Search

EP-4735125-A1 - ADJUSTABLE PITCH ROTOR BLADE FLUID DYNAMICS RESISTANCE EXERCISE SYSTEM

EP4735125A1EP 4735125 A1EP4735125 A1EP 4735125A1EP-4735125-A1

Abstract

This disclosure describes devices for providing resistance to an exercise machine. The device can include an actuator; a shaft; and a rotor. The rotor can include a hub configured to rotate about the shaft, and a rotor blade coupled to the hub and configured to change pitch responsive to actuation of the actuator. The device may be used with an exercise machine, and the device and exercise machine may be implemented in a workout system.

Inventors

  • PETRICEVIC, Nikola Bosko

Assignees

  • Petricevic, Nikola Bosko

Dates

Publication Date
20260506
Application Date
20240627

Claims (20)

  1. 1. A device for providing resistance to an exercise machine, the device comprising: an actuator; a shaft; and a rotor comprising: a hub configured to rotate about the shaft; and a rotor blade coupled to the hub and configured to change pitch responsive to actuation of the actuator.
  2. 2. The device of claim 1 further comprising a driver configured to drive the hub to rotate about the shaft.
  3. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the driver comprises a belt, chain, rope, cord, or gear drive, coupled to an exercise machine.
  4. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the exercise machine is selected from the group consisting of an exercise bike, a treadmill, a sled drive machine, an elliptical machine, a rowing machine, a stair mill, an airdyne, a SkiErg, a stationary ski machine, climbing machine, swimming machine, upper body ergometer, paddle machine, strength training machine, and a combination thereof.
  5. 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the rotor blade is one of a plurality of rotor blades coupled to the hub.
  6. 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a lever, button, switch, slide, pedal, or knob.
  7. 7. The device of claim 3, wherein the actuator is configured to be actuated by a user while the user uses the exercise machine.
  8. 8. The device of claim 1 further comprising: a pitch control collector configured to rotate about the shaft; and a collector collar configured to move longitudinally along the shaft and to push the pitch control collector longitudinally along the shaft; wherein the actuator, responsive to the actuation thereof, is configured to provide the movement of the collector collar longitudinally along the shaft.
  9. 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the rotor blade is further configured to change pitch responsive to movement of the pitch control collector longitudinally along the shaft relative to the hub.
  10. 10. The device of claim 9 further comprising: a control linkage coupling the pitch control collector to the rotor blade.
  11. 11. A workout system comprising: an exercise machine; an actuator; a shaft; and a rotor comprising: a hub configured to rotate about the shaft; and a rotor blade coupled to the hub and configured to change pitch responsive to actuation of the actuator.
  12. 12. The system of claim 11 further comprising a driver configured to drive the hub to rotate about the shaft.
  13. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the driver comprises a belt, chain, rope, cord, or gear drive, coupled to an exercise machine.
  14. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the exercise machine is selected from the group consisting of an exercise bike, a treadmill, a sled drive machine, an elliptical machine, a rowing machine, a stair mill, an airdyne, a SkiErg, a stationary ski machine, climbing machine, swimming machine, upper body ergometer, paddle machine, strength training machine, and a combination thereof.
  15. 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the rotor blade is one of a plurality of rotor blades coupled to the hub.
  16. 16. The system of claim 11, wherein the actuator comprises a lever, button, switch, slide, pedal, or knob.
  17. 17. The system of claim 11, wherein the actuator is configured to be actuated by a user while the user uses the exercise machine.
  18. 18. The system of claim 11 further comprising: a pitch control collector configured to rotate about the shaft; and a collector collar configured to move longitudinally along the shaft and to push the pitch control collector longitudinally along the shaft; wherein the actuator, responsive to the actuation thereof, is configured to provide the movement of the collector collar longitudinally along the shaft.
  19. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the rotor blade is further configured to change pitch responsive to movement of the pitch control collector longitudinally along the shaft relative to the hub.
  20. 20. The system of claim 19 further comprising: a control linkage coupling the pitch control collector to the rotor blade.

Description

ADJUSTABLE PITCH ROTOR BLADE FLUID DYNAMICS RESISTANCE EXERCISE SYSTEM CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/609,949, filed on December 14, 2023 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/510,596, filed on June 27, 2023, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE [0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and devices for providing resistance to exercise equipment and, more particularly, to a fluid dynamics flywheel resistance system and device employed in exercise equipment. BACKGROUND [0003] Exercise machines have some type of a resistance mechanism that increases or decreases the amount of effort to perform the exercise. The resistance mechanism takes a variety of forms, from prony brakes to generators, alternators, or fluid movement devices. Fluid movement devices typically consist of fan blades. [0004] For exercise bicycles and other similar exercise machines, a person exercising typically pedals at a fixed rate or cadence. The cadence is typically between 60 and 100 turns per minute. Because the cadence rate remains relatively constant, the resistance remains the same as the person exercises. With a fan or turbine, the resistance is based upon movement of fluid caused by the fan blades. Use of a fan can provide both resistance and air movement to cool the person exercising. The use of a fan essentially does not wear-out because there are no parts rubbing against each other to cause the resistance from air movement. [0005] However, the amount of adjustment of workload available to a user with a fixed turbine and even previously developed adjustable turbines is inadequate and results in a demotivating workout experience for the user. There is a need for a more widely adjustable, finely controlled resistance provided to an exercise machine. [0006] Thus, it is desirable to provide an alternative system for providing resistance to an exercise machine that is able to overcome the above disadvantages. [0007] Advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the detailed description of the invention hereinbelow. SUMMARY [0008] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a device for providing resistance to an exercise machine. The device can comprise: an actuator; a shaft; and a rotor. The rotor can comprise: a hub configured to rotate about the shaft; and a rotor blade coupled to the hub and configured to change pitch responsive to actuation of the actuator. [0009] In any of the embodiments described herein, the device can further comprise a driver configured to drive the hub to rotate about the shaft. [0010] In any of the embodiments described herein, the driver comprises a belt, chain, rope, cord, or gear drive, coupled to an exercise machine. [0011] In any of the embodiments described herein, the exercise machine can be selected from the group consisting of an exercise bike, a treadmill, a sled drive machine, an elliptical machine, a rowing machine, a stair mill, an airdyne, a SkiErg, a stationary ski machine, climbing machine, swimming machine, upper body ergometer, paddle machine, strength training machine, and a combination thereof. [0012] In any of the embodiments described herein, the rotor blade can be one of a plurality of rotor blades coupled to the hub. [0013] In any of the embodiments described herein, the actuator comprises a lever, button, switch, slide, pedal, or knob. [0014] In any of the embodiments described herein, the actuator can be configured to be actuated by a user while the user uses the exercise machine or while the exercise machine is stationary (e.g., between workouts or during a resting period). [0015] In any of the embodiments described herein, the device can further comprise: a pitch control collector configured to rotate about the shaft; and a collector collar configured to move longitudinally along the shaft and to push the pitch control collector longitudinally along the shaft. The actuator, responsive to the actuation thereof, can be configured to provide the movement of the collector collar longitudinally along the shaft. [0016] In any of the embodiments described herein, the rotor blade can be further configured to change pitch responsive to movement of the pitch control collector longitudinally along the shaft relative to the hub. [0017] In any of the embodiments described herein, the device can further comprise a control linkage coupling the pitch control collector to the rotor blade. [0018] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a workout system which can comprise: an exercise machine; an actuator; a shaft; and a rotor. The rotor can comprise: a hub configured to rotate about the shaft; and a rotor blade coupled to the hub and configured to change pitch responsive to actuation of the actuator. [0019] In any of