Bilaterally Actuated Sculling Trainer with Dynamic Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rowing and sculling simulation machines lack realistic resistance and predictability, limiting the authenticity of the rowing experience due to their reliance on spring-based or dashpot-based resistance and cumbersome designs.
Innovation Solution
A sculling trainer apparatus that incorporates a support frame with foot rests, sliding seat, and bilateral oars rotationally coupled to actuators, featuring integrated input velocity and torque sensors, and a damping system with both linear and non-linear dampers, controlled manually or automatically by a computer to simulate the inertial and damping properties of water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring-based or dashpot-based resistance mechanisms are used, then the device structure is simple, but the rowing experience lacks realism and predictability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional spring-based or dashpot-based mechanical resistance systems with an electronically controlled damping system. This system uses sensors to detect oar motion and applies resistance through electromagnetic or electronic actuators, providing more realistic and predictable water-like resistance characteristics while maintaining structural simplicity through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors detect the position, velocity, and acceleration of the oars, and this information is fed back to an electronic controller that adjusts the resistance in real-time. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to simulate realistic water resistance that responds dynamically to the user's rowing actions, improving the authenticity of the rowing experience.
2Reliability
If unilateral actuation is used, then the device structure is simplified, but the rowing experience does not accurately simulate bilateral sculling motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric actuation where the left and right oars are independently controlled with different actuation mechanisms. This allows each oar to be actuated separately, accurately simulating the bilateral sculling motion where each oar follows a distinct path and experiences different hydrodynamic conditions, thereby improving the realism of the sculling simulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the actuation system into separate independent units for each oar, with individual sensors and actuators for the left and right sides. This segmentation enables independent control of each oar, accurately replicating the bilateral nature of sculling where each oar operates independently in its own water environment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed resistance mechanisms are used, then the device is simpler to manufacture, but the resistance does not dynamically adapt to user motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed mechanical resistance to a dynamic, electronically controlled damping system. The resistance force is continuously adjusted based on real-time sensor data about oar position, velocity, and acceleration. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to simulate varying water conditions and provide appropriate resistance throughout the rowing stroke cycle, enhancing versatility while using standardized electronic components to maintain manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resistance parameter dynamically during operation based on detected motion parameters. The electronic damping system adjusts resistance magnitude and characteristics in real-time according to the rowing phase, speed, and user input, allowing the same physical device to provide varying resistance levels and patterns without mechanical reconfiguration, thus improving adaptability.
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 apparatus provides a more realistic rowing experience by dynamically adjusting resistance based on detected angular velocity and torque, mimicking the sensation of rowing on water through a combination of linear and non-linear damping, enhancing user engagement and exercise simulation.
Implementation Method 1
a non-linear damper for resisting rotation of the simulated oars. The non-linear damper may be an air damper, a fluid damper, or a viscous damper
Implementation Method 2
a linear damper for resisting rotation of the simulated oars. The linear damper may be a magnetic damper
Implementation Method 3
Each actuator incorporates a mechanical transmission, a rotational inertial mass
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for simulating sculling or rowing on water includes a support frame with foot rests, a sliding seat, bilateral oars that are rotationally coupled to a set of actuators, integrated input velocity and torque sensors, computer and computer display. Each actuator incorporates a mechanical transmission, a rotational inertial mass, a variable linear and a variable non-linear damping element. The damping elements can be controlled manually or automatically by computer programs under user control.