Electromagnetic Brake Rowing Machine Emulating Water Resistance

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional rowing machines are often noisy, have a large footprint, and fail to simulate the dynamic resistance and social interaction of live rowing on water.

Innovation Solution

A rowing machine equipped with an electromagnetic brake that varies resistance in a profile emulating the resistance experienced by another rower on water or on a second rowing machine, accompanied by an electronic controller and a presentation device to synchronize the rowing experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If air fans are used as resistance mechanisms in rowing machines, then resistance can be provided, but the device becomes noisy and has a large footprint

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveresistanceVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical air fan resistance system with an electromagnetic brake system. The electromagnetic brake uses electromagnetic fields to generate resistance force on the flywheel, eliminating the need for air fans and their associated noise and large footprint while maintaining the ability to provide variable resistance during rowing strokes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the resistance mechanism from aerodynamic drag (air fans) to electromagnetic braking. This parameter change allows resistance to be generated through electromagnetic interaction between the brake and flywheel, fundamentally reducing noise levels and device footprint while preserving resistance functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If air fans are used as resistance mechanisms in rowing machines, then resistance can be provided, but the device occupies a large area

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveresistanceVSAvoidfootprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical air fan resistance system with an electromagnetic brake system. The electromagnetic brake uses electromagnetic fields to generate resistance force on the flywheel, eliminating the need for air fans and their associated noise and large footprint while maintaining the ability to provide variable resistance during rowing strokes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the resistance mechanism from aerodynamic drag (air fans) to electromagnetic braking. This parameter change allows resistance to be generated through electromagnetic interaction between the brake and flywheel, fundamentally reducing noise levels and device footprint while preserving resistance functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If stationary rowing machines are used to mimic live rowing, then exercise can be performed, but the experience lacks dynamic resistance simulation and social interaction

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidresistance simulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resistance simulation by controlling the electromagnetic brake to vary resistance levels throughout each rowing stroke, mimicking the natural resistance profile of water. The system also enables real-time interaction between multiple rowers, allowing dynamic adjustment of resistance based on other rowers' performance, thereby creating an adaptable and immersive rowing experience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the electronic controller monitors rowing stroke data and adjusts electromagnetic brake resistance in real-time to match the simulated water resistance profile. The system also provides feedback to multiple rowers about each other's performance, enabling synchronized rowing and social interaction that enhances the overall rowing experience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 provides a quieter, more compact rowing experience that realistically simulates live rowing, allowing for synchronized rowing motions and enhanced social interaction among rowers.

Implementation Method 1

An electromagnetic brake provides a resistance to a rower of the machine in each rowing stroke

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12311223B2Rowing system and method

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 HYDROW INC

AI summary

Among other things, a rowing technology includes a first rowing machine having an electromagnetic brake providing a resistance to a rower of the machine in each rowing stroke of a series of rowing strokes of the rower An electronic controller causes the resistance of the electromagnetic brake to vary over each rowing stroke in a profile that emulates resistance to which another rower in a shell on water or on a second rowing machine is subjected in each rowing stroke of a corresponding series of rowing strokes.