Patent ID: 7585258
Filing Date: 2009-09-08
Classification: A63B,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A power sensing resistance arrangement for an exercise device that includes an input area for applying user input power, comprising: a rotatable member that rotates in response to the application of the user input power to the input area, wherein the input area comprises a pedal arrangement, wherein the rotatable member rotates about an axis of rotation in response to the application of user input power to the pedal arrangement; a conductive member associated with the rotatable member, wherein the conductive member is formed of an electrically conductive material and rotates in response to rotation of the rotatable member; 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 at a location radially offset from the axis of rotation; a nonrotatable beam having a supported inner end and an unsupported outer end, wherein the inner end of the beam is fixed and wherein the magnet carrier is secured to the beam at a location axially outwardly of the supported inner end of the beam; and one or more strain sensing members interconnected with the beam between the magnet carrier and the supported inner end of the beam, wherein the beam, the magnet carrier and the one or more strain sensing members are configured and arranged such that the magnet carrier is spaced outwardly from the one or more strain sensing members in an axial direction parallel to the axis of rotation, and wherein the beam, the magnet carrier and the one or more strain sensing members are spaced radially outwardly from the axis of rotation, and 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.