating the forces and conditions of real road cycling, allowing for effective home training that closely replicates actual riding conditions, enabling users to train with real-world tracks and compare their performance with professionals.

Implementation Method 1

one of the two rollers being adapted to transmit a driving force and a braking force to the rear wheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a motor adapted to actively provide the driving and braking forces to the roller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the slope of a line connecting one of the two rollers to the means for mounting a front wheel can be adjusted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3049162B1Bicycle trainer
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 SBI MEDIA HLDG
  • EP3049162B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3049162B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3049162B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a bicycle trainer for mounting a bicycle and to a method for comparative home training.