Flywheel Resistance Device with Self-Resetting Biasing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flywheel-type exercising apparatuses require users to manually reset the resistance generating unit after stopping the flywheel, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A flywheel-type variable resistance generating device with left and right actuating arms, anchored mounts, a pulling cord, a tightening-force adjusting member, a biasing unit, and a lever, allowing for adjustable resistance levels and easy transition to a resistance-free state by engaging and disengaging friction surfaces with the flywheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the threaded bolt is used to adjust resistance by lifting the inner tube, then resistance levels can be adjusted, but the user must manually rotate the bolt back to initial position after stopping the flywheel
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance generating device automatically resets itself after the flywheel stops rotating. The spring unit pushes the inner tube back to its initial position, and the threaded bolt automatically returns to its starting location without requiring user intervention, thus eliminating the time-consuming manual reset process
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance adjustment mechanism operates in periodic cycles: during exercise, the user adjusts resistance by rotating the threaded bolt; after stopping, the spring automatically returns the mechanism to its initial state, preparing it for the next exercise session without manual intervention
2Reliability
If the inner tube is lifted through the threaded bolt to retard flywheel rotation, then the flywheel can be stopped safely, but the threaded bolt is prevented from moving by threaded engagement
Solution Approach 1:
After the flywheel is stopped using the lever and threaded bolt mechanism, the spring unit automatically pushes the inner tube back to its initial position, and the threaded bolt automatically returns to its starting location, preparing the system for immediate resumption of exercise without manual resetting
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to manually reverse the adjustment action after stopping, the system uses a spring mechanism to automatically reverse the movement, inverting the conventional approach where the user must actively reset the mechanism
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 adjustment of resistance levels and effortless resumption of pedaling by disengaging friction surfaces when the flywheel is stopped, enhancing user experience and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing unit, left and right pull-activating members, and a lever... the biasing unit is disposed to bias the left and right pulled ends to the starting position
Implementation Method 2
the left and right speed-retarding members respectively have left and right friction surfaces which are respectively fully engaged with left and right major walls of the flywheel in the braking position, which are partially engaged with the left and right major walls in the adjusted position
Data Source
AI summary
A flywheel-type variable resistance generating device for an exercising apparatus includes two actuating arms disposed outboard of a flywheel, a pulling cord having two anchoring ends coupled with a tightening-force adjusting member and a lever, and two pull-activating members connected to the pulling cord so as to move the actuating arms. The actuating arms are movable among a starting position where they are disengaged from the flywheel, an adjusted position where they are partially engaged with the flywheel, and a braking position where they are fully engaged with the flywheel. When the lever is operated to move one anchoring end with a braking force, the other anchoring end of the pulling cord is pulled back to its initial locus to move the actuating arms to the starting position.