GB2591542A

GB2591542A - Smart training attachment for an exercise bike

Info

Publication number: GB2591542A
Application number: GB2014678.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Booysen Steven
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-07-30
Filing date: 2020-09-17
Publication date: 2021-08-04
Anticipated expiration: 2040-09-17
Also published as: GB2591542B; WO2022023767A1; GB202011906D0; GB202014678D0

Abstract

A smart attachment 20 that comprises a housing 22 which is attachable to an exercise bike 10 which prevents rotation of the housing relative to the bike. A connector 24 that engages a resistance knob (12, fig 2) of the exercise bike such that the resistance knob is rotatable in cooperation with the connector. The connector is rotatable relative to the housing. An electronic circuit 30 comprising a processor (34, fig 5) to receive signals about a desired resistance and then drive a motor (36, fig 5) with an output signal from the processor to the desired resistance. The smart attachment can be calibrated. The housing may have at least one projection 23 to prevent rotation of the housing relative to the bike. Additional methods of how to the signal is supplied are included.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No G132014678.3 RTM Date:11 February 2021 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Bluetooth Peloton Echelon Schwinn Apple Fitness+ Zwift Rouvy Trainer Road Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

SMART TRAINING ATTACHMENT FOR AN EXERCISE BICYCLE

Background

Exercise bicycles, or bikes (also known as stationary bicycles/bikes, or exercycles) have been around for many years, with a resurgence in their popularity in recent years. The increase of the attractiveness of exercise bikes has been fuelled by advancements in materials, technology, and virtual training. Overall providing an enhanced exercise experience with a lighter, more compact and versatile form of exercise bike.

A particular type of exercise bike is a spinning bike (also known as a spin bike). Typically, a spin bike is used for an exercise class known as spinning. Typically, these classes involve a single instructor at the front of the class who leads the participants through routines that are designed to simulate terrain and situations similar to riding a bike outdoors. As the participants ride, they are instructed by the instructor to vary their cadence (the speed at which the pedals turn) and the resistance applied to the pedals. Increasing the resistance means that the participants must expend more energy to turn the pedals. Typically, the pedals drive a flywheel and the resistance is altered by turning a manual resistance knob which applied a braking force to this flywheel via a flywheel break. This may be, for example, a common bicycle brake, a friction wheel, a magnetic eddy-current brake, a viscoelastic fluid brake, or a strap running around the flywheel. By instructing the participants to vary their cadence and resistance, the instructor is able to deliver an exercise class which simulates a varying outdoor cycle.

While it is typically spinning bikes that have such manual resistance knobs, it is acknowledged that other types of exercise bike may include a manual resistance knob. The generic term exercise bike will therefore be used throughout.

A new improvement in the use of exercise bikes compared to the previous decades of use, is the provision of a virtual training environment. By the implementation of video software and internet connections, it is possible to attend a spinning class in the comfort of your own home. This idea also allows users to virtually cycle popular trails, races, and routes around the world or even computer designed simulations. Examples of these such systems include, but are not limited to Peloton, Echelon, Schwinn, and Apple Fitness+.

In the similar manner to a physical class, an instructor on a screen leads the spinning class, and the user follows their instructions to alter their cadence and/or adjust the manual resistance knob to simulate the particular outdoor ride or other exercise profile.

While such a spinning class can provide many of the benefits of a traditional class, and can be used to simulate a particular road profile, it is not a fully immersive experience as the user is forced to interact with the exercise bike to adjust the parameters. The user adjusts the parameters by manually adjusting the resistance knob, which can become inconvenient and provide a poor experience for the user.

In recent years, fully immersive systems have been developed for road bicycles. The road bicycle has its rear wheel removed and is fitted to a smart trainer. As the user cycles, the smart trainer is able to track their progress in a virtual world and automatically adjust the response felt by the user as they reach different parts of the course. This provides a fully immerse experience and have indeed launched entirely virtual racing series. Examples of these virtual cycling worlds include, but are not limited to Zwift, Rouvy and Trainer Road.

Exercise bikes are not able to have a comparable immersive experience because there is no rear wheel which is detachable. Also, there is not a comparable gearing mechanism which the user can use to alter the response of the bicycle to a given profile. In practice, to change the resistance and/or the effective gearing a user manually operates the resistance knob. This repeated interruption of the training session can be particularly frustrating and prevents any real immersion being developed.

There is therefore the need for a smart attachment system for an exercise bike.

