Patent Application
20250073526
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a bicycle trainer and related methods of using the bicycle trainer. Certain embodiments are directed to the configuration of components of the bicycle trainer that emulate the experience of cycling without a bicycle trainer.
Focused training for an important race, busy schedules, bad weather and other factors inspire bicycle riders to train indoors. Indoor training has further evolved into an exercise and enjoyable activity itself, whether or not also motivated by improving outdoor riding fitness. Numerous indoor training options exist including exercise bicycles and trainers. An exercise bicycle looks similar to a bicycle but without wheels, and includes a seat, handlebars, pedals, crank arms, a drive sprocket, and chain. An indoor trainer, in contrast, is a mechanism that allows the rider to mount an actual bicycle to the trainer, with or without the rear wheel, and then ride the bicycle indoors. The trainer provides the resistance and supports the bicycle but otherwise is a simpler mechanism than a complete exercise bicycle. Such trainers allow the user to train using their own bicycle and are typically smaller than full exercise bicycles.
There is a desire to provide a realistic resistance experience in a bicycle trainer with a device that is user friendly. With these thoughts in mind among others, aspects disclosed herein were conceived.
Embodiments of the present invention relate to an exercise device that provides a dynamic and responsive training experience. The exercise device may be a bicycle trainer with a flywheel assembly. The configuration of the electromagnetic brake assembly in the flywheel volume efficiently and effectively delivers a realistic experience to the user of the exercise device. The electromagnetic brake assembly may include an electromagnet having two outer legs that are asymmetrical. The leading outer leg may be thicker than the trailing outer leg, delivering flux more efficiently to improve the cycling and training experience.
Embodiments described herein relate to an exercise device. The exercise device may include a frame assembly. The frame assembly may include a flywheel support member and may support a drive axle. The drive axle may be adapted to be driven by a bicycle. A flywheel assembly may be supported by the flywheel support member. The flywheel assembly may include a flywheel supported by a flywheel axle extending through the support member. The flywheel axle may be coupled to the drive axle such that rotation of the drive axle drives the flywheel axle. An electromagnetic brake assembly may be coupled to the support member. The brake assembly may include an electromagnet. The electromagnet may include a core including a first outer leg at a first end of the core and a second outer leg at a second end of the core. The second end may be opposite the first end. The first end may be characterized by a first width. The second end may be characterized by a second width. The first width may be different from the second width.
Embodiments may include an exercise device. The exercise device may include a frame assembly including a flywheel support member and supporting a drive axle. The drive axle may be adapted to be driven by a bicycle. A flywheel assembly may be supported by the flywheel support member. The flywheel assembly may include a flywheel supported by a flywheel axle extending through the support member. The flywheel axle may be coupled to the drive axle such that rotation of the drive axle drives the flywheel axle. The flywheel may include an outboard portion and a rim that collectively define a flywheel volume. An electromagnetic brake assembly may be coupled to the support member. The electromagnetic brake assembly may include an electromagnet disposed outside the flywheel volume.
Example embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting.
Aspects of the present disclosure involve a bicycle trainer that provides several advantages over conventional designs. The trainer includes a vertically adjustable rear axle and cassette (rear bicycle gears) where the user mounts a bicycle to the trainer. Generally speaking, the user removes a rear wheel from the dropouts, through axle configuration, or the like at the rear of the bicycle (not shown) and then connects the rear axle and cassette of the trainer to the rear of the bicycle in the same manner that the rear wheel would be coupled to the bicycle.
The cassette is coupled to a pulley that drives a belt connected to a flywheel such that when the user is exercising, the pedaling motion of the user drives the flywheel. The flywheel includes an electromagnetic brake that is controllable. Based on power measurements, RPM, heart rate and other factors, the magnetic brake may be controlled. Control of the trainer, and display of numerous possible features (power, RPM, terrain, video, user profile, heart rate, etc.) may be provided through a dedicated device or through a smart phone, tablet, smart television, laptop computer, desktop computer, or similar device, running a software application (“app”) configured to communicate with and to transmit control signals to the trainer.
