Exercise Apparatus with Dynamic Generator Control for Grid Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercising apparatuses that convert human mechanical power to electrical power struggle to efficiently adjust the amount of work required by the user while maximizing energy transfer to the electrical grid.
Innovation Solution
An exercise apparatus with a user-adjustable power setting, comprising a rotating component connected to a generator, a power electrical circuit, a current sensor, and a communication and control circuit that allows users to specify desired power output and varies the generator output accordingly, enabling synchronization with the electrical network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electrical resistor or electrical brake is used to adjust the load at the generator output, then the user can vary the mechanical work requirement, but the energy transfer to the electrical grid is not maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic load adjustment by varying the generator output voltage and frequency through servo control, rather than using static electrical resistors or brakes. The generator's output is dynamically adjusted to match the electrical grid's requirements, enabling both user-selectable work levels and maximum energy transfer efficiency simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters (voltage and frequency) of the generator output to optimize energy transfer. By controlling the generator to produce electricity at grid-compatible parameters, the system maximizes the portion of generated energy that can be uploaded to the electrical network while still providing adjustable mechanical resistance to the user.
2Loss of energy
If the generator output is increased to maximize energy upload to the electrical grid, then more energy is transferred to the network, but the user cannot adjust the mechanical work requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback control where the microprocessor monitors generator output and adjusts the electrical load accordingly. This closed-loop control enables the system to maintain optimal energy transfer to the grid while responding to user selections for different work levels, thus providing both high energy efficiency and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical resistance to the user through controlled electrical loading and transfers energy to the electrical grid. By making the generator multi-functional, the system achieves both energy maximization and user-adjustable work requirements without needing separate systems for each function.
3Device complexity
If a fixed electrical load is used at the generator output, then the system structure is simple, but the user cannot select different power output levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical load adjustment mechanisms with electronic control of the generator's electrical output. Instead of using variable mechanical brakes or resistors, the system uses electronic servo control to adjust the electrical load, which in turn adjusts the mechanical resistance felt by the user. This substitution maintains relative simplicity while enabling multiple power levels.
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 apparatus allows users to regulate the electrical power produced and the mechanical work required, optimizing energy transfer to the electrical grid and reducing energy waste as heat.
Implementation Method 1
a generator mechanically connected to the rotating component for generating electrical power signal at an output
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise apparatus comprising a frame, a rotating component rotatably connected to the frame, said component being adapted to rotate in response to operation of the apparatus by a user, a generator mechanically connected to the rotating component for generating an electrical power signal at an output thereof, a power electrical circuit connected to the output of the generator for converting the electrical power signal into a standard network electrical output signal adapted to match the voltage, frequency and phase of a local electrical network, a current sensor for sensing a current of the output signal, a communication and control circuit comprising input means to enable the user to specify a desired power output setting through input means; and a servo control circuit to accordingly vary a value of an output signal delivered by the generator.