Previous examples of training systems for an exercise bike include US 9737761 B1 discloses a system and method for fitness testing, tracking and training, wherein a user's fitness parameters are estimated for VO2Max, anaerobic threshold and heat rate via a fitness test. A fitness test application is used in conjunction with a testing apparatus to develop a personal exercise plan for tracking ongoing improvements in fitness. A fitness testing computer is operatively interconnected with a fitness testing apparatus (i.e. an exercise bicycle operated with a motorised trainer that may selectively vary the resistance) as well as a heart rate monitor. The trainer is directly connected to the flywheel of the exercise bike, this is similar to the previously discussed arrangement of a road bike connected to a smart trainer. As such, the trainer is complex to install and must typically come built in to the exercise bike. Further, the trainer does not allow for manual adjustment of the resistance, only automatic adjustment, therefore is not suitable for an exercise bike with a manual resistance knob.

Similarly, WO 0170340 A2 discloses a games controller, which may be used in conjunction with an exercise bike. The controller comprises a handlebar assembly which includes one or more input devices adapted to generate signals for supply to the microprocessor base unit. The input devices are responsive to movement of the handlebars by the user. The controller allows a user to play a game on a bicycle at the same time as using the handlebars of the controller for exercising on the bicycle. This device is very different from the present invention, it is directed to occupying the user by playing a game using the handlebars whilst they continue to use the handlebars when exercising on the bike. A sensitive reading switch device detects the position of a lever/knob used to vary the resistance of the bike. This detected resistance is used as an input to the game. This does not appreciate the problem of overcoming a user providing an input resulting in an inconvenience and a potentially inaccurate method of achieving a desired resistance.

CN 107970567 A discloses a multi-channel fitness bicycle that can realise the functions of roll, pitch and bump, in order to simulate an actual riding scene. A mobile terminal app or a VR helmet are included, simulating the riding scene and instructions or data being sent to a control module. The control module controls the movement of the magnetic powder controller, electric pole barrel assembly, et al, providing the user a real riding experience such as uphill, downhill, bumpy etc. Again, this device is incorporated into the bike, rather than the device being retro-fittable thereto. Further, the resistance is varied directly at the axle of the pedals.

CN 2098307 U discloses a multifunctional and adjustable type controlling device for a body building cycle, wherein the controlling device has the function of automatically and periodically adjusting the rotating disc to make the sport variable.

Summary of Invention

The present invention provides a smart attachment for a resistance knob of an exercise bike according to claim 1. 4 -

The smart attachment comprises: a housing attachable to the exercise bike, to prevent rotation of the housing relative to the exercise bike; a connector for engaging the resistance knob of the exercise bike, wherein when the housing is being attached to the bike, the connector engages the resistance knob, such that the resistance knob is rotatable in cooperation with the connector, wherein the connector is rotatable relative to the housing.

The smart attachment further comprises an electronic circuit comprising: a processor arranged to receive a signal indicative of a desired resistance for the exercise bike and, to provide an output signal based on the signal indicative of the desired resistance; and a motor to receive the output signal from the processor, wherein the motor is configured to drive the rotation of the connector based on the output signal and thereby set the resistance knob to the desired resistance. This provides a smart attachment for a resistance knob allowing the manual resistance knob to be driven by the smart attachment. The smart attachment will allow the user to not have to be inconvenienced by setting a desired resistance automatically. This further allows the resistance of the exercise bike to be set accurately regarding the parameter in which the signal indicative of the desired resistance may be trying to achieve, such as a change of route incline, terrain, a simulated gear change etc. In addition, this does not require disassembly of the exercise bike and allows the smart attachment to be easily retro-fittable to the exercise bike with a manual resistance knob.

The processor may be arranged to calibrate the smart attachment by: actuating the motor in a first direction to drive the resistance knob to a first end stop; and actuating the motor in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, to a second end stop. This a convenient and effective way the smart attachment can find the maximum range of the resistance knob. Further, this allows the smart attachment to find the position of maximum resistance and minimum resistance, and the amount of drive required by the motor to transition the resistance knob from the minimum resistance to the maximum resistance. In addition, this allows the smart attachment to automatically start on the minimum resistance without the user's input.

The smart attachment may further comprises a spindle connecting the housing to the connector. This is a convenient and effective arrangement for the connector to rotate relative to the housing.

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The housing may comprise at least one projection attachable to the exercise bike, to prevent rotation of the housing relative to the exercise bike. This is a convenient and effective way for the housing to anchor itself to the exercise bike. Further, this arrangement may allow the housing to have contact with at least two sides of a section of the exercise bike to prevent rotation.

The housing may comprise at least one pair of projections arrangable on opposite sides of the bike. This is a convenient and effective way for the housing to anchor itself to the exercise bike. Further, this arrangement provides a stable structure in which the projections may receive a section of the exercise bike. In addition, the pair of projections allow for the housing to be symmetrical for ease of manufacturing.