According to an example embodiment, a computing device running the app, connects with the bicycle trainer using an application programming interface (API) also known as a framework. The framework is bundled within the app and loaded into memory as needed by the computing device. The framework may include shared resources such as a dynamic shared library, interface files, image files, header files, and reference documentation all within a single package. The API is made publicly available for download to software developers to use to develop apps for use with the bicycle trainer. As an example, software developers may add the framework to a third-party app which provides a user interface for interacting with the bicycle trainer and upload the app to a repository of apps to be downloaded by computing device users. The app may be executed by a computing device and communicate with the bicycle trainer using a wired or wireless interface. The app may be used to select and control a mode of operation for the bicycle trainer and provide visual feedback regarding bicycle rides on a display of the smartphone. The app may also be used as an interface to select power-based fitness training, interact, or simulate recorded actual rides, simulate hill climbing and descending, and input desired ride variables such as grade, wind, rider weight and bike weight, etc. Accordingly, the framework allows the bicycle trainer to interface with a variety of different first-party and third-party apps such as bicycle training apps, bicycle ride tracking apps, map apps, multiplayer synchronous game-type apps, asynchronous game apps, course leaderboard apps, course simulation apps, GPS-type apps, etc. Stated differently, the API turns the trainer into an open platform that third parties may use to develop apps to control and obtain information from the trainer.
As noted above, resistance for the bicycle trainer is provided electromagnetically. More specifically, implementations of this disclosure include an electromagnetic brake assembly supported on a flywheel support member of the bicycle trainer. The electromagnetic brake assembly may include at least one electromagnet supported on the flywheel support member such that the electromagnet extends into an internal volume of the flywheel. In other embodiments, the electromagnet may be on the outside of the internal volume of the flywheel. For example, the electromagnet may be extending radially to or from the center of the flywheel. In some embodiments, the electromagnet may be displaced axially from the flywheel. The electromagnet may be disposed on an outboard portion of a flywheel.
In at least some implementations, the electromagnet includes an e-shaped core with a coil surrounding a middle leg of the core. Note that “e-shaped” refers to the shape of a capital “E” with its three legs and a perpendicular support from which the three legs extend. E-shaped magnetic cores are commonly found in transformers, inductors, and similar power electronics in which the legs of one e-shaped core abut those of a second e-shaped core or an I-shaped bar. Contrary to this conventional use, which results in a closed magnetic circuit, it was observed that the open end of an electromagnet including an e-shaped core provided certain unique and unexpected advantages for electromagnetic braking applications, particularly in the context of exercise devices.
As noted above, bicycle trainers of this disclosure generally include a flywheel with an electromagnet supported by a frame assembly such that the electromagnet extends into the inner volume of the flywheel. In some embodiments, the electromagnet may be outside the inner volume of the flywheel. When an electromagnet including an e-shaped core was disposed within the internal volume of a bicycle trainer flywheel with the open end of the core's legs directed to the flywheel's rim, various unexpected results were observed. For example, each of the relative “smoothness” of the flywheel's rotation when braking and the braking efficiency (i.e., braking force generated per unit of power applied to the electromagnet) were found to be improved as compared to electromagnets having alternatively shaped cores. Current theories are that because the magnetic field produced by the electromagnet is emitted through the open end of each leg, the field is both directed primarily at the flywheel (resulting in improved braking efficiency) while also being distributed over a wider arc of the flywheel (resulting in a less concentrated magnetic force that improves flywheel smoothness during braking).
Bicycle trainers may include an electromagnet with asymmetric pole widths. The legs of the E-Shaped core face the flywheel. During rotation of the circular flywheel, the leading and trailing legs of the core return flux generated when the middle leg is energized. The leading leg is the leg facing the direction of rotation and receives more flux than the trailing edge leg. The pole width on the leading edge of the electromagnet may be thicker than the pole width on the trailing edge of the electromagnet. In this way, performance may be maintained as compared to a E-shaped core with equally sized leading and trailing legs while simultaneously reducing cost compared to the same. Moreover, the asymmetric pole widths may deliver a more even flux distribution to result in a better exercise experience. The combination of the electromagnetic field generated by the energized central E-Mag leg and the flux at the leading and trailing edge legs describes the electromagnetic field creating resistance for the flywheel and the rider.
