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 to absorb and distribute forces, enabling leaning and steering motions.
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 it fails to simulate dynamic forces and limits muscle group engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the rigid fixed platform with a suspended frame system that can pivot and move dynamically. The frame is suspended from two mounting points and can pivot about an axis, allowing it to respond to user forces with realistic motions including leaning and steering, thereby simulating dynamic cycling forces while maintaining structural simplicity through controlled degrees of freedom
2Ease of operation
If the frame is fixed in a single position, then the structure is stable, but it causes nerve numbing and discomfort due to constant seat contact pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The frame transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic suspended system that can pivot and move in response to user forces. This dynamic capability allows the seat and handlebar positions to adjust naturally during cycling, varying contact pressures and preventing nerve numbing while maintaining operational stability through the controlled pivot mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameters of the frame dynamically rather than maintaining fixed coordinates. The frame's position and orientation vary within controlled limits as it pivots about the mounting points, allowing comfort optimization through parameter variation while preserving stability through the constrained pivot axis
3Adaptability or versatility
If stationary rollers are used to support the bicycle, then the seat can move relative to contact area, but the design is difficult to learn, dangerous to operate, and does not relieve seat pressure adequately
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using stationary rollers that require balancing skills, the patent employs a suspended frame system with defined pivot points that naturally guide the motion. The frame pivots about a fixed axis determined by two mounting points, providing stable and predictable movement that is safe for users of all skill levels while adequately relieving seat pressure through controlled dynamic motion
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 apparatus 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 wear on components.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating elastomer springs and pivot ball joints to absorb and distribute forces
Implementation Method 2
incorporating elastomer springs and pivot ball joints to absorb and distribute forces
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus permitting a user to perform a simulated bicycling exercise is provided. The apparatus includes a frame, a first upper rear mounting point and a second lower front mounting point configured to maintain the frame, the first upper rear mounting point having an upper rear movable rotating joint, a seat connected to the frame and configured to support the user in a forward facing orientation, a wheel positioned in association with the frame, and a set of pedals configured to interact with the wheel. 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 at least a portion of the apparatus.