The connector may comprise at least one projection engageable with a recess of the resistance knob. This is a convenient and effective way for the connector to form a permanent/semi-permanent fixture with the resistance knob. Further, the projection will allow the connector to have a male-female connection with the resistance knob via the recess. The projection can also effectively transfer rotation of the connector to the resistance knob.

The connector may comprise a plurality of projections, each projection of the connector is engageable with each recess of a plurality of recesses of the resistance knob. This provides a convenient and effective way for the connector to be engageable with the resistance knob via the recesses. Particularly, the connector may be attached to the resistance knob in a number of different relative configurations, improving the ease of connection.

The plurality of projections of the connector may be rotationally symmetrical about an axis of rotation of the connector. This is a convenient an effective way for the connector to provide a secure and stable engagement with the resistance knob. Further, this arrangement may allow for ease of manufacturing. The connector may attach to the resistance knob in any relative configuration where the projections and recesses are aligned.

The electronic circuit may further comprise a receiver operable to receive the signal indicative of the desired resistance and provides the signal indicative of the desired 6 -resistance to the processor. This provides the smart attachment a dedicated electronic component for receiving the signal for the smart attachment. The signal can be sent to the receiver from a remote device in order to operate an exercise program.

The receiver may be operable to receive a wireless signal, preferably Bluetooth. This is a convenient and effective configuration to allow the electronic circuit to be wireless without the need of cables or chips to provide the signal. Wireless control from a remote device can be an effective way to run an exercise session for the bike.

The receiver may be configured to receive the signal indicative of the desired resistance from a remote server for the exercise bike. This is a convenient and effective arrangement for the smart attachment to receive the signal. Particularly, the remote server may be running an exercise session for a number of different users, such as in a spinning class.

The electronic circuit may further comprise a display module operable to display a performance data. This allows the smart attachment to provide performance data for the user for ease of reference. The display of performance data may be used by the user during or after their workout.

The electronic circuit may further comprise at least one user input operable to provide the signal indicative of the desired resistance. This is a convenient and effective arrangement for the user to operate the smart attachment by directly using the user inputs.

The user input may be operable to indicate a gear ratio, wherein the processor is configured to adjust the output signal based upon the indicated gear ratio. This is a convenient and effective operation for the user to directly vary the desired resistance. In addition, this allows the user to override the resistance. The user can change the gear ratio, which results in the overall resistance being adjusted, so as to simulate riding a geared bike. This may be useful for example if the user is simulating a steep uphill climb when they would shift to a lower gear.

The processor may be configured to calculate the output signal based upon the indicated gear ratio and the signal indicative of the desired resistance. This is a convenient and effective configuration in which the desired resistance may be set. The processor can 7 -calculate how an indicated change of gear would alter the resistance felt by the user for a particular desired resistance of the exercise, and adjust the resistance knob accordingly.

The electronic circuit may further comprise a transmitter operable to transmit a signal indicative of a performance data. This is a convenient and effective configuration to allow the performance data to be sent. This can be transmitted, for example, to a user's remote device and/or to a remote server. In this sense, the user can track their exercise program. This can also be used to determine how a particular exercise program was handled by the user.

The motor may drive a gear and the connector may comprise a toothed surface engaging the gear. This allows the motors torque to be multiplied. Further, this is a convenient and effective arrangement to allow the motor to drive the connector to set the desired resistance.

The motor may be a stepper motor driver. This is a convenient and effective solution to drive the connector. The stepper motor driver can drive the connector without providing feedback to the processor. The motor's position can be instructed to move and stop at a number of equal steps without any position sensor for feedback.

The electronic circuit may further comprise a power source, preferably a battery. This provides the smart attachment with a dedicated energy reserve in which there are no external wires required for operating the smart attachment.

The power source may be a dynamo configured to convert a kinetic input to the exercise bike into electrical energy in the electronic circuit. This is a convenient and effective configuration to provide energy to the smart attachment. The user is providing kinetic input naturally as a part of their exercise program, which would otherwise be lost energy. Using this to charge/power the smart attachment helps reduce the overall power consumption of the system.

The present invention provides a smart training system is provided according to claim 20.

The smart training system of the present disclosure comprises at least one server, a plurality of exercise bikes and a plurality of smart attachments according to claim 1 to 19, 8 -each smart attachment attached to a respective resistance knob of the plurality of exercise bikes, wherein the at least one server provides the signal indicative of a desired resistance for each smart attachment. This is a convenient and effective system of operating a plurality of smart attachments and setting a plurality of exercise bikes resistance. Further, the system allows at least one remote server to control the plurality of smart attachments simultaneously so that the users will experience the same thing at the substantially the same time. Effectively this allows the remote server to run and administer a spinning class. The plurality of exercise bikes may be provided in one room, such as a gym class. Alternatively, the plurality of exercise bikes may be a plurality of bikes in individual locations, such as a plurality of user's homes. In this sense, a virtual spinning exercise can be run.

