U.S. patent application number 14/058211 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-26 for training machine with flywheel.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dyaco International Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Dyaco International Inc.. Invention is credited to Ming-Nan Chen, Hsuan-Fu Huang, YUEH-TSO LIN.
Application Number | 20150057130 14/058211 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49781871 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150057130 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LIN; YUEH-TSO ; et
al. |
February 26, 2015 |
TRAINING MACHINE WITH FLYWHEEL
Abstract
A flywheel is applied to a training machine including a wheel
and a driving mechanism. The wheel is used for storing rotation
energy while it is driven to rotate, and the driving mechanism is
used for driving the wheel to rotate. The wheel has a hollowed
space at least partially filled with a weighted material, at least
one metal piece fixed at a periphery of the wheel, and a magnets
arranged at the outside of the wheel. A damping of the wheel is
changed by adjusting the distance between the metal piece and the
plurality of magnets.
Inventors: |
LIN; YUEH-TSO; (Taipei,
TW) ; Huang; Hsuan-Fu; (Taipei, TW) ; Chen;
Ming-Nan; (Taipei, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dyaco International Inc. |
Taipei |
|
TW |
|
|
Assignee: |
Dyaco International Inc.
Taipei
TW
|
Family ID: |
49781871 |
Appl. No.: |
14/058211 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/0076 20130101;
A63B 22/0087 20130101; A63B 21/153 20130101; A63B 21/157 20130101;
A63B 21/225 20130101; A63B 2022/0079 20130101; A63B 21/0051
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/72 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/00 20060101
A63B022/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 23, 2013 |
TW |
102130189 |
Claims
1. A flywheel applied to a training machine, including: a wheel,
for storing rotation energy while it is driven to rotate; and a
driving mechanism, for driving the wheel to rotate; wherein the
wheel comprises: a hollowed space at least partially filled with a
weighted material; at least one metal piece fixed at a periphery of
the wheel; and a plurality of magnets arranged at the outside of
the wheel; wherein a damping of the wheel is changed by adjusting a
distance between the metal piece and the plurality of magnets.
2. The flywheel as set forth in claim 1, wherein the weighted
material is a non-metal material.
3. The flywheel as set forth in claim 2, wherein the non-metal
material comprises cement or concrete.
4. The flywheel as set forth in claim 1, wherein the metal piece is
made of aluminum.
5. The flywheel as set forth in claim 1, wherein the metal piece is
ring-shaped.
6. The flywheel as set forth in claim 1, wherein the flywheel
further comprises a plurality of vanes spaced apart between the
metal piece and the wheel, and when the wheel is driven to rotate
the vanes rotate as well so as to generate an air turbulence.
7. The flywheel as set forth in claim 1, wherein the driving
mechanism comprises: a bearing assembly comprising a one-way
bearing to limit the rotating direction of the wheel; a belt wound
on the bearing assembly and configured for being pulled to drive
the wheel to rotate; and a returning mechanism for drawing back the
belt to its original position when a force for pulling the belt out
is cancelled or released.
8. The flywheel as set forth in claim 7, wherein the returning
mechanism comprises a reposition spring for drawing back the belt
to its original position when the force for pulling the belt out is
cancelled or released.
9. The flywheel as set forth in claim 8, wherein the reposition
spring is a vortex spring.
10. A rowing simulation machine, comprising: a flywheel; a driving
mechanism; a base mechanism, for providing support to the flywheel;
a handle connected to the driving mechanism; a wheel for storing
rotation energy when driven to rotate by the driving mechanism; a
hollowed space in the wheel, the hollowed space being at least
partially filled with a weighted material; at least one metal piece
fixed at a periphery of the wheel; and a plurality of magnets
arranged at the outside of the wheel; wherein a damping of the
wheel is changed by adjusting the distance between the metal piece
and the plurality of magnets.
11. The rowing simulation machine as set forth in claim 10, wherein
the weighted material is a non-metal material.
12. The rowing simulation machine as set forth in claim 11, wherein
the non-metal material comprises cement or concrete.
13. The rowing simulation machine as set forth in claim 10, wherein
the metal piece is made of aluminum.
14. The rowing simulation machine as set forth in claim 10, wherein
the metal piece is ring-shaped.
15. The rowing simulation machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein
the wheel comprises a plurality of vanes spaced apart between the
metal piece and the wheel, whereby when the wheel is driven to
rotate the vanes rotate as well to generate an air turbulence.
16. The rowing simulation machine as set forth in claim 10, wherein
the driving mechanism comprises: a bearing assembly comprising a
one-way bearing to limit the rotating direction of the wheel; a
belt being wound on the bearing assembly and being pulled to drive
the wheel to rotate; and a returning mechanism for drawing back the
belt to its original position when a force for pulling the belt out
is cancelled or released.
