Power Sensing Eddy Current Resistance Unit For An Exercise Device
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Abstract
An exercise system includes a user input arrangement; a rotatable member that rotates in response to an input force applied by a user on the user input arrangement; a power sensing arrangement that senses power applied to the rotatable member due to the input force applied by the user; and a variable resistance arrangement interconnected with the power sensing arrangement and with the user input arrangement. The resistance arrangement applies resistance to rotation of the rotatable member, and is variable in response to the power sensing arrangement to vary the resistance applied to the rotatable member. The variable resistance arrangement may be a brake that interacts with the rotatable member to resist rotation of the rotatable member, and to thereby resist the input force applied by the user. The variable resistance arrangement includes a controller for controlling the brake in response to the power sensing arrangement.
53 Citations
45 Claims
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30. A power sensing resistance arrangement for an exercise device that includes an input area for applying user input power, comprising:
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a rotatable member that rotates in response to the application of the user input power;
a conductive member associated with the rotatable member, wherein the conductive member is formed of an electrically conductive material; and
a magnet assembly which cooperates with the conductive member to establish eddy currents to resist rotation of the rotatable member, wherein the magnet assembly includes a magnet carrier having one or more magnets located adjacent the conductive member;
a beam having an outer end and an inner end, wherein the inner end of the beam is radially fixed and wherein the magnet carrier is secured outwardly of the inner end of the beam; and
one or more strain sensing members interconnected with the beam, wherein the one or more strain sensing members are configured and arranged to sense strain experienced by the beam when the rotatable member is rotated to establish eddy current resistance by the interaction between the magnets of the magnet carrier and the conductive member, wherein the strain in the beam corresponds to the user input power. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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39. A method of controlling a resistance arrangement of an exercise system, wherein the exercise system includes a rotatable member that rotates in response to a user-applied input force, comprising the steps of:
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rotating the rotatable member in response to the user-applied input force, wherein rotation of the rotatable member causes rotation of a conductive member; and
resisting the rotation of the rotatable member through the use of eddy currents established by interaction of the conductive member and a magnet arrangement, wherein the magnet arrangement includes a magnet carrier having one or more magnets located adjacent the conductive member;
a beam having an outer end and an inner end, wherein the inner end of the beam is radially fixed and wherein the magnet carrier is secured outwardly of the inner end of the beam; and
sensing strain in the beam when the rotatable member is rotated to establish eddy current resistance by the interaction between the magnets of the magnet carrier and the conductive member, wherein the strain in the beam corresponds to the user input power. - View Dependent Claims (40, 41)
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42. An exercise system, comprising:
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a user input arrangement;
a rotatable member that rotates in response to an input force applied by a user on the user input arrangement;
a conductive member that rotates in response to rotation of the rotatable member; and
wherein the resistance unit comprises magnetic member positioned adjacent the conductive member for providing eddy current resistance to rotation of the rotatable member in response to rotation of the conductive member;
means for causing relative movement between the magnetic member and the conductive member for vary the eddy current resistance; and
torque sensing means associated with the magnetic member, including a cantilever member defining an outer end with which the magnetic member is interconnected, and strain sensing means for sensing strain in the cantilever member. - View Dependent Claims (43, 44, 45)
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Specification