Cycling Trainer Belt Dynamics for Natural Pedaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing indoor cycling training systems fail to simulate the real road pedaling experience, particularly for experienced and professional cyclists, due to limited mobility and stability issues, leading to an incomplete training experience.

Innovation Solution

A cycling training apparatus with a floor-supported structure and a flexible, longitudinally closed-loop belt that allows for longitudinal, transverse, and lateral movement of a bicycle, secured by a flexible element with variable connectors, enabling natural pedaling and improved stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a bicycle is placed on a static apparatus with rollers, then the cyclist can train indoors, but the apparatus does not simulate real road pedaling experience due to limited mobility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobility of bicycleVSAvoidstability of apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the static roller support system with a dynamic moving belt system. The bicycle is placed on a belt that can move longitudinally, allowing the bicycle to shift position naturally during pedaling. This dynamic support system simulates the mobility of road cycling while maintaining indoor training stability through the controlled movement of the belt within the apparatus structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of support system rigidity from fixed (rollers) to flexible (moving belt). The belt system allows variable movement parameters including longitudinal displacement, lateral movement, and tilting angles, enabling the bicycle to adopt natural riding positions and movements that replicate outdoor cycling conditions while remaining contained within the stable apparatus structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the bicycle is secured rigidly to prevent movement, then stability is improved, but the pedaling experience becomes unnatural and cyclists cannot pedal freely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenatural pedaling motionVSAvoidstability of bicycle position

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible belt system that acts as a soft constraint on the bicycle. Rather than rigid fixation, the moving belt provides flexible support that allows the bicycle to move naturally in longitudinal, lateral, and tilting directions while maintaining operational stability. This flexible support system enables cyclists to pedal freely and adopt natural riding postures without the bicycle becoming unstable or requiring rigid securing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If the apparatus allows free movement of the bicycle, then realism is improved, but safety decreases due to risk of loss of balance and falling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of motionVSAvoidrisk of falling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by designing a contained moving belt system with predefined movement boundaries. The belt can move to accommodate natural cycling motions including forward movement, backward movement, lateral shifting, and tilting, but the entire system is enclosed within a stable apparatus structure that prevents complete loss of balance or falling. This pre-established safety boundary allows realistic movement range while protecting against harmful falls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Productivity

If static rollers are used to support the bicycle, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the training experience is incomplete for experienced and professional cyclists

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining qualityVSAvoidcomplexity of apparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a moving belt as an intermediary element between the static apparatus structure and the bicycle. This intermediary component transfers the pedaling force from the bicycle wheels to the belt, which then transmits the force to the apparatus structure through controlled movement. This intermediary mechanism enables realistic cycling dynamics and high-quality training experience while the underlying apparatus structure remains relatively simple and stable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10130864B2Cycling training apparatus with stationary movement

Publication Date: 2018.11.20 OREKA TRAINING SL

AI summary

A cycling training apparatus including a structure that is supported on the floor and a belt that is movable with respect to the structure and forms a closed longitudinal loop on which a bicycle can be supported and ridden. The apparatus includes a securing element with two opposite ends. One end has a first connector configured to be attached to a bicycle. The opposite end includes a second connector configured to be attached to a fixed point. The securing element is flexible so that the straight line distance between these ends is variable, enabling the bicycle to move longitudinally over the belt. The connectors also allow for transversal movement and lateral tilting of the bicycle.