Exercise Device Emergency Stop with Magnetic Brake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerobic exercise machines, such as stationary bicycles, lack an efficient mechanism for adjusting resistance that combines both friction and magnetic braking systems, requiring more force input to stop the flywheel and failing to provide independent control over resistance and emergency stop functions.
Innovation Solution
A control mechanism incorporating a friction brake assembly with a push rod and friction pad, combined with a magnetic resistance assembly featuring a rotatable sleeve, movable housing, and magnets, allowing for independent adjustment of resistance and emergency stopping through a single knob, with a return spring and movement sensor for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a friction brake system is used to stop the flywheel, then the stopping function is achieved, but more force input is required and the control mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines friction braking and magnetic resistance adjustment into a single integrated control mechanism. The knob simultaneously controls the friction brake pad engagement and the magnetic resistance assembly position, merging two separate control functions into one unified interface. This reduces the force required to stop the flywheel while simplifying the control mechanism by eliminating the need for separate controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic resistance assembly as an intermediary between the user input and the flywheel stopping function. The magnetic field provides additional resistance that assists the friction brake, reducing the direct force burden on the user while maintaining control through the unified knob mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If separate control mechanisms are used for resistance adjustment and emergency stop, then independent control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single knob control mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the friction brake engagement for emergency stopping and the magnetic resistance assembly position for resistance adjustment. This multi-functional design maintains independent control capability while reducing the number of separate control mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components (friction brake control portion and magnetic resistance control portion) that operate independently through the unified knob interface. This allows each function to be controlled separately while maintaining a single integrated control system, balancing independence with simplicity.
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 adjustment of resistance and independent operation of emergency stopping and resistance adjustment, reducing the force needed to stop the flywheel and enhancing user control over the exercise device.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic braking system may be magnets mounted on brackets that are selectively pivoted relative to the frame to increase or decrease the resistance opposing rotation of the flywheel
Implementation Method 2
As a friction brake pad engages the flywheel, the magnets also overlap the flywheel. Thus, in addition to the friction force applied to the flywheel that resists rotation of the flywheel
Implementation Method 3
the rotation of the flywheel is also resisted by the eddy current brake
Data Source
AI summary
A control mechanism includes a friction brake assembly. The friction brake assembly includes a push rod and a friction pad connected to the push rod. The control mechanism also includes a magnetic resistance assembly. The magnetic resistance assembly includes a rotatable sleeve, a movable housing in contact with the rotatable sleeve, and at least one magnet disposed within the movable housing. The control mechanism also includes a knob in mechanical communication with both the push rod and the rotatable sleeve.