The present invention provides a method of administrating an exercise program according to claim 21.

The method of administrating an exercise program of the present disclosure comprises: providing the signal indicative of the desired resistance of the resistance knob for the exercise bike to the smart attachment according to claims 1 to 19. This is a convenient and effective method of setting a desired resistance of the resistance knob relative to an exercise program. This method allows an exercise program to be run using the smart attachment, such as simulating a particular cycling route.

The present invention provides a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions according to claim 22.

The non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions of the present disclosure for one or more signals indicative of the desired resistance of the resistance knob for the exercise bike to the smart attachment according to claims 1 to 19. This allows the smart attachment to receive instructions regarding desired resistance of the resistance knob. Further, this provides the smart attachment with a convenient and effective method of receiving signals indicative of the desired resistance for the resistance knob. The non-transitory computer readable medium effectively provides a series of instructions that allow an exercise program to be administered using the smart attachment, such as a particular cycling route.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1A shows a typical exercise bike with a manual resistance knob; Figure 1B shows a portion of the exercise bike of Figure 1A; Figure 2 shows a perspective translucent view of a smart attachment attached to the portion of exercise bike of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a perspective translucent view of the smart attachment shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 shows an perspective translucent view of a further smart attachment attached to the portion of exercise bike of Figure 1; and Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an electronic circuit for the smart attachment shown in Figure 2 or Figure 4.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Figure 1A shows an exercise bike 10 with a manual resistance knob 12. In this example, the exercise bike 10 is comprised of a frame and a flywheel 5 arrangement.

The frame of the exercise bike is comprised of an upper section 16, a head section 14, a base 7, a seat post section 6 and a fork section 1. A set of handlebars 17 extend from the head section 14. This may be directly, or via a head section extension 15 that allows the user can adjust a height of the set of handlebars 17 for the exercise bike 10. A pair of forks of the fork section 1 extend from the head section 14 towards the base 7. The head section 14 is connected to the base 7 via the fork section 1.

A seat 9 extends from the seat post section 9. Again, this may be directly or via a seat post extension 8, so that the user can adjust the height of a seat 9 of the exercise bike 10. The seat post section 6 is also connected to the base 7. The upper section 16 extends between the head section 14 and the seat post section 6, generally similar to the top tube of a bicycle.

The flywheel arrangement is shown in Figure 1A to comprise a flywheel 5, a resistance knob 12, a resistance means 2, a chain 4 and a set of pedals 3. The fork section 1 is shown to receive the flywheel 5 of the flywheel arrangement. For example, the fork section may be formed of two split forks, with the flywheel 5 received therebetween. An axle for the -10 -flywheel passes through the fork section 1 and the flywheel 5, so that the flywheel 5 can freely rotate around the axle within the fork section 1 without being obstructed. The set of pedals 3 drives the flywheel 5 via the chain 4. Of course, any other suitable drive mechanism is also possible. The set of pedals 3 have an axis of rotation that passes through the seat post section 6. As the user provides a kinetic input to pedal the pedals 3, the pedals 3 rotate around this axis of rotation. This then drives the chain 4 which drives the flywheel 5.

A resistance means 2 is connected to the flywheel 5 to provide a resistive force effectively braking the flywheel 5 to make rotation thereof more difficult. The resistance means 2 may be, for example, a common bicycle brake, a friction wheel, a magnetic eddy-current brake, a viscoelastic fluid brake, or a strap running around the flywheel 5. The amount of resistance applied by the resistance means 2 can be varied by adjusting a resistance knob 12. The resistance knob 12 may extend form the upper section 16 of the exercise bike 10.

Figure 1B shows an enlarged portion of an exercise bike 10 with a resistance knob 12. In this example, the resistance knob 12 is connected to the upper section 16 of the exercise bike 10 via an axle 18. The upper section 16 of the exercise bike 10 generally corresponds to the top tube. The resistance knob 12 is rotatable relative to the upper section 16 of the bike so that the user can adjust the resistance of the exercise bike 10. For example, rotation of the resistance knob 12 may adjust the braking force applied to the flywheel 5 of the exercise bike 10 by the resistance means 2.

