Constant Resistance Exercise Machine Using Magnetic Flywheel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise machines fail to provide a constant resistance over extended distances, limiting their applicability to exercises that require sustained resistance over long lengths, such as sprinting or rowing, due to the limitations of coil springs and magnetic resistance mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A constant resistance exercise machine incorporating a constant tension spring motor, a magnetic resistance unit, and a one-way clutch bearing assembly that provides a consistent resistance over an extended distance by using a flywheel and elongate flat spring material, allowing the exercise cable to be extracted and retracted efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a coil spring is used to provide resistance, then the resistance mechanism is simple and compact, but the distance of travel is limited to the retractable length of the coil spring
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance system is divided into two independent components: a coil spring for compact resistance generation and a magnetic resistance mechanism for extended travel. The magnetic resistance unit with magnets and conductive material provides resistance over distances exceeding the coil spring's capability, while the coil spring maintains simplicity in the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic resistance unit acts as an intermediary between the limited-capacity coil spring and the requirement for extended distance travel. This magnetic unit engages with a magnetic flywheel through magnetic fields without mechanical contact, enabling resistance over distances of 25 feet or more while maintaining system simplicity.
2Force
If magnets are positioned at the peripheral edge of the flywheel to maximize magnetic resistance, then the resistance is maximized, but the adjustability of resistance is limited due to small radial movement space
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic resistance system employs dynamic adjustability through axial movement of the magnet set relative to the magnetic flywheel, rather than relying solely on radial positioning. This allows the resistance to be varied by changing the axial distance between magnets and flywheel surface, providing continuous adjustment range while maintaining maximum resistance when positioned at the peripheral edge.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance adjustment mechanism transitions from one-dimensional radial adjustment to two-dimensional adjustment by incorporating axial movement of the magnet set. This additional degree of freedom enables fine-tuned resistance control without compromising the maximum resistance achieved at peripheral positioning.
3Length of moving object
If a magnetic resistance mechanism is used to provide extended distance resistance, then the distance of travel is extended, but the resistance is not constant over the entire distance
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic resistance system utilizes changes in magnetic field parameters (strength and distribution) as the cable travels through the extended distance. The magnetic resistance unit is designed to maintain relatively constant resistance by optimizing magnet arrangement and spacing, compensating for variations in magnetic field strength across the extended travel distance of 25 feet or more.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the resistance assembly is integrated into a rowing machine with 3 feet of cable travel, then the mechanism is optimized for rowing, but it cannot be scaled to sprinting exercises requiring 25 feet or more of cable
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance mechanism is designed with universal applicability across multiple exercise types. The magnetic resistance unit can provide consistent resistance over extended distances of 25 feet or more, making it suitable for both rowing machines (3 feet travel) and sprinting exercise systems (25+ feet travel). The system's modular design allows it to be adapted to different exercise equipment configurations.
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 solution enables a consistent resistance over distances of up to 100 feet or more, enhancing the effectiveness of various exercise routines by maintaining a constant resistance throughout the exercise, adaptable for different exercise machines and routines.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic resistance unit provides magnetic resistance to rotation of the flywheel
Implementation Method 2
The magnets are arranged tangentially to the magnetic flywheel. The closer the magnets are to a peripheral edge of the flywheel, the greater the magnetic resistance.
Implementation Method 3
The coil spring has a limited effective length, as one end is retained in a stationary location, where the second end is rotated about the coil, collecting the coils upon one another.
Data Source
AI summary
A constant resistance exercise machine for sprint training or adaptation into exercise equipment having cyclical movements, preferably over a distance. The constant resistance exercise machine includes an exercise cable storage and feed reel, a constant tension spring motor, a resistance generating assembly, a flywheel, and an exercise cable. The constant tension spring motor is in operational communication with the exercise cable reel. The flywheel obtains a rotational resistance from the resistance generating assembly. The flywheel is in unidirectional rotational communication with the exercise cable reel via a one-way clutch bearing. The exercise cable is coiled about the exercise cable reel. The exercise cable is of a length that enables complete extraction of the cable from the exercise cable storage and feed reel and wherein the constant tension spring motor is arranged to retract a partially or completely extracted cable back onto the exercise cable reel.