Pivoting Bicycling Exercise Apparatus Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stationary bicycle designs fail to adequately simulate the dynamic forces and muscle engagement of actual cycling, leading to limited muscle group involvement, discomfort, and safety concerns due to fixed posture and lack of realistic leaning and steering capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A bicycling exercise apparatus with a frame that pivots about two mounting points, allowing users to apply forces at the handlebars, pedals, and seat to simulate the motion of a conventional bicycle, incorporating elastomer springs and pivot ball joints for articulation and rotation, enabling off-axis tilting and yawing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid platform with fixed handlebars, pedals, and seat is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the user cannot simulate dynamic forces and muscle engagement of actual cycling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the rigid fixed platform with movable mounting points that allow the frame, handlebars, pedals, and seat to move dynamically. The first and second mounting points enable the frame to pivot and rotate, simulating the dynamic forces of actual cycling while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement rather than complete rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the previously rigid unified structure into separate movable components. The frame, handlebars, pedals, and seat are each mounted independently on movable mounting points, allowing each component to move and articulate separately to simulate realistic cycling dynamics while maintaining overall structural coherence.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed posture is maintained, then the structure is simple, but nerve numbing and discomfort occur due to constant seat contact pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic posture adjustment through movable mounting points that allow the seat and handlebars to move relative to the frame. This dynamic capability relieves constant pressure on the seat contact area by allowing natural movement and position changes, preventing nerve numbing and discomfort while adding controlled complexity to the mounting mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the frame is fixed and cannot pivot, then the structure is stable and simple, but the user cannot lean and steer the bicycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces controlled dynamic movement through pivot ball joints at the mounting points, allowing the frame to lean and steer in response to user input while maintaining overall structural stability. The movable mounting points enable realistic cycling motions without compromising the fundamental stability needed for safe operation.
4Ease of operation
If elastomer springs are used for load dispersion, then the comfort and shock absorption improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates elastomer springs at the mounting points to change the mechanical parameters of the system, providing shock absorption and load dispersion capabilities. This material-based solution improves comfort and shock absorption while adding minimal complexity compared to mechanical suspension systems, as the elastomer springs are integrated directly into the mounting 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
This design provides a more realistic cycling simulation, engaging a broader range of muscle groups, improving comfort and safety by allowing users to lean and steer, thus enhancing the overall cycling experience and reducing the risk of injury.
Implementation Method 1
a first (lower forward) mount including a group of elements configured to form a multi-element distributed load arrangement
Implementation Method 2
pivot ball joints for articulation and rotation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus permitting a user to perform a simulated bicycling exercise is provided. The apparatus includes a frame having a head tube, a first upper rear mounting point and a second lower front mounting point configured to maintain the frame, the first upper rear mounting point comprising an upper rear movable rotating joint, a seat connected to said frame and configured to support the user in a forward facing orientation, a wheel positioned in association with said frame, a set of pedals configured to interact with said wheel, and a stem connected to a handlebar arrangement, the stem passing through the head tube and connected to a base by a connection arrangement. The frame is configured to pivot about the first upper rear mounting point and second lower front mounting point in response to leaning by the user, causing rotation of the stem within the head tube.