For example, if the user begins to provide the kinetic input to the set of pedals 3, the chain will begin to drive the flywheel of the exercise bikes 10, at a pre-set resistance. If the user rotates the resistance knob 12 the resistance applied by the resistance means 2 will increase or decrease, depending on the direction the resistance knob 12 is rotated. For example, the braking force applied to the flywheel 5 may be adjusted thus setting a new resistance.

The term exercise bike 10 may be considered to be interchangeable with the terminology of an ergometer, a bike, a spinning bike, a Peloton, an Echelon, a Schwinn, etc. Broadly, the present description may be configured for any type of ergometer including an adjustable resistance. An ergometer can be considered to be any form of exercise equipment configured for measuring the work performed/done by muscles. An ergometer includes and not limited to the following: Rower, Bike, Recumbent Ergometer, Upper Extremity, Lower Extremity, and Dual Extremity Ergometers. The present description will be explained in accordance with the exercise bike 10 by way of an example.

The resistance knob 12 may be rotatable about an axis of rotation 19 which is coaxial with the axle 18. Alternatively, the axis of rotation 19 may be offset from the axle 18. The axis of rotation 19 may generally pass through a centreline of the upper section 16 of the exercise bike 10.

The resistance knob 12 may comprise of a plurality of recesses 13 as shown in Figure 1.

For example, the plurality of recesses 13 may be formed as a series of grooves on an outer surface of the resistance knob 12. These recesses 13 may be arranged with rotation symmetry around the resistance knob 12, for example around the axis of rotation 19. The recesses 13 act to improve the grip of the user on the resistance knob 12. This may be particularly useful when the user is tired and/or has significant perspiration on their hands.

Alternatively, or additionally, the outer surface of the resistance knob 12 may be provided with one or more protrusions in order to improve the user's grip. Alternatively, or additionally, the outer surface of the resistance knob 12 may be textured in order to improve the user's grip. For example, the outer surface of the resistance knob 12 may be knurled.

While the present description is in relation to a resistance knob 12, it is anticipated that this may be any suitable user input for varying resistance. This may include a resistance changer, a resistance lever, a resistance handle, a resistance button, etc. In use, a user rotates the resistance knob 12 to provide a desired resistance of the exercise bike 10. The resistance may be increased or decreased depending on which direction the resistance knob 12 is rotated. The user may actuate the resistance knob 12 to change the performance of the exercise bike 10. For example, the user may want to change the resistance to change the power output of the exercise bike 10.

In a virtual cycling experience several parameters may change throughout the simulation. The parameters that may vary include one or more of: gradient of a route, speed required for a section of the route, terrain of the route and/or a gear selected for the exercise bike 10. As the exercise bike 10 does not have gears like a traditional outdoor cycling bike, the resistance of the exercise bike 10 can be altered to a desired resistance in order to -12 -replicate the exercise bike 10 being put in a particular gear for a section of the ride. The resistance of the exercise bike 10 may be altered to simulate at least one of the parameters in the virtual cycling experience.

Figure 2 shows a perspective translucent view of a smart attachment 20 attached to the exercise bike 10 of Figure 1.

The smart attachment 20 is attachable to the exercise bike 10. The smart attachment 20 comprises a housing 22, a connector 24 and an electronic circuit 30. The housing 22 is attachable to the exercise bike 10, such that rotation of the housing 22 relative to the exercise bike 10 is inhibited. The connector 24 is rotatably mounted to the housing 22.

Accordingly, the connector 24 is rotatable relative to the housing 22. The connector 24 engages the resistance knob 12 of the exercise bike 10 when the housing 22 is attached to the exercise bike 10. With the connector 24 receiving the resistance knob 12, the resistance knob 12 is rotatable in cooperation with the connector 24. That is, when the connector 24 rotates the resistance knob 12 also rotates, and vice-versa. Preferably, the resistance knob 12 rotates substantially the same amount (i.e. number of degrees) as the connector 24, such that the degree of rotation is substantially the same for both the connector 24 and the resistance knob 12.

The housing 22 may comprise at least one projection 23. This projection 23 may effectively act as a mounting bracket for the housing 22. That is, the projection 23 may extend towards the exercise bike 10 and engage with the exercise bike 10 to fix the smart attachment 20 to the exercise bike. Thus, the projection 23 prevents rotation of the housing 22 relative to the exercise bike 10.

The housing 22 may comprise a pair of projections 23. Each projection 23 may be arrangable on opposite sides of the exercise bike 10. Thus, the projections 23 effectively locate the housing 22 relative to the upper section 16. The upper section 16 may be received between the pair of projections 23. The housing 22 of the smart attachment 20 may be symmetrical relative to the longitudinal plane of the exercise bike 10, extending from the front wheel to the rear wheel.