17. The rowing simulation machine as set forth in claim 16, wherein
the returning mechanism comprises a reposition spring for drawing
back the belt to its original position when the force for pulling
the belt out is cancelled or released.
18. The rowing simulation machine as set forth in claim 17, wherein
the reposition spring is a vortex spring.
19. The rowing simulation machine as set forth in claim 16, wherein
the flywheel comprises the wheel and the driving mechanism.
20. The rowing simulation machine as set forth in claim 16, wherein
the handle is connected to the belt.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to flywheels and training
machines such as rowing simulation machines having flywheels.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Flywheels typically constitute rotating devices useful for
storing rotational energy. A flywheel is a spinning wheel rotor
with a fixed axis whereby energy is stored in the rotor as
rotational energy. Flywheels have a moment of inertia and thus
resist changes in rotational speed. The rotational energy is
proportional to the square of its rotational speed. The rotational
speed of flywheel can be increased by applying torque to it, and
can be decreased by applying torque to increase mechanical
load.
[0005] Taiwan Patent Application No. 100202361 discloses a magnetic
control flywheel featuring a magnetic flywheel and an accommodating
space arranged inside the flywheel. A metal ring is arranged at the
wall of the accommodating space, and a magnetic control set
comprising magnetic blocks and control components is arranged at
the accommodating space.
[0006] The prior design has disadvantages of the cost being a bit
much and the mechanism being unnecessarily complex. A need has
therefore arisen to improve them.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one general aspect, the present invention introduces
improved flywheels and training machines such as rowing simulation
machines having the flywheels.
[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, a flywheel is
applied to a training machine and comprises a wheel and a driving
mechanism. The wheel is used for storing rotation energy while it
is driven to rotate, and the driving mechanism is used for driving
the wheel to rotate. The wheel comprises a hollowed space at least
partially filled with a weighted material, at least one metal piece
fixed at a periphery of the wheel, and a plurality of magnets
arranged at the outside of the wheel, wherein a damping of the
wheel is changed by adjusting the distance between the metal piece
and the plurality of magnets.
[0009] In another embodiment of the present invention, a rowing
simulation machine is disclosed and comprises a flywheel including
a wheel and a driving mechanism, a base mechanism, and a handle.
The wheel is used for storing rotation energy while it is driven to
rotate, the driving mechanism is used for driving the wheel to
rotate, the base mechanism provides support for the flywheel, and
the handle is connected to the driving mechanism. The wheel
comprises a hollowed space at least partially filled with a
weighted material, at least one metal piece fixed at a periphery of
the wheel, and a plurality of magnets arranged at the outside of
the wheel, wherein a damping of the wheel is changed by adjusting
the distance between the metal piece and the plurality of
magnets.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing a flywheel of an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIGS. 2A-2B are side views showing a flywheel of an
embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 2A shows that
the magnets 206 are controlled to approach the metal ring 204, and
FIG. 2B shows that the magnets 206 are controlled to be distant
from the metal ring 204.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cutaway view showing a flywheel of an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0013] FIGS. 4A-4B are perspective views showing a flywheel of an
embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 4A shows the
magnets 206 controlled to approach the metal ring 204, and FIG. 4B
shows the magnets 206 controlled to be distant from the metal ring
204.
[0014] FIGS. 5A-5B are perspective views showing a training machine
having the flywheel, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a rowing simulation
machine according to an embodiment of this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to those specific
embodiments of the invention. Examples of these embodiments are
illustrated in accompanying drawings. While the invention will be
described in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it will
be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to
these embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover
alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. In the following description, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding
of the present invention. The present invention may be practiced
without some or all of these specific details. In other instances,
well-known process operations and components are not described in
detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
While drawings are illustrated in detail, it is appreciated that
the quantity of the disclosed components may be greater or less
than that disclosed, except where expressly restricting the amount
of the components. Wherever possible, the same or similar reference
numbers are used in drawings and the description to refer to the
same or like parts.
[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a flywheel is disclosed according to
a preferred embodiment of this invention, in which FIG. 1 is an
exploded view, FIGS. 2A-2B are side views, and FIG. 3 is a cutaway
view.
[0018] The flywheel mainly includes a wheel 20 and a driving
mechanism. The wheel 20 is used for storing rotation energy while
it is driven to rotate, and the driving mechanism is used for
driving the wheel 20 to rotate. Preferably, the driving mechanism
may comprise, but is not limited to: a bearing assembly 22
comprising a one-way bearing 222 to limit the rotating direction of
the wheel 20; a belt 24 wound on the bearing assembly 22 can be
pulled to drive the wheel 20 to rotate; and a returning mechanism
26 can be used for drawing back the belt 24 to its original
position when the force for pulling the belt 24 out is cancelled or
released.
