Variable Resistance Trainer for Indoor-Outdoor Data Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Indoor sports training devices lack integration with outdoor training, leading to repetitive and boring workouts, and they are incompatible with simultaneous data analysis across both environments, perceiving indoor training as less effective.

Innovation Solution

A sports training device with a rotatable member providing variable resistance, connected to a monitoring and communication unit that integrates data from user and mechanical sensors, allowing wireless communication and simulation control, enabling seamless indoor-outdoor training integration and data analysis through a customizable Web application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If indoor training devices are used, then training can be performed in controlled environment, but the training becomes repetitive and boring due to lack of natural environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining consistencyVSAvoiduser engagement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates virtual copies of outdoor environments and training scenarios through software simulation, allowing users to experience varied terrains, routes, and conditions without leaving the indoor setting. This maintains training consistency while preventing monotony through digital environment replication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The training device integrates multiple functions including indoor exercise capability, outdoor activity tracking, virtual reality integration, social networking features, and competitive elements. This multi-functionality transforms a simple indoor trainer into a comprehensive training platform that addresses both reliability and user engagement needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If indoor training devices perform electronic analysis, then data can be collected, but they are incompatible with outdoor exercise planning due to lack of common reference framework

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata analysis capabilityVSAvoidindoor-outdoor integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges indoor trainer data collection with outdoor activity tracking through a unified software platform. GPS data from outdoor activities is integrated with power meter, cadence, and heart rate data from indoor sessions, creating a comprehensive training database that spans both environments with a common reference framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds the dimension of virtual reality and digital simulation to the traditional indoor-outdoor training dichotomy. By creating a virtual training environment that can replicate outdoor conditions and integrate with actual outdoor GPS tracking, the system bridges the gap between indoor and outdoor data through a third dimensional layer of simulation and analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If multiple users train simultaneously, then competition and sharing can occur, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining effectivenessVSAvoidsystem architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces a centralized server and cloud-based platform as intermediaries that manage multiple user connections, data storage, and competitive features. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of multi-user interactions, authentication, data synchronization, and social networking functions, keeping the individual trainer hardware relatively simple while enabling rich multi-user capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enhances training quality by allowing users to configure routines, compete, and share sessions, providing a unified training plan that combines indoor and outdoor data, making indoor training more engaging and effective.

Implementation Method 1

a rotatable member (2) which offers a variable resistance to a physical force applied by a user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic braking: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2623166B1Sports training device
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 BKOOL
  • EP2623166B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2623166B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2623166B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a training device usable in both indoor and outdoor training sessions, linked to a communication network capable of connecting multiple remote users during shared training sessions. Said device comprises, among other elements, a training means which presents a variable resistance against a physical force applied by a user; a monitoring and communication unit of data regarding the physical condition of the user and the mechanical conditions of the training means; a simulation and control unit; and a plurality of sensors for acquiring information on the physical condition of the user, on the mechanical conditions of the training means and on the user's environment.