Devices, systems, and methods for an exercise device motor

Abstract

An exercise device includes a motor connected to a drive chain of the exercise device. The motor applies a torque in the direction of an input torque, thereby lowering the input torque applied by the user to rotate the drive chain. The motor is controlled to simulate exercise conditions of a mobile exercise device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A stationary bicycle, comprising:
 a support tube;   a pedal;   a drive chain connected to the pedal;   a 3-phase motor located in the support tube, the 3-phase motor being directly connected to the drive chain;   a torque sensor connected to the 3-phase motor; and   a position sensor connected to the 3-phase motor.   
     
     
         2 . The stationary bicycle of  claim 1 , the 3-phase motor being connected to the drive chain to apply a torque to the drive chain. 
     
     
         3 . The stationary bicycle of  claim 2 , the 3-phase motor being configured to apply the torque in a first direction and a second direction. 
     
     
         4 . The stationary bicycle of  claim 1 , the position sensor having a position measurement precision of at least 36 measurements per revolution. 
     
     
         5 . The stationary bicycle of  claim 1 , further comprising a battery connected to the 3-phase motor. 
     
     
         6 . The stationary bicycle of  claim 5 , further comprising a generator connected to the drive chain, the generator providing power to the battery. 
     
     
         7 . A method for exercise, comprising:
 applying an input torque to a drive chain, the input torque including user input; and   using a 3-phase motor, applying a supplemental torque to the drive chain, the supplemental torque being applied in the same direction as the input torque, the 3-phase motor being directly connected to the drive chain.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein applying the input torque includes applying the input torque through a pedal connected to the drive chain. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein applying the input torque includes applying the input torque through a cable connected to a handle. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein applying the input torque through the cable includes extending the cable, the cable being wrapped around a drive element. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein extending the cable includes applying an extension force. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the supplemental torque reduces a minimum extension force to extend the cable. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the minimum extension force is between 2 lb. and 10 lb. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the minimum extension force is approximately 2 lb. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising:
 measuring a first torque on the drive chain at a first time; and   determining a first motor position of the 3-phase motor at the first time.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein determining the first motor position includes determining the first motor position to within between 36° and 0.5°. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising adjusting the supplemental torque based at least in part on the first torque and the first motor position. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein adjusting the supplemental torque includes adjusting the supplemental torque to simulate a road condition of riding a bicycle. 
     
     
         19 . A method for exercise, comprising:
 at a first time, applying a supplemental torque to a drive chain using a 3-phase motor;   at the first time, receiving user input to apply an input torque to the drive chain, the input torque causing the drive chain to rotate, the input torque adjusting a motor position of the 3-phase motor; and   between the first time and a second time, adjusting the supplemental torque in a pattern to simulate an exercise condition.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising measuring the motor position of the 3-phase motor and wherein adjusting the supplemental torque in the pattern includes adjusting the supplemental torque based on the measured motor position.