A coil (not illustrated) may be around center leg 158. Energizing the coil results in the generation of a magnetic field that interacts with the flywheel by way of magnetic hysteresis. To illustrate the concept, representative DC (direct current) magnetic field lines 1912, with the direction of the magnetic field in each leg are shown as arrows 1912a, 1912b, and 1912c in first outer leg 154, center leg 158, and second outer leg 156, respectively. The field in center leg 158 is in one direction (arrow 1912b) toward the rim of the flywheel, and the fields in first outer leg 154 (arrow 1912a) and second outer leg 156 (arrow 1912c) are in the opposite direction. In embodiments, the direction of all arrows may be reversed based on the polarity of the electromagnet. The change in the field from center leg 158 to the adjacent outer legs may lead to a changing magnetic flux path 1916 in the flywheel, creating hysteresis. This changing flux creates resistance for the rotation of the flywheel and therefore for the user of the exercise device. First outer leg 154, as the leading leg, is the first leg to go through the changing magnetic flux process. First outer leg 154 has a greater width, allowing a stronger magnetic field to go through the leg. By contrast, second outer leg 156 is the last leg to go through the changing magnetic flux process and has a smaller width to accommodate the weaker magnetic field. In
The configuration of the electromagnet in combination with the flywheel dimensions may target desired parameters, including inertia (affecting rider feel), maximum gear ratio (affecting speed and based on mechanical limits), and maximum rider torque. The required inertia may be achieved through the inertia related to the spinning flywheel in combination with the resistive electromagnetic force from the electromagnet. The flywheel will have a certain inertia by itself. The required inertia of the system may be based on the weight of a standard bicycle and representative rider and then controlled by the electromagnetic to approximate different ride characteristics (e.g., uphill, downhill, riding surface) and further accommodate rider characteristics not otherwise achieved by the flywheel alone. The parameters for the electromagnet that are optimized may include rim thickness (e.g., rim thickness 1908). The rim should be thick enough to carry enough flux from the electromagnet. Similarly, the return legs of the electromagnet should be sufficient to carry return flux. Too thin of a rim and/or too small a return leg will result in the flux being overconcentrated in certain areas, and the rim/leg will not be able to carry additional flux, meaning the system will be less efficient. The rim thickness may be based on a target torque or flux distribution. More desired torque requires more flux, which results in a larger rim thickness for a given inner or outer diameter. A thinner rim, however, may reduce cost. Additionally, a rim may be too thick for the amount of flux generated, so that the greater thickness of the rim is wasted. The asymmetric configuration of e-shaped core 152 may allow for an efficient flux distribution in flywheel 124 and field distribution in the e-shaped core.
Generally speaking, the electromagnet creates resistance to the user pedaling which is measured as torque. Power, measured in Watts, is computed as torque multiplied by the speed (revolutions per minute) at which the flywheel is rotating due to the user pedaling the bicycle connected to the trainer. Thus, depending on the dimensions of the electromagnet and flywheel, and the energizing of the electromagnet, the user must generate sufficient torque to overcome the resistance created by the interaction of the electromagnet and the flywheel in order to rotate the flywheel, and then pedal at some Watts to rotate the flywheel at an RPM.
Flywheels may also vary the outer diameter and the rim length (e.g., dimension of rim in parallel to axial direction of flywheel). The rim length may also be termed the flywheel width. The outer diameter and rim length may affect the required inertia; a larger flywheel may have greater inertia. A shorter outer diameter and shorter rim length decreases cost.
The asymmetry of the poles may be varied. The leading pole may be thicker than the trailing pole. The thicker leading pole may allow for a greater amount of flux compared to the trailing pole. The size of the electromagnet may vary based on the required torque and the conductor material. The number of turns of the coil can be optimized. The maximum coil resistance may set the wire diameter for a given voltage and power supply rating.
The foregoing and other aspects of the present disclosure are described in further detail below with reference to the figures.
Exercise device 100 generally includes a frame assembly 102 for supporting exercise device 100 on a surface, e.g., the ground, and for supporting each of a drive assembly 114 and a flywheel assembly 122. In the specific illustrated implementation, frame assembly 102 is an A-frame type structure that includes a flywheel support member 104 coupled to an ancillary support member 106. As illustrated, ancillary support member 106 terminates in a front stabilizer 108 while flywheel support member 104 terminates in a rear stabilizer 110. Front stabilizer 108 and rear stabilizer 110 are generally configured to a robust and stable base for exercise device 100, including during vigorous riding. In certain implementations, each stabilizer may also include end caps, such as end cap 112, for additional stability and to protect both frame assembly 102 and the surface on which exercise device 100 is disposed.
