Pivotable Ergometer Bearing for Directional Vibration Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ergometer systems generate whole-body vibrations that exceed occupational health limits, reducing application duration and efficiency, and lack holistic training capabilities by focusing on selective aspects of conditional and coordinative training.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable mounting for the bottom bracket bearing in ergometers, allowing adjustable amplitude and frequency vibrations primarily in one direction, independent of load, with optional counterweight compensation and damping to minimize unwanted vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vibration energy is transmitted through a mechanically complex construction with chain and chain tensioner, then the ergometer can be operated, but non-directional vibrations are generated with decreasing amplitude and unpleasant noises are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vibration generation function from the complex mechanical transmission system and concentrates it in a dedicated vibration unit with eccentric mass. This separates the vibration source from the chain transmission, eliminating non-directional vibrations and noises while preserving ergometer operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs mechanical vibration through an eccentric mass rotating on a vibration unit, which generates controlled vibrations in a specific direction. This replaces the non-directional vibrations from the chain system with targeted vibration energy transmission to the pedal crank.
2Stability of the object's composition
If vibration amplitude is reduced under mechanical load, then the ergometer can maintain stability, but training efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic vibration control system where the vibration unit can independently adjust vibration amplitude and direction regardless of mechanical load. This allows the system to maintain optimal vibration intensity for training efficiency while compensating for stability requirements through controlled vibration direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the vibration parameters (amplitude and direction) independently from the mechanical load conditions. By controlling the vibration unit's eccentric mass rotation, the system can maintain constant effective vibration amplitude for training while adjusting direction to preserve stability, decoupling these parameters from load-dependent variations.
3Ease of operation
If a bicycle chain with chain tensioner is used to connect pedal crank and ergometer brake, then the ergometer can be operated, but additional securing measures are required to prevent chain jumping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vibration function from the chain transmission system, allowing the chain to serve its original purpose of power transmission without the added complexity of vibration control. This eliminates the need for additional securing measures against chain jumping while maintaining ergometer operation.
4Ease of operation
If non-directional vibrations are generated, then the vibration ergometer can be operated, but the amplitude decreases depending on mechanical load and critical occupational health values are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing vibrations specifically to the pedal crank and bottom bracket bearing areas where they are most effective for training, rather than generating non-directional vibrations throughout the entire ergometer. This localized approach reduces overall vibration exposure and eliminates harmful vibrations in non-target areas while maintaining training effectiveness.
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, safe, and effective training by selectively targeting specific muscle groups with controlled vibrations, enhancing training duration and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration unit (1) which comprises a motor (54) and an eccentric disk (6) which is driven by the motor (54)
Implementation Method 2
the eccentric disk (6) is rotatably coupled to a con rod (1), wherein the con rod (1) transmits the vibrations to the bearing of the pedal device
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a bicycle ergometer comprising at least one pedaling mechanism for a user as well as a vibration unit, characterized in that the bearing (29) of the pedaling mechanism is mounted to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis (45).