Electronically enabled road bicycle with dynamic loading
A dynamic training system provides elevated load and energy demand on a rider of a moving bicycle out on the road or track. Resistance to movement of the bicycle is provided by a resistance unit which may include an eddy current brake. A processor may generate a control signal that adjusts the resistance to replicate the effort of riding a predetermined course or training protocol. Multiple riders at different times or locations can compete on a common virtual course. A stronger rider can be restrained by a heavier imposed load to keep pace together with a weaker rider, without compromising total power expenditure to keep the riders together.
1. A resistance training device, configured for mounting on a bicycle and imposing resistance to motion without interfering with the ability of the bicycle to travel along the ground, comprising:
a support;
a connector on the support for connection to a bicycle frame;
a roller configured to frictionally engage a wheel on the bicycle when the connector is connected to the frame;
a conductive disc configured to rotate in response to rotation of the roller;
a source of a magnetic field; and
a control, for increasing or decreasing exposure of the disc to the magnetic field.
2. A resistance training device as in claim 1 , wherein the source is at least one electromagnet.
3. A resistance training device as in claim 1 , wherein the source is at least one permanent magnet.
4. A resistance training device as in claim 1 , wherein the source is at least six permanent magnets.
5. A resistance training device as in claim 4 , wherein the permanent magnets are supported by a frame.
6. A resistance training device as in claim 5 , wherein the frame is movable between a first relationship with the disc, and a second, different relationship with the disc.
7. A resistance training device as in claim 6 , wherein the first relationship exposes the disc to a first magnetic field intensity, and the second relationship exposes the disc to a second, lower magnetic field intensity.
8. A resistance training device as in claim 7 , wherein the first relationship positions the disc between at least two opposing magnets.
9. A resistance training device as in claim 8 , wherein when the training device is engaged with a wheel on a bicycle, the wheel has a first axis of rotation, and the frame is pivotable about a second axis of rotation that is substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation.
10. A resistance training device as in claim 1 , wherein the connector is configured for connection to a seat tube on the bicycle.
11. A resistance training device as in claim 1 , wherein the connector is configured for connection to a seat post on the bicycle.
12. A resistance training device as in claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of fins for dissipating heat.
13. A resistance training device as in claim 1 , wherein the roller and the conductive disc are coaxial.
14. A resistance training device as in claim 1 , wherein the control is mounted to the frame.
15. A resistance training device as in claim 1 , wherein the control is configured for mounting to a handlebar.
16. A resistance training device as in claim 1 , further comprising a protective guard adjacent the conductive disc.
17. A resistance training device as in claim 1 , further comprising a controller for increasing or decreasing exposure of the disc to the magnetic field in accordance with a preselected pattern.
18. A resistance training device as in claim 1 , further comprising at least one sensor for capturing data relating to a parameter of performance.
19. A resistance training device as in claim 18 , further comprising a transmitter for transmitting data to a remote device.
20. A resistance training device as in claim 1 , further comprising a generator for generating electricity.
21. A resistance training device as in claim 1 , further comprising a processor configured to cause the control to increase or decrease exposure of the disc to the magnetic field.
22. A resistance training device as in claim 21 , wherein the processor is communicatively coupled to a memory and configured to:
receive a feature of a virtual digital route along which the training device is virtually traveling, and generate a control signal to cause the control to increase or decrease exposure of the disc to the magnetic field, to simulate load conditions corresponding to the virtual digital route.
23. A resistance training device as in claim 21 , further comprising a communication circuit configured to communicate with a remote electronic device via a communication link.
24. A resistance training device as in claim 23 , wherein the electronic device comprises at least one of a wireless access point, a cellular communication tower, a satellite, and a hand held mobile device.
25. A resistance training device as in claim 23 , wherein the communication link is a wireless link.
26. A resistance training device as in claim 22 , wherein the virtual digital route is stored in a remote electronic device.
27. A resistance training device as in claim 22 , wherein the virtual digital route is stored in the memory.
28. A resistance training device as in claim 1 , further comprising at least one sensor for collecting data which enables calculation of power exerted.
29. A resistance training device as in claim 28 comprising a force sensor.
30. A resistance training device as in claim 28 , comprising a time and angle sensor.
31. A resistance training device as in claim 28 comprising a torque sensor.