The A-frame type frame of exercise device 100 is intended as only an example design of frame assembly 102 that may be used in implementations of this disclosure. More generally, frame assembly 102 is configured to support drive assembly 114 and flywheel assembly 122 and may have various configurations and arrangements. For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/403,785 (which is incorporated herein by reference) includes an alternative frame assembly including a main frame member and folding legs, which may be adapted to include various features and elements of the present disclosure.
The specific implementation of exercise device 100 illustrated in the figures is intended to be used with a bicycle with its rear wheel removed. For example, with reference to
Drive wheel 116 is generally coupled to a flywheel 124 of a flywheel assembly 122 such that driving drive wheel 116 results in rotation of flywheel 124. In the specific implementation shown in the figures, exercise device 100 is belt driven. More specifically, drive wheel 116 is coupled by a belt 120 to a flywheel axle 126. Flywheel axle 126 extends through and is rotationally supported within flywheel support member 104. Flywheel axle 126 is also coupled to flywheel 124, which, in the illustrated implementation, is disposed on an opposite side of flywheel support member 104 from drive wheel 116. Accordingly, rotation of drive wheel 116 (e.g., by a user pedaling a bicycle coupled to drive assembly 114) drives rotation of flywheel axle 126 and flywheel 124. In such belt-driven implementations, exercise device 100 may further include a belt tensioner 130 (shown in
Referring to
As shown in
To facilitate operation of exercise device 100, such as to control power delivered to electromagnet 142, exercise device 100 may include a control board 138 or similar electronics system. In the specific implementation illustrated in the figures, control board 138 is disposed under flywheel 124 and is supported by flywheel cover 128; however, this disclosure contemplates that control board 138 may be mounted elsewhere on exercise device 100. Moreover, in certain implementations, various components of control board 138 may be distributed across different locations (e.g., in separate control boards) of exercise device 100.
As further discussed in the context of
In at least certain implementations, control, and operation of exercise device 100 is facilitated in part by one or more sensors configured to provide measurements to control board 138. For example,
This disclosure contemplates that other sensors may be incorporated into exercise device 100 to obtain measurements that can be subsequently used to control resistance of exercise device 100, measure and report performance of a user of exercise device 100, or otherwise operate exercise device 100. For example, optical sensor 134 may be substituted with other sensor types suitable for measuring rotational speed such as, but not limited to magnetic (e.g., Hall effect, variable reluctance, eddy-current killed oscillator, Wiegand) sensors or other non-encoder type optical sensors. Certain implementations may include strain gauges or similar force sensors configured to measure force applied by the user or counterforce applied to the electromagnet 142 due to interaction flywheel 124. In still other implementations, exercise device 100 may be adapted to communicated with a power meter (e.g., a crank-based power meter) coupled to the user's bicycle and to receive power measurements form the power meter.
As shown in in the figures, flywheel 124 generally includes a circumferentially extending rim 146 capped with an outboard portion 144 that extends generally parallel to flywheel support member 104. A flywheel bore 151 extends through outboard portion 144 to permit insertion of flywheel axle 126 through flywheel 124 for mounting flywheel 124 to flywheel support member 104 and to facilitate transmission of rotational energy from drive wheel 116 to flywheel 124 as previously discussed.
Flywheel 124 may have an outer diameter in a range from 50 to 100 mm, 100 to 150 mm, 150 to 200 mm, 200 to 210 mm, 210 to 220 mm, 220 to 230 mm, 230 to 250 mm, 250 to 300 mm, or greater than 300 mm. Flywheel 124 may have an inner diameter (not counting the thickness of the rim) from 50 to 100 mm, 100 to 150 mm, 150 to 200 mm, 200 to 210 mm, 210 to 220 mm, 220 to 230 mm, 230 to 250 mm, 250 to 300 mm, or greater than 300 mm. Rim thickness may be in a range from 1 to 5 mm, 5 to 10 mm, 10 to 15 mm, 15 to 20 mm, 20 to 30 mm, or greater than 30 mm.