[0019] In particular, the returning mechanism 26 may comprise, but
is not limited to, a belt disc 262 with a reposition spring 264
inside the belt disc 262 for drawing back the belt 24 to its
original position when the force for pulling the belt 24 out is
cancelled or released.
[0020] Preferably, the belt disc 264 is placed at a side of the
wheel 20. The bearing assembly 22 is arranged between the belt disc
262 and the wheel 20, and comprises a one-way bearing 222, which is
designed to transmit torque in one direction and allow free motion
in the opposite direction, so as to prevent the wheel 20 from being
unintentionally rotated reversibly. The belt 24 can be pulled to
result in rotation of the wheel 20 and the belt disc 262. The
rotating velocity (e.g., angular velocity) and direction of the
wheel 20 may differ from that of the belt disc 262.
[0021] The storing energy of the wheel 20 is proportional to the
moment of inertia of the mass about the center of rotation, i.e.,
the center of the wheel 20. The amount of energy that can safely be
stored in the wheel 20 depends on the point at which the wheel 20
will warp or shatter. To create a damping effect providing a
resistance related to the rotational speed, the wheel 20 preferably
has a hollow space 202 (as shown in FIG. 3) filled with a weighted
material (not shown). Preferably, the weighted material is a
non-metal material, such as cement or concrete. The weighted
material could be any other inexpensive non-metal heavy materials
in other embodiments of this invention. The weighted or non-metal
weighted material is filled to an extent that the energy can safely
be stored in the wheel 20. In some embodiment of this invention,
the hollow space 202 is partially filled with the weighted or
non-metal weighted material. In another embodiment of this
invention, the wheel 20 does not include a hollow space 202 and the
whole of which is made of the weighted material.
[0022] In addition, the wheel 20 may further comprise at least one
metal piece 204, a plurality of magnets 206, and a plurality of
vanes 208. The plurality of vanes 208 are arranged at the periphery
of the wheel. For example, the plurality of vanes 208 may space
apart on the periphery of the wheel 20 and may be integrally formed
with the wheel 20. When the wheel 20 rotates, the vanes 208 are
rotated as well and thus generate air turbulence. The user will
feel a coolness due to the air turbulence.
[0023] Preferably, the at least one metal piece 204 may be a metal
ring 204. The metal ring 204 is fixed at the periphery of the vanes
208. Notice that in another embodiment the vanes 208 are omitted,
and the metal ring 204 is fixed at the periphery of the wheel 20.
When the wheel 20 rotates, the metal ring 204 rotates as well.
Preferably, the metal ring 204 may be made of aluminum, but it
could comprise other conductive metals in other embodiments of this
invention.
[0024] As shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, the magnets 206 are arranged at the
outside of wheel 20 and the metal ring 204, and a space is present
between the metal ring 204 and the magnets 206. The control device
28 is used to control the distance between the metal ring 204 and
the magnets 206. The control device 28 may comprise, but is not
limited to, a fixed base 280, a movable base 281, a spring 282, a
bolt 283, and a nut 284. The magnets 206 are arranged on the
movable base 281. The spring 282 is placed between the fixed base
280 and the movable base 281. The bolt 283 passes through a hole of
the movable base 281 with the nut 284 mounted on the passed bolt
283, and a driving apparatus (not shown) connected to the bolt 283
so as to drive to bolt 280 to rotate, thereby moving the movable
base 281 along the bolt 283.
[0025] FIG. 2A shows that the magnets 206 are controlled to
approach the metal ring 204, and FIG. 2B shows that the magnets 206
are controlled to be distant from the metal ring 204. When the
magnets 206 approach the metal ring 204, the damping of the wheel
20 is increased; when the magnets 206 are distant from the metal
ring 204, the damping of the wheel 20 is decreased.
[0026] In addition, the reposition spring 264 may be arranged
inside the belt disc 262 with one end connected to the belt disc
262 and the other end connected to the bearing assembly 22. In the
preferred embodiment, the reposition spring 264 is a vortex spring,
but it may be other spring member in other embodiments of this
invention. When the pulling force exerted to the belt 24 is
cancelled or released, the reposition spring 264 exerts a force to
draw back the belt 24 to its original position. The belt 24 may be
pulled out again to keep the wheel 20 continually rotating.
[0027] Accordingly, when the wheel 20 rotates, the metal ring 204
rotates as well, so as to introduce magnetic induction. Hence, the
damping of the wheel 20 can be changed by adjusting the distance
between the metal ring 204 and the magnets 206 via the control
device 28.
