Rowing Machine Feathering Handle With Haptic or Audible Rotation Cues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rowing machines do not effectively replicate the feathering motion of rowing, which is crucial for efficient rowing technique and synchronization among rowers.
Innovation Solution
The rowing machine incorporates a handle with a grip member that rotates relative to a connecting member, providing haptic and/or audible indications when the grip member rotates from a first position to a second position, simulating the feathering motion of rowing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If common rowing machines are used to replicate rowing motion, then the overall rowing motions (leg and arm motions) can be practiced, but the feathering motion which is critical for efficient rowing technique cannot be replicated
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into separate functional components: a grip member that rotates independently to simulate oar feathering, and a connecting member that transmits force to the energy damper. This segmentation allows the feathering motion to be added without redesigning the entire rowing machine mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip member is made rotatable relative to the connecting member, transforming a static handle into a dynamic component that can change orientation. This rotational capability enables the handle to simulate the feathering motion of oars while maintaining connection to the energy damper system.
2Ease of operation
If the grip member is made rotatable to simulate feathering, then feathering technique can be practiced, but additional components are required to provide rotation and indications
Solution Approach 1:
Detents are added to the rotation mechanism to provide tactile feedback when the grip member reaches specific angular positions. This feedback system helps rowers understand when the oar has been properly feathered or squared without requiring complex sensors or displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent mechanism automatically provides positioning feedback without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. The mechanical detents engage with corresponding features in the grip member and connecting member to indicate rotational positions.
3Productivity
If multiple rowers practice simultaneously on rowing machines, then team synchronization can be improved, but coordination of feathering aspects becomes more difficult without visual or audible cues
Solution Approach 1:
Audible feedback is provided through detents that produce distinct sounds when engaged, allowing rowers to hear when their feathering motion is synchronized with others. This acoustic signal enables coordination across multiple machines without visual contact.
Solution Approach 2:
While not directly visual color changes, the detent mechanism provides positional indication through audible and tactile feedback, effectively communicating the state of the feathering motion to other rowers and coaches.
Data Source
AI summary
A rowing machine to simulate the action of rowing a watercraft includes an energy damper, a handle, and a tensile member connecting the handle to the energy damper. The handle includes a grip member with a right hand grip and a left hand grip, and a connecting member connected to the tensile member. The connecting member is configured to transmit a force from the tensile member to the handle such that the force is substantially centered between the left hand grip and the right hand grip. The grip member is configured to rotate relative to the connecting member and provide at least one of a haptic indication and an audible indication when the grip member rotates relative to the connecting member from a first position to a second position that is substantially ninety degrees from the first position. The simulation may include actions to replicate feathering an oar.