The flange width (e.g., the width of the flywheel rim that faces the coil, a dimension in the axial direction) may be in a range from 20 to 30 mm, 30 to 40 mm, 40 to 50 mm, 50 to 60 mm, 60 to 70 mm, or greater than 70 mm. The total flywheel width may be 30 to 40 mm, 40 to 50 mm, 50 to 60 mm, 60 to 70 mm, 70 to 80 mm, 80 to 90 mm, 90 to 100 mm, or greater than 100 mm. The ratio of the inner diameter to the first width 204 to may be in a range from 2 to 4 to 5, 5 to 6, 6 to 7, 7 to 8, 8 to 9, 9 to 10, or over 10.
The weight of flywheel 124 may be in a range from 1 to 8 lbs, 8 to 9 lbs, 9 to 10 lbs, 10 to 11 lbs, 11 to 12 lbs, 12 to 13 lbs, or greater than 13 lbs.
As shown in
Electromagnet 142 may be asymmetrical with respect to the outer legs. First outer leg 154 may have a first width 204. Second outer leg 156 may have a second width 208. First width 204 may be greater than second width 208. First width 204 and second width 208 may be parallel to longitudinal axis 212 of the support of e-shaped core 152. A ratio of first width 204 to second width 208 may be in a range from 1.1 to 1.2, 1.2 to 1.3, 1.3 to 1.4, 1.4 to 1.5, 1.5 to 1.6, 1.6 to 1.7, 1.7 to 1.8, 1.8 to 1.9, 1.9 to 2.0, 2.0 to 2.5, 2.5 to 3.0, or greater than 3.0. In some embodiments, the outer legs may be asymmetrical in other ways. For example, the widths may be in a direction perpendicular to longitudinal axis 204 or orthogonal to a surface of the support (e.g., a length, a thickness).
The first width may be in a range from 1 to 12 mm, 12 to 16 mm, 16 to 20 mm, 20 to 24 mm, 24 to 28 mm, 28 to 32 mm, 32 to 40 mm, or over 40 mm. The second width may be in a range from 1 to 10 mm, 10 to 15 mm, 15 to 18 mm, 18 to 22 mm, 22 to 26 mm, 26 to 30 mm, 30 to 40 mm, or over 40 mm. The thickness of e-shaped core 152 may be the dimension orthogonal to the largest flat surface of e-shaped core 152. The thickness may be in a range from 1 to 10 mm, 10 to 20 mm, 20 to 25 mm, 25 to 35 mm, 35 to 40 mm, or greater than 40 mm.
The width of the center leg may be in a range from 1 to 12 mm, 12 to 16 mm, 16 to 20 mm, 20 to 24 mm, 24 to 28 mm, 28 to 32 mm, 32 to 40 mm, or over 40 mm. The second width may be in a range from 1 to 10 mm, 10 to 15 mm, 15 to 18 mm, 18 to 22 mm, 22 to 26 mm, 26 to 30 mm, 30 to 40 mm, 40 to 50 mm, 50 to 60 mm, or greater than 60 mm. The ratio of the width of the center leg to the first width may be in a range from 1.1 to 1.2, 1.2 to 1.3, 1.3 to 1.4, 1.4 to 1.5, 1.5 to 1.6, 1.6 to 1.7, 1.7 to 1.8, 1.8 to 1.9, 1.9 to 2.0, 2.0 to 2.5, 2.5 to 3.0, or greater than 3.0.
To prevent friction and wear between electromagnet 142 and flywheel 124, a small air gap may be present between the legs of e-shaped core 152 and flywheel 124. In general, air gaps impair the flow of magnetic flux between ferrous bodies and, as a result, are typically minimized when efficient flow of magnetic flux between the bodies is desired. To improve the efficiency of the interaction between electromagnet 142 and flywheel 124, e-shaped core 152 of electromagnet 142 may include legs having curved tips shaped to conform to inner surface 150 of rim 146 of flywheel 124. By doing so, the air gap between e-shaped core 152 and inner surface 150 and flywheel 124 can be substantially reduced or minimized, particular as compared to magnetic cores having substantially flat-faced legs.
A point on the edge of flywheel 124 may approach first outer leg 154 before second outer leg 156. Hence, first outer leg 154 may be considered the leading leg of electromagnet 142. The majority of the locations on the flywheel may pass by first outer leg 154 before passing by second outer leg 156, which makes first outer leg 154 the leading leg.