Alternatively, or additionally, the housing 22 may comprise a deformable surface, such that when the housing 22 is attached to the exercise bike 10 the exercise bike 10 presses into the deformable surface.

-13 -Alternatively, or additionally, the housing 22 may comprise a surface with a high coefficient of friction to help prevented the housing 22 from rotating relative the exercise bike 10.

As noted above, the connector 24 is rotatable relative to the housing 22. The connector 24 may be rotatably attached to the housing 22 with any suitable connection, such as via a push fit or an interference fit. For example, an outer surface of the connector 24 may comprise a recess (not shown) to receive a portion of the housing 22, such that the connector 24 is rotatable relative to the housing 22.

The smart attachment 20 may further comprise a spindle 26 connecting the housing 22 to the connector 24. Preferably the connector 24 is rotatable relative to the housing 22 around the spindle 26. The spindle 26 may be rotatable in cooperation with the connector 24 or the housing 22, wherein the spindle 26 is rotatable relative to the housing 22 or the connector 24 respectively. Alternatively, the spindle 26 may be arranged to be rotatable relative to the housing 22 and the connector 24. This provides an arrangement wherein the connector is rotatable relative to housing and the spindle acts as the axis of rotation for the connector. The spindle 26 may comprise a bearing (not shown), such that the coefficient of rotational friction of the connector is minimised.

The connector 24 receives the resistance knob 12 such that rotation of the connector 24 drives rotation of the resistance knob 12. For example, the connector 24 may comprise one or more projections 25 engageable with a recess 13 of the resistance knob 12. Alternatively, or additionally, the connector 24 may comprise a surface with one or more recesses for receiving one or more projections of the resistance knob 12. Alternatively, or additionally, the connector 24 may include a textured surface for contacting the resistance knob 12, such as a knurled surface. Each projection 25 of the connector 24 may be resiliently deformable. This can allow a snap-fit of the connector 24 to the resistance knob 12. Each projection 25 of the connector 24 may include a resiliently deformable inner surface for gripping the resistance knob 12. Additionally, or alternatively, each projection 25 may be substantially tapered. For example, this tapering may be thickest at a root of the projection 25 and get thinner towards a free end of the projection.

In particular, the connector 24 may comprise a plurality of projections 25. Each projection of the plurality of projections 25 of the connector 24 may be engageable with each recess 13 of a plurality of recesses 13 of the resistance knob 12. That is, the connector 24 -14 -may receive the resistance knob 12 in a number of different configurations as each projections 25 can engage with any of the recesses 13 of the resistance knob 12. The projections 25 may be identical, and/or the recesses 13 may be identical.

The recess 13 of the resistance knob 12 may be on at least one side face of the resistance knob 12 or on at least one base face of the resistance knob 12. The plurality of projections of the connector 24 may be rotationally symmetrical, for example, about an axis of rotation of the connector 24.

Alternatively, the connector 24 may be a moulded component engageable with the resistance knob 12. The moulded component may be a material that is deformable so as to engage the resistance knob 12. The connector 24 may effectively clamp on to the resistance knob 12. For example, the connector 24 may further comprise an actuator configured to decreases or increases the distance between the clamp of connector 24 and the resistance knob 12, such that the connector 24 is engageable with the resistance knob 12.

The connector 24 may be arranged at an angle, such as at 90 degrees, relative to the resistance knob 12 such that the central rotation axis of the axle 18 and the central rotation axis of the connector 24 are perpendicular to one another. In this arrangement, the connector 24 and the resistance knob 12 acts as a bevel gear arrangement.

Alternatively, the connector 24 may be arranged to be engaged tangential to the resistance knob 12. In such an arrangement, the connector 24 and the resistance knob 12 may act as a rack and pinion arrangement. The connector 24 may be a belt arranged to engage with the motor 36 and the resistance knob 12. The belt may comprise a toothed surface 39 to engage with the gear 38 and the resistance knob 12. The belt may be configured to shape to the motor 36, the gear 38 and/ or the resistance knob 12, preferably the belt is a suitable deformable elastic material.

In use, when the connector 24 is driven to rotate, the resistance knob 12 is rotated, thereby setting the resistance knob to the desired resistance. The connector 24 is driven to rotate in either direction, such that the resistance knob 12 is rotated in either direction, increasing or decreasing the resistance. The resistance may be an increase, decrease or the same value of resistance that the resistance knob 12 of the exercise bike 10 is currently set on.

-15 -Figure 3 shows a perspective translucent view of the smart attachment 20 of Figure 2.

