Exercise Machine Resistance Device for Smooth Direction Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stepping exercise machines face limitations in smoothly transitioning between pedaling directions, especially at small paces, due to the inertia of the flywheel not immediately converting stepping motion into the opposite direction, resulting in blockages when switching operation direction.
Innovation Solution
The exercise machine incorporates a resistance device with a system of transmission wheels, one-way bearings, and belts to ensure kinetic energy is efficiently transmitted from the driving units to the flywheel, allowing smooth operation at both large and small paces by adjusting the direction of rotation and tension, thereby eliminating direction-switching retardation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional linkage rod mechanism with a single flywheel is used, then the structure is simple, but the flywheel cannot smoothly convert stepping motion into the opposite direction at small paces, causing blockage when switching operation direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transmission mechanism into multiple independent transmission wheels (first transmission wheel, second transmission wheel, third transmission wheel, fourth transmission wheel, fifth transmission wheel) instead of using a single flywheel. Each transmission wheel can independently rotate in specific directions, allowing the system to handle small pace stepping motions without blockage while maintaining operational smoothness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces one-way bearings as intermediary elements between the transmission wheels and the flywheel. These one-way bearings act as mediators that control the direction of energy transmission, allowing kinetic energy to be transmitted from the driving units to the flywheel through the transmission wheels while preventing reverse rotation that would cause blockage.
2Speed
If a single flywheel is used to provide inertia, then the structure is simple, but the inertia cannot immediately convert stepping operation into the other direction, resulting in direction-switching retardation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the transmission mechanism dynamic by allowing the fourth and fifth transmission wheels to rotate in opposite directions (first direction and second direction respectively) depending on the stepping motion. This dynamic configuration enables immediate response during direction switching, as the appropriate transmission wheel can engage to convert stepping operation into the other direction without retardation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rotational direction parameter of the transmission wheels based on the stepping operation. The fourth transmission wheel rotates in a first direction while the fifth transmission wheel rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different stepping directions and maintain high response speed during direction transitions.
3Power
If multiple transmission wheels with opposite rotation directions are used, then kinetic energy can be efficiently transmitted to the flywheel, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple transmission functions into a compact resistance device assembly. The first transmission wheel and second transmission wheel are disposed at opposite sides of the frame and connected to the first axle, while the third, fourth, and fifth transmission wheels are connected to the second axle. This merging of components allows efficient kinetic energy transmission from both driving units to the flywheel through the transmission members while consolidating the overall structure.
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 seamless operation at various pedaling paces without retardation, ensuring continuous and smooth rotation of the flywheel regardless of pedaling direction, enhancing user experience and exercise efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first one-way bearing disposed between the fourth transmission wheel and the second axle, and a second one-way bearing disposed between the fifth transmission wheel and the second axle
Implementation Method 2
a flywheel rotatably mounted on the frame
Implementation Method 3
the inertia of the flywheel improves the smoothness of the pedaling operation
Implementation Method 4
The first transmission member connects the first transmission wheel and the fourth transmission wheel. The second transmission member connects the second transmission wheel and the fifth transmission wheel
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine includes a supporting mechanism, two driving units, and a resistance device. The supporting mechanism is used to support the two driving units and the resistance device. The two driving units are respectively disposed at the left and right side of the supporting mechanism for the user to operate. The resistance device can be operated in both directions to eliminate the blockage when switching the operation direction.