In other embodiments, the electromagnet may be position similar to
Additional magnets may be included inside or outside the flywheel volume. For example, while exercise device 100 includes a single electromagnet for use in providing electromagnet resistance during operation, other implementations according to this disclosure may include electromagnetic brake assemblies including multiple electromagnets. For example,
Frame assembly 1702 is shown as an A-frame type structure that includes a flywheel support member 1704 coupled to an ancillary support member 1706, although other frame configurations are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. Ancillary support member 1706 is shown as terminating in a front stabilizer 1708 while flywheel support member 104 is shown as terminating in a rear stabilizer 1710. As previously noted, exercise device 1700 includes drive assembly 1714, which generally includes a drive wheel 1716 coupled to a drive axle 1718 with 1718 optionally coupled to a freewheel-style cassette or a frechub onto which a fixed cassette may be disposed. As in previous implementations, a rear fork of a bicycle (not shown) may be coupled to drive axle 1718 and a chain of the bicycle may be coupled with the cassette attached to drive axle 1718 such that pedaling of the bicycle drives drive wheel 1716. Drive wheel 1716 is generally coupled to flywheel axle 1728 (e.g., by a belt) such that driving drive wheel 1716 results in rotation of a flywheel coupled to flywheel axle 1728.
Flywheel axle 1728 extends through and is rotationally supported within flywheel support member 1704. Flywheel axle 1728 is also coupled to flywheel 1724. As shown in
Each of first electromagnet 1742 and second electromagnet 1744 are coupled to flywheel support member 1704 such that with exercise device 1700 are positioned within a flywheel volume 1748 of flywheel 1724. As with electromagnet 142 of exercise device 100, each of first electromagnet 1742 and second electromagnet 1744 are illustrated as having a respective e-shaped core and mounted to flywheel support member 1704 such that each leg of the e-shaped cores is directed outward toward a rim of flywheel 1724. Also, like the legs of e-shaped core 152 of electromagnet 142, the legs of the e-shaped cores of first electromagnet 1742 and second electromagnet 1744 include curved tips to conform to the inner surface of the rim of flywheel 1724.
As previously noted, during operation of exercise devices according to this disclosure, a control board or similar electronics assembly controls power delivered to the electromagnets of the electromagnetic brake assembly to vary resistance of the exercise device. In certain implementations including multiple electromagnets, the electromagnets may be operated simultaneously. For example, the exercise device may increase magnetic resistance by increasing power to each electromagnet equally. Alternatively, electromagnets may be operated independently. So, for example, a first electromagnet of the electromagnetic brake assembly may be used to provide a baseline resistance while a second electromagnet may be varied to provide additional resistance above the baseline.
While
During operation, processor 1818 retrieves and executes commands stored in memory 1816 that cause processor 1818 to control operation of exercise device 1810, including controlling delivery of power to electromagnetic brake assembly 1822 to modify electromagnetic braking resistance provided by electromagnetic brake assembly 1822. Processor 1818 may also execute instructions to collect data from at least one sensor 1824, to generate and store performance and diagnostic data in memory 1816, to communicate with external devices (e.g., via communications module 1820), and to perform other functions related to operation of exercise device 1810.
Sensors 1824 is intended to represent the range of sensors that may be incorporated into exercise device 1810 to monitor and control operation of exercise device 1810. For example, and as previously discussed, sensor 1824 may include sensors (e.g., an optical encode) configured to measure rotational speed of the flywheel. Sensors 1824 may further include sensors configured to monitor electrical performance and characteristics of electromagnetic brake assembly 1822 (e.g., current draw), temperature of components of sensor 1824, performance of the user (e.g., power meters), forces applied to exercise device 1810 (e.g., strain gauges, accelerometers, etc.), or any other parameter of interest. While not illustrated in
As previously noted, control board 1814 may include a communications module 1820. Communications module 1820 may facilitate communication between exercise device 1810 and other devices through wired, wireless, or a combination of wired and wireless communication protocols. Accordingly, exercise device 1810 may include both hardware and software components adapted to transmit and receive data and to convert received data into a format usable by processor 1818 or other components of control board 1814. Communications module 1820 may enable communication using any suitable wired or wireless communication protocols. For example, and without limitation, in certain implementations, communications module 1820 may facilitate communication between exercise device 1810 and other devices using one or more of ANT, ANT+, Bluetooth®, and Wi-Fi communication protocols.