[0028] FIGS. 4A-4B are perspective views showing a flywheel of
another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment,
the control device 28 may comprise, but is not limited to, a fixed
base 280, a movable base 281, a spring 282, a bolt 283, a nut 284,
and a cable 285. The magnets 206 are arranged on the movable base
281. The spring 282 is placed between the fixed base 280 and the
movable base 281. The bolt 283 passes through a hole of the movable
base 281 with the nut 284 mounted on the passed bolt 283. The cable
285 has a portion arranged inside the spring 282 and an end 285a
riveted with the movable base 281. Another driving apparatus (not
shown) connects with the cable 285 and is capable of pulling and
releasing the cable 285, thereby moving the movable base 281 along
the cable 285. Notice that the bolt 283 and nut 284 are used to
limit the position of the movable base 281, such that the magnets
208 will not contact the metal ring 204. In another embodiment of
this invention, the bolt 283 and nut 284 are omitted. FIG. 4A shows
that the magnets 206 are controllable to approach the metal ring
204, and FIG. 4B shows the magnets 206 controlled to be distant
from the metal ring 204.
[0029] FIGS. 5A-5B are perspective views showing a training machine
having the flywheel, according to an embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned flywheel is
applied to a training machine, such as a rowing simulation machine.
A handle 3 may be connected to the belt 24 for pulling the belt 24
via the handle 10. FIG. 5B shows the belt 24 being pulled out, and
FIG. 5A shows the belt 24 being pulled back.
[0030] Conventional flywheels are made of steel with complex
mechanism design. By replacing steel with inexpensive cement or
concrete, the cost can be reduced. By arranging the magnets outside
the flywheel, the components of the flywheel can be decreased so as
to simplify the mechanical design.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a rowing simulation
machine according to an embodiment of this invention. The rowing
simulation machine preferably comprises the flywheel 2 having a
wheel and a driving mechanism as discussed in FIGS. 1-5, and
further comprises a base mechanism 4 and a handle 3. The wheel is
used for storing rotation energy while it is driven to rotate, the
driving mechanism is used for driving the wheel to rotate, the base
mechanism 4 provides support for the flywheel 2, and the handle 3
is connected to the driving mechanism, e.g., connected to the belt
24 as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In addition, the wheel may comprise
a hollowed space filled with, or partially filled with, a weighted
material, at least one metal piece fixed at a periphery of the
wheel, and a plurality of magnets arranged at the outside of the
wheel, wherein a damping of the wheel is changed by adjusting the
distance between the metal piece and the plurality of magnets.
[0032] The intent accompanying this disclosure is to have each/all
embodiments construed in conjunction with the knowledge of one
skilled in the art to cover all modifications, variations,
combinations, permutations, omissions, substitutions, alternatives,
and equivalents of the embodiments, to the extent not mutually
exclusive, as may fall within the spirit and scope of the
invention. Corresponding or related structure and methods disclosed
or referenced herein, and/or in any and all co-pending, abandoned
or patented application(s) by any of the named inventor(s) or
assignee(s) of this application and invention, are incorporated
herein by reference in their entireties, wherein such incorporation
includes corresponding or related structure (and modifications
thereof) which may be, in whole or in part, (i) operable and/or
constructed with, (ii) modified by one skilled in the art to be
operable and/or constructed with, and/or (iii)
implemented/made/used with or in combination with, any part(s) of
the present invention according to this disclosure, that of the
application and references cited therein, and the knowledge and
judgment of one skilled in the art.
[0033] Conditional language, such as, among others, "can," "could,"
"might," or "may," unless specifically stated otherwise, or
otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally
intended to convey that embodiments include, and in other
interpretations do not include, certain features, elements and/or
steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to
imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required
for one or more embodiments, or interpretations thereof, or that
one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding,
with or without user input or prompting, whether these features,
elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any
particular embodiment.
[0034] All of the contents of the preceding documents are
incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Although the
disclosure herein refers to certain illustrated embodiments, it is
to be understood that these embodiments have been presented by way
of example rather than limitation. For example, any of the
particulars or features set out or referenced herein, or other
features, including method steps and techniques, may be used with
any other structure(s) and process described or referenced herein,
in whole or in part, in any combination or permutation as a
non-equivalent, separate, non-interchangeable aspect of this
invention. Corresponding or related structure and methods
specifically contemplated and disclosed herein as part of this
invention, to the extent not mutually inconsistent as will be
apparent from the context, this specification, and the knowledge of
one skilled in the art, including, modifications thereto, which may
be, in whole or in part, (i) operable and/or constructed with, (ii)
modified by one skilled in the art to be operable and/or
constructed with, and/or (iii) implemented/made/used with or in
combination with, any parts of the present invention according to
this disclosure, include: (I) any one or more parts of the above
disclosed or referenced structure and methods and/or (II) subject
matter of any one or more of the inventive concepts set forth
herein and parts thereof, in any permutation and/or combination,
include the subject matter of any one or more of the mentioned
features and aspects, in any permutation and/or combination.
[0035] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
various modifications may be made without departing from the scope
of the present invention, which is intended to be limited solely by
the appended claims.
* * * * *