Multi-Function Brake Actuator and Over-Center Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional indoor cycling bicycles lack a convenient and easy way to rapidly and predictably change resistance and adjust seat and handlebar heights to accommodate different riders during exercise.
Innovation Solution
The exercise bicycle incorporates a multifunction brake actuator for fine and coarse adjustment of braking resistance and a pop-pin assembly with an over-center cam mechanism for easy adjustment and locking of seat and handlebar heights, allowing users to finely adjust the clamping force and quickly change the position of the seat and handlebars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional indoor cycling bicycles are used, then the basic exercise function is provided, but the ability to rapidly and predictably change resistance and adjust seat and handlebar heights is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The brake actuator assembly enables dynamic adjustment of braking resistance through lever movement, allowing the resistance to change from a fixed state to multiple adjustable positions. The lever can be moved between a first position (minimum resistance) and a second position (maximum resistance), providing continuous adaptability during exercise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the resistance parameter by moving the lever between different positions, which adjusts the braking force applied to the flywheel. The cam mechanism transforms the lever's linear movement into rotational movement of the brake arm, changing the braking parameter from minimal to maximal resistance levels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional indoor cycling bicycles are used, then the basic exercise function is provided, but the ability to rapidly and predictably change resistance and adjust seat and handlebar heights is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The pop-pin assembly with over-center cam mechanism provides dynamic adjustment capability for seat and handlebar heights. The lever can be moved between locked and unlocked positions, allowing quick changes in seat and handlebar positions to accommodate different riders and exercise positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the seat and handlebars by moving the lever, which actuates the pop-pin to release or engage the locking mechanism. This allows the height parameter to be adjusted from a fixed locked position to multiple adjustable positions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a locking assembly is added to fix the first member relative to the second member, then the stability of the adjustment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The over-center cam mechanism provides self-locking capability, where the cam geometry automatically maintains the locked position without requiring additional locking components. The lever, when moved to the engaged position, creates mechanical interference that prevents backward movement, providing inherent stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism uses curved geometry to achieve the locking function. The cam surface is shaped to guide the follower through a specific path that creates the over-center locking effect, where the curved profile transforms linear lever movement into rotational locking action.
4Manufacturing precision
If a cam mechanism is used to drive the drive shaft toward the first member, then the adjustment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is integrated with the existing lever and brake actuator components, combining the adjustment function with the locking function in a single mechanism. The cam profile is incorporated into the lever assembly, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam profile uses precise curved geometry to control the movement of the drive shaft. The cam surface is shaped to provide controlled, precise adjustment of the brake arm position, transforming the lever's linear movement into precise rotational positioning.
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
This solution enables users to easily customize resistance levels for interval training and accommodate various rider sizes by providing precise control over braking force and seat and handlebar positions, enhancing the fitness experience.
Implementation Method 1
The lever includes at least one cam slot configured to receive the at least one cam roller, the at least one cam slot defining an arc supporting the at least one cam roller when the lever is in the second position and causing the drive shaft to be driven toward the first member
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine, such as indoor cycle, including a multi-function wheel brake actuator. A braking force is induced on a wheel, such as through eddy currents or frictionally, by finely or coarsely adjusting the brake actuator. The brake actuator may thus include a knob whereby a user may finely adjust the braking force on the wheel and a lever to actuate interval settings whereby the brake actuator provides set positions of braking resistance. The exercise machine may further include a pop-pin assembly with an over-center cam mechanism to clamp members together. The pop-pin assembly also includes a fine adjustment to adjust the clamping force. So, for example, the seat stem may be clamped to the seat tube, or the handlebar stem clamped to the head tube, with a lever actuating the over center mechanism.