Exercise device 1810 may be communicatively coupled to one or move external devices, which are represented in
In at least certain implementations, operation of exercise device 1810 is primarily driven by user device 1806. User device 1806 may be any suitable computing device capable of executing software applications for communicating with exercise device 1810. For example, user device 1806 may be a mobile phone, laptop, smart television, or bicycle head unit capable of communicating using a communication protocol supported by exercise device 1810 and on which a training application or similar software may be executed. As shown in
In implementations including multiple computing and exercise devices, each device may communicate directly or indirectly with other devices within the operating environment. So, for example, auxiliary device 1828 may communicate with both user device 1806 and exercise device 1810. Communications between any two devices may occur directly or may use another device as a communication bridge. For example, auxiliary device 1828 may collect and transmit data directly to user device 1806 for use by user device 1806. Alternatively, auxiliary device 1828 may collect and transmit data to exercise device 1810, which may then forward the data or related signals to user device 1806, i.e., exercise device 1810 may act as a communication bridge between auxiliary device 1828 and user device 1806.
User device 1806 may be communicatively coupled to a network 1802, such as the Internet, through which the user device 1806 may access additional data (collectively represented in
User device 1806 may also transmit data to data source 1804. For example, a user may transmit times, statistics, and other performance data collected during a training session for storage in data source 1804 and later retrieval and analysis. The user may also create training sessions and store parameters for such sessions in data source 1804. For example, at the beginning of a training session, the user may initiate recording of the training session such that the resistance of exercise device 1810 is periodically sampled and recorded. The corresponding data may then be stored in data source 1804 and retrieved at a later date by the user or a different user to execute a subsequent training session.
User device 1806 may perform at least some of the previously discussed functionality of control board 1814 and other components of exercise device 1810. For example, exercise device 1810 may receive sensor data from exercise device 1810 and may execute an application or similar software that determines resistance to be applied by electromagnetic brake assembly 1822 based on the received sensor data. User device 1806 and may the generate and transmit corresponding control signals to exercise device 1810 via communications module 1820 to control resistance provided by electromagnetic brake assembly 1822. In other implementations, exercise device 1810 may interpret control signals and parameter values received from user device 1806 and determine the corresponding power to supply to electromagnetic brake assembly 1822 to achieve a corresponding resistance.
In certain implementations, exercise device 1810 may be configured to operate according to different modes. In such implementations, the operating mode of exercise device 1810 may be selectable or otherwise controllable by user device 1806. For example, in at least certain implementations, exercise device 1810 may be configured to operate in each of a resistance mode, an ergometer (or “ERG”) mode, and a simulation (or “SIM”) mode.
Resistance mode corresponds most directly to conventional exercise equipment in which a user can directly change the resistance provided exercise device 1810. So, for example, a user is able to set and adjust a resistance level (e.g., from 0 to 10) using corresponding controls of exercise device 1810 or presented on user device 1806. In response to the user selecting or changing a current resistance level, processor 1818 sets or changes power delivered to electromagnetic brake assembly 1822 and, as a result, the magnetic resistance provided by electromagnetic brake assembly 1822.
In addition to or as an alternative to the user manually selecting and adjusting resistance, user device 1806 or exercise device 1810 may allow a user to select a workout or training session in which resistance is automatically and dynamically changed over time. So, for example, a user may select an interval-type workout and parameters of the interval-type workout (e.g., total duration, number of intervals, interval difficulty, interval duration, etc.) and user device 1806 and/or exercise device 1810 may automatically change resistance of exercise device 1810 according to the workout parameters.
ERG mode is a constant power mode in which resistance is dynamically modified to achieve a target power output at a current cadence. In ERG mode, a target power is provided (e.g., manually by the user or automatically according to a workout selected by the user) and exercise device 1810 controls electromagnetic brake assembly 1822 to provide sufficient resistance to achieve the target power with the user's current cadence/pedaling speed. So, if the user's current power output is below the target power, processor 1818 will control electromagnetic brake assembly 1822 to increase magnetic resistance such that, if the user maintains the same pedaling cadence, the target power will be achieved. Conversely, if the user's current power exceeds the target power, processor 1818 will control electromagnetic brake assembly 1822 to reduce magnetic resistance to achieve the target power.
Exercise device 1810 may determine current power of a user in various ways. For example, in certain implementations, exercise device 1810 may include a power meter (e.g., a crank-based power meter) or similar sensor for directly measuring power output of the user. In other implementations, exercise device 1810 may determine power output algorithmically based on other factors including, but not limited to, flywheel rotational speed, the user's cadence, and values of electrical parameters (e.g., current draw, back EMF, etc.) associated with operation of electromagnetic brake assembly 1822.
