Desk Exercise Cycle with Non-Contact Magnetic Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with sedentary desk jobs face challenges in incorporating regular exercise into their routines, as existing solutions do not provide effective and convenient options for exercising while seated.
Innovation Solution
A desk-based exercise cycle with a non-contact force adjustment mechanism and integrated electronics, including a linear potentiometer, allows users to adjust resistance and track calories burned, enabling precise measurement and calculation of exercise effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional exercise equipment is used, then exercise effectiveness is improved, but portability and ease of use in sedentary environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise cycle is segmented into compact, modular components that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The frame, pedals, and resistance mechanism are designed as separate units that fit together, enabling the device to be stored in small spaces and transported conveniently while maintaining full exercise functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The exercise cycle is designed to utilize vertical space rather than horizontal space, allowing it to fit under desks or in corners. The compact vertical footprint enables effective exercise equipment to coexist with limited office or home space, resolving the contradiction between exercise effectiveness and portability.
2Ease of operation
If resistance mechanism is simplified, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance mechanism replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with electronic sensors and digital processing. Simple electronic sensors monitor resistance levels and pedal cadence, while a microprocessor calculates calorie expenditure based on these measurements, maintaining precision without complicating the user interface.
Solution Approach 2:
An electronic control unit acts as an intermediary between the simple resistance adjustment mechanism and the calorie tracking system. This intermediary processes sensor data and performs calculations, allowing the physical resistance mechanism to remain simple while achieving precise measurement through digital computation.
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
Enables users to exercise effectively while seated, providing adjustable resistance and accurate calorie tracking, promoting physical activity and rehabilitation through a versatile and user-friendly device.
Implementation Method 1
the position of the force adjustment mechanism can be precisely measured using a linear potentiometer
Implementation Method 2
the amount of effort required to turn a crankshaft of the exercise cycle can be adjusted with a non-contact force adjustment mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise cycle includes a crankshaft, cranks mounted to the crankshaft, a drive mechanism including a ferromagnetic flywheel that rotates in response to rotation of the crankshaft, and a non-contact force adjustment mechanism with which a force required to rotate the flywheel can be adjusted, the force adjustment mechanism including a pivotable member to which magnets are mounted, wherein the magnets can be moved closer to the flywheel when the pivotable member is pivoted toward the flywheel to increase the force required to rotate the flywheel and can be moved farther away from the flywheel when the pivotable member is pivoted away from the flywheel to decrease the force required to rotate the flywheel.