The smart attachment 20 comprises an electronic circuit 30. The housing 22 may comprise a cavity (not shown) configured to receive the/or a portion of the electronic circuit 20. The housing 22 may be configured to be dust and/or liquid tight, such that the smart attachment 20 is dust proof and/or water proof. In particular, the housing 22 may be hermetically sealed. A sealant may be provided for preventing the ingress of foreign particles. The sealed hermetically smart attachment 20 may help prevent foreign objects damaging the smart attachment 20, specifically the electronic circuit 30. The sealed smart attachment 20 may be openable for maintenance, repair, disassembly and/or disposal.

The electronic circuit 30 comprises a processor 34. The processor 34 may be a single component, such as an integrated circuit or may be formed as a number of connected components. The processor 34 is arranged to receive a signal indicative of a desired resistance for the exercise bike 10. The signal indicative of a desired resistance may be provided from a memory unit of the smart attachment 20, and/or from a remote device via a receiver 32 as discussed in detail below. Additionally, or alternatively, the signal indicative of a desired resistance may be provided as a user input such as a button on the smart attachment 20 or the exercise bike 10. The processor 34 is arranged to provide an output signal based on the signal indicative of the desired resistance to a motor 36. The output signal drives the motor, either directly or via a motor driver.

The motor 36 receives the output signal from the processor 34 and is actuated in response.

The motor 36 is arranged to drive rotation of the connector 24, and hence of the resistance knob 12. The motor 36 is configured to drive the rotation of the connector 24 based on the output signal and thereby set the resistance knob to the desired resistance indicated by the signal received by the processor. The motor 26 may be received inside the cavity of the housing 22. The motor 36 may drive the connector 24 directly, or via an intermediate arrangement such as a gearbox. The motor 36 may be aligned generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the connector 24. The motor 36 may further be aligned coaxially with the axis of rotation of the connector 24.

-16 -The motor 36 may drive one or more gears 38 for driving the connector 24. The connector 24 may comprise a surface 39 for engaging with the gear 38. Alternatively, the connector 24 may be attached to a further gear. The surface 39 of the connector 24 is preferably a toothed surface 39. The tooth surface 39 of the connector 24 engages the teeth of the gear 38. The point of engagement of the toothed surface 39 and the gear 38 is preferably arrange to minimise output loss from the gear 38 inputted into the toothed surface 39 of the connector 24. The gear 38 provides a translation of torque to the connector 24, wherein the gear 38 preferably multiplies the torque of the motor 36. Of course, any other transmission method may be used, including friction gears, pulleys, or any other suitable method.

The motor 36 may be movable, such that the motor 36 is engageable and disengageable with the connector 24. In the disengaged state, rotation of the motor 36 does not drive rotation of the connector 24. In effect, this means that the connector 24 is freely rotatable such that the resistance knob 12 can be rotated freely in cooperation with the connector 24.

This allows the exercise bike 10 to be used in a manual mode of operation, without imparting a rotational force on the motor 36. Additionally or alternatively the one or more gears 38 may be movable, such that the one or gears 38 are engageable and disengageable with the connector 24 and/or the motor 36 in order to allow the connector 24 to be freely rotatable in the disengaged state.

Particularly, the smart attachment 20 may further comprise a gear train. The gear train can provide a compact alternative to a plurality of gears engaged in a series, with a gear engaged with at least two gears, one gear on either side.

The electronic circuit 30 may further comprise a receiver 32. The receiver 32 may be operable to receive the signal indicative of the desired resistance and provide the signal indicative of the desired resistance to the processor 34. For example, the receiver may be configured to communicate with a remote device such as a remote server or a mobile phone. The receiver 32 may receive the signal indicative of the desired resistance from a wireless signal, such as Bluetooth or WiFi. The receiver 32 may be also configured to receive the signal indicative of the desired resistance from a remote server 48 for the exercise bike 10. The remote server 48 for the exercise bike 10 may include but not limit to at least a telephone, a laptop, a tablet, a screen, or a dedicated computer system connected to the bike. The remote server 48 may connect to a plurality of smart attachments 20, in order to run a remote exercise class as described in more detail below.

-17 -The processor 34 of the electronic circuit 30 may process the signal indicative of the desired resistance for the exercise bike 10 in accordance to an algorithm. The algorithm may provide a predetermined output signal based on the signal indicative of the desired resistance. Alternatively, the processor 34 may receive a start signal for an exercise routine, wherein the algorithm provides at least one predetermined output signal.

The electronic circuit 30 may further comprise at least one user input 44. The user input 44 of the electronic circuit 30 is preferably a button, alternatively may be a lever, a knob or a similar actuator. The user input 44 is preferably positioned for the user. The user input 44 preferably provides the signal indicative of the desired resistance. The electronic circuit 30 may further comprise a display module 42 operable to display a performance data. The display module 42 may be placed on or in a surface of the housing 22. Preferably the display module 42 is placed in a position for the user. Further, the at least user input 44 and/ or the display module 42 is preferably arranged to be on the face of the housing 22 opposite to the face of the housing 22 attachable to the exercise bike 10, such that the user can use the at least one user input 44 and/or the display module 42.

The performance data is preferably a work performed by the user on the exercise bike 10.

The performance data may include but are not limited to, a cadence, a power, a speed, a time elapsed, etc. This list is non-exhaustive.

The electronic circuit 30 may further comprises a transmitter 40 preferably operable to transmit a signal indicative of the performance data. The transmitter 40 may provide the signal indicative of the performance data to the remote server 48, wherein preferably the transmitter 40 is a feedback loop.

Figure 4 shows an enlarged translucent view of a further smart attachment 20 attached to the exercise bike 10 of Figure 1.

The smart attachment 20 of Figure 4 is generally similar to the smart attachment 20 of Figures 2 and 3 and unless expressly stated otherwise any disclosure in relation to the smart attachment 20 of Figures 2 and 3 is equally applicable to the smart attachment 20 of Figure 4. Likewise, unless expressly stated otherwise any disclosure in relation to the smart -18 -attachment 20 of Figure 4 is equally applicable to the smart attachment 20 of Figures 2 and 3.

The smart attachment 20 is shown attached to the exercise bike 10. The housing 22 is attached to the exercise bike 10. The housing 22 includes first and second projections 23.

The first projections 23 of the housing 22 are positioned on the upper section 16 of the exercise bike 10 and the second projections 23 are positioned on the head section 14 of the exercise bike 10. The head section 14 extends upwards to the handlebars 17 of the exercise bicycles 10. One or both of the projections 23 may be provided as a pair, extending either side of the portions of the exercise bike 10. This provides a stable structure, as well as the housing 22 being substantially symmetrical in the longitudinal plane of the exercise bike 10.

The connector 24 of the smart attachment 20 is generally as described above in relation to Figures 2 and 3.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an electronic circuit 30 of the smart attachment 20. This electronic circuit 30 may be used with any of the smart attachments 20 disclosed herein.

The electronic circuit 30 comprises the motor 36 and the processor 34. As shown in Figure 5, the electronic circuit 30 optionally comprises one or more of: a display module 42; a user input 44; and/or a receiver 32. The processor 34 is arranged to receive the signal indicative of the desired resistance and provide the output signal to the motor 36. The output signal is based on the signal indicative of the desired resistance.

As shown in Figure 5, the processor 34 may communicate with the user input 44, the display module 42 and the motor 36 separately. The output signal of the processor 34 may depend on which of the elements is communicating with the processor 34. For example, the user input may indicate a change in the desired resistance and hence the processor 34 may control the motor 36 accordingly to adjust the resistance knob 12.

The processor 34 is communicable with the motor 36, such that the processer 36 receives the signal indicative of the desired resistance and provides the output signal to the motor 36. The output signal to the motor 36 controls the motor so as to cause rotation of the resistance knob 12 to adjust the resistance of the bicycle 10. The processor 34 may -19 -receive the signal indicative of the desired resistance from the receiver 32, and/or from the user input 44. In particular, the receiver 32 may receive the signal indicative of the desired resistance from a remote server 48. For example, the remote server 48 may be one arranged to connect to a plurality of smart attachments 20 so as to administer a remote spinning class or exercise program.

The display module 42 may display the desired resistance to the user. Alternatively, or additionally, the display module 42 may display a simulated environment such as where the user is on the simulated route. Alternatively, or additionally, the display module 42 may display an instructor for a virtual spinning class or exercise program.

The processor 34 may determine the necessary output signal based on a predetermined value of resistance or change of resistance value required when the processor 34 receives the signal indicative of the desired resistance. In particular, the processor 34 may receive the signal indicative of the desired resistance and calculate the necessary output that needs to be provided by the motor 36 to adjust the resistance and then provide the output signal to the motor 36 containing the information to provide a necessary output, thereby setting the desired resistance.

The motor 36 is configured to drive the rotation of the connector based on the output signal and thereby set the resistance knob 12 to the desired resistance. When the output signal is received by the motor 36, the connector 24 is driven by the motor 36 and thus the resistance knob 12 is driven in cooperation with the connector 24 thereby setting the resistance. The output signal may indicate a decrease, increase or no change of resistance required. In a scenario of a decrease or increase of resistance, the output signal will be provided to the motor 36 based on the signal indicative of the desired resistance, the motor