Magnetic Braking System for Exercise Equipment Resistance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise equipment systems face challenges in providing convenient and accurate resistance adjustment during exercise, often requiring cumbersome and time-consuming processes, which can disrupt the user experience.
Innovation Solution
A braking system that incorporates a plurality of magnets to provide varying exercise resistance, combined with an easy-to-use and accurate resistance adjustment assembly, and an auxiliary brake that can be activated using the same adjustment knob, enhancing both convenience and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a torque regulator is used to adjust pedal resistance, then the resistance can be adjusted according to training goals, but the adjustment operation becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical torque regulator with an electronic control system. A brake controller receives input signals and automatically adjusts the brake force applied to the flywheel, substituting manual mechanical adjustment with electronic actuation. This allows resistance changes without manual intervention on the torque regulator mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect flywheel speed and cadence, and the controller automatically adjusts resistance based on this data without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own operational parameters and making real-time resistance adjustments to maintain optimal training conditions.
2Reliability
If a separate friction-based auxiliary brake is added for safety, then the flywheel can be stopped, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the auxiliary safety brake function with the existing electronic brake system. The same brake assembly and actuator used for resistance control during exercise are also employed for safety stopping. The brake controller integrates both resistance modulation and emergency stopping functions into a single controlled system, eliminating the need for a separate mechanical friction brake.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic brake system is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides variable resistance during exercise by controlling brake force magnitude, and it provides safety stopping by applying maximum brake force. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate brake mechanisms for different purposes.
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 system allows for quick and precise resistance adjustments, improving user convenience and exercise experience while ensuring safety through the integrated auxiliary brake.
Implementation Method 1
A braking system includes a plurality of magnets providing varying exercise resistance when moved in relation to a flywheel of the exercise apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for adjusting resistance on an exercise apparatus include a first resistance apparatus having an adjusting bracket, magnetic members mounted on an inner surface of the adjusting bracket, a stepper motor having an adjusting shaft and operable to traverse a portion of the length of the adjusting shaft. At a first position, the magnetic members are disposed above a flywheel, and in a second position, the magnetic members are disposed on opposite sides of the flywheel, providing resistance thereto. A load cell couples the adjusting bracket to the frame and generates a signal corresponding to the movement of the adjusting bracket. A computing system calculates resistance, rpms, power from load cell signal, stepper motor position, shaft rotational position and other sensor inputs.