SIM mode is an alternative operational mode of exercise device 1810 intended to simulate actual road and environmental conditions. While operating in SIM mode, exercise device 1810 receives or generates values for one or more simulation parameters and modifies the resistance applied by electromagnetic brake assembly 1822 based on the values of the one or more simulation parameters. Simulation parameters may include a wide range of factors including those related to road conditions and a simulated ride environmental. For example, simulation parameters may include, without limitation, one or more of a wind resistance coefficient, a wind speed, a drafting factor, a grade, and a coefficient of rolling resistance.
During operation in SIM mode, exercise device 1810 may receive the simulation parameters values from user device 1806. For example, user device 1806 may execute a ride simulation or training application in which a user can select a training or ride course. Each course may include a sequence of simulation parameter values corresponding to road conditions, environmental factors, and other aspects of the course. As the user progresses through the course, user device 1806 may periodically transmit updated simulation parameter values to exercise device 1810 to reflect changing course conditions. Exercise device 1810 which may then modify resistance provided by electromagnetic brake assembly 1822 to reflect the course conditions.
In certain SIM mode implementations, exercise device 1810 may control electromagnetic brake assembly 1822 using a power-based control loop. More specifically, exercise device 1810 may be configured to convert the simulation parameter values corresponding to a current course state into a target power. Exercise device 1810 may then modify the resistance applied using electromagnetic brake assembly 1822 to achieve the target power. More specifically, exercise device 1810 may measure a current power of the user. If the current power is below the target power, exercise device 1810 increases resistance provided by electromagnetic brake assembly 1822. In contrast, if the current power is below the target power, exercise device 1810 decreases resistance provided by electromagnetic brake assembly 1822. As the course state changes (as represented by changing values of one or more simulation parameters), exercise device 1810 determines a new target power for the control loop and modifies the resistance provided by electromagnetic brake assembly 1822, accordingly.
For example, a first portion of a simulated course may have relatively low headwind and a relatively low incline. During the first portion of the course, exercise device 1810 may determine that the simulation parameter values corresponding to headwind and incline correspond to 50 W. Exercise device 1810 may then use 50 W as a target power to control electromagnetic brake assembly 1822. A second portion of the simulated course may include a substantial headwind and greater incline. As the user reaches the second portion, user device 1806 may transmit updated simulation parameter values to exercise device 1810 representing the increase in headwind and incline. In response to receiving the updated values, exercise device 1810 may determine that the updated headwind and incline values correspond to a higher power (e.g., 150 W) and may set a target power for controlling electromagnetic brake assembly 1822, accordingly.
Embodiments may include methods of using any exercise device described herein. Embodiments may include methods of controlling the electromagnetic brake assembly, including transmitting control signals and receiving sensor data.
Although various representative embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter set forth in the specification. All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth in the claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.
In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Accordingly, the preceding merely illustrates the principles of the invention. It will be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples and conditional language recited herein are principally intended to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the disclosure being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure. The scope of the present invention, therefore, is not intended to be limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Rather, the scope and spirit of present invention is embodied by the appended claims.
A recitation of “a”, “an” or “the” is intended to mean “one or more” unless specifically indicated to the contrary. The use of “or” is intended to mean an “inclusive or,” and not an “exclusive or” unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Reference to a “first” component does not necessarily require that a second component be provided. Moreover, reference to a “first” or a “second” component does not limit the referenced component to a particular location unless expressly stated. The term “based on” is intended to mean “based at least in part on.”
The claims may be drafted to exclude any element which may be optional. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely”, “only”, and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or the use of a “negative” limitation.
Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limits of that range is also specifically disclosed. Each smaller range between any stated value or intervening value in a stated range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within embodiments of the present disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded in the range, and each range where either, neither, or both limits are included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the present disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the present disclosure.
All patents, patent applications, publications, and descriptions mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes as if each individual publication or patent were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. None is admitted to be prior art.
This application is related to and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) from U.S. Patent Application No. 63/536,837 filed Sep. 6, 2023, titled “Bicycle Trainer Including Support-Mounted Electromagnetic Brake,” the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63536837 | Sep 2023 | US |
