Exercise Cycle Foot-Actuated Steering and Cable Propulsion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rowing machines are stationary, limiting outdoor exercise and travel, and existing cycle designs that combine leg, arm, and torso muscle exertion are cumbersome due to complicated gearing mechanisms and require simultaneous reciprocation and steering of handlebars or levers, lacking an alternative foot-actuated steering mechanism.

Innovation Solution

An exercise cycle with a base frame, pivotal foot pedals for steering, a vertical support bar with a drive pawl and spirally wrapped cable for propulsion, and a handle/cable assembly that allows leg and arm muscles to be used independently, featuring a foot-actuated steering mechanism and a drive chain connecting the pawl to the rear wheel axle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If handlebars or levers are used for both propulsion and steering, then the cycle can be propelled, but the operation becomes cumbersome and awkward

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates propulsion and steering functions into independent control mechanisms: foot pedals operate the steering mechanism while the handle/cable assembly provides propulsion. This segmentation eliminates the need to simultaneously reciprocate and steer handlebars, making operation easier and less cumbersome.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a cable as an intermediary between the handle and the drive mechanism. The cable transmits the reciprocating motion from the handle to the drive pawl and chain, simplifying the connection and reducing mechanical complexity compared to direct rigid linkages or complex gearing systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If complicated gearing mechanisms are used for propulsion, then the cycle can be propelled, but the construction becomes expensive and manufacturing difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex gearing mechanism from the propulsion system and replaces it with a simpler cable-driven reciprocating motion system. The handle/cable assembly directly translates linear motion into drive chain movement without requiring intermediate gears, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical gearing with a cable-based mechanical system. The cable acts as a flexible transmission medium that converts handle reciprocation into drive motion, eliminating the need for expensive and difficult-to-manufacture gear mechanisms while maintaining effective propulsion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If rowing machines are used for simultaneous leg, arm, and torso exercise, then all muscle groups are engaged, but the user cannot enjoy outdoors or travel

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidstationary nature

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by making the exercise device mobile rather than stationary. Instead of bringing the user to a fixed machine, the cycle allows users to travel outdoors while exercising, combining the benefits of rowing machine muscle engagement with the freedom of outdoor activity and mobility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 efficient propulsion and steering of the cycle while simultaneously exerting leg, arm, and torso muscles, eliminating the need for complex gearing and allowing foot-only propulsion, providing a versatile and effective workout experience.

Implementation Method 1

A drive pawl at an upper end with a cable spirally wrapped thereabout. A drive chain encompasses a gear on a side of the pawl and a similar gear on the rear wheel axle.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

A pair of pivotal foot pedals operate a steering mechanism to turn the front wheels toward the left or right.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Implementation Method 3

A drive chain encompasses a gear on a side of the pawl and a similar gear on the rear wheel axle.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS7946963B1Exercise cycle

Publication Date: 2011.05.24 SCHREINER JOSEF

AI summary

An exercise cycle includes a base frame having front and rear wheels and a seat slidably mounted thereon. A pair of pivotal foot pedals operate a steering mechanism to turn the front wheels toward the left or right. Between the foot pedals is a vertical support bar having a drive pawl at an upper end with a cable spirally wrapped thereabout. A handle affixed to the distal end of the cable is accessible by a rider resting in the seat. A drive chain encompasses a gear on a side of the pawl and a similar gear on the rear wheel axle. Accordingly, a rider sits on the seat, grasps the handle and places the feet on the foot pedals. By pushing with the legs and simultaneously pulling the cable, the rider propels the cycle while simulating the workout typically provided by a rowing machine.