Eddy Current Rail Resistance for Compact Exercise Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exercise machines often require complex and costly mechanisms to provide resistance, which are space-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

The exercise apparatus utilizes an eddy current resistance source comprising a magnetic member and an electrically conductive layer along a rail, inducing eddy currents to create resistance, which is less complex, less costly, and more space-efficient, with varying resistance levels achieved through adjustments in the eddy current layer's shape and material composition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional resistance mechanisms are used in exercise machines, then resistance function is provided, but device complexity increases and space consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance mechanism complexityVSAvoidresistance function

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical resistance mechanisms (such as friction brakes, magnetic drums, or weight systems) with an eddy current resistance system. This system uses a conductive layer integrated into the rail structure and magnets mounted on the carriage to generate electromagnetic resistance, eliminating complex mechanical components while maintaining reliable resistance function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the rail structure with the eddy current resistance system by integrating the conductive layer directly into the rail. This combination eliminates the need for separate resistance mechanism housings and mounting structures, reducing device complexity and space consumption while preserving the resistance function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Area of stationary object

If traditional resistance mechanisms are used in exercise machines, then resistance function is provided, but space consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus spaceVSAvoidresistance function

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the rail structure with the eddy current resistance system by integrating the conductive layer directly into the rail. This merger eliminates the need for separate resistance mechanism housings and mounting structures, significantly reducing the space required while maintaining reliable resistance function through the electromagnetic interaction between the conductive layer and magnets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing bulky mechanical resistance mechanisms with a compact eddy current system, the patent achieves space efficiency. The electromagnetic resistance generation occurs within the integrated rail-conductive layer-magnet assembly, eliminating the need for large mechanical components while preserving the resistance function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If variable resistance levels are achieved through traditional mechanisms, then resistance adjustment is possible, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance level adjustmentVSAvoidresistance mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves variable resistance levels by changing parameters of the eddy current system: varying the strength of magnets mounted on the carriage, adjusting the thickness or material properties of the conductive layer in different rail sections, or modifying the spacing between the conductive layer and magnets. These parameter changes provide resistance adjustment without adding mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements different resistance levels by creating local variations in the eddy current system properties along the rail. Different sections of the conductive layer can have different thicknesses, materials, or geometries, allowing resistance adjustment for different exercise intensities without requiring a complex overall mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 provides a robust, cost-effective, and space-efficient resistance mechanism that adapts to different speeds and velocities, enhancing the exercise experience while reducing the complexity and cost of the apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

eddy currents are induced in an electrically conductive layer by a magnetic portion carried by the carriage upon movement of the carriage along the rail

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 2

inducing eddy currents to create resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10065062B2Exercise apparatus with eddy current rail

Publication Date: 2018.09.04 PELOTON INTERACTIVE INC

AI summary

An apparatus and method operably coupled a movable member of an exercise apparatus to a carriage such a movement of the movable member moves the carriage along a rail. A magnetic portion carried by the carriage induces eddy currents in the rail to resist movement of the carriage along the rail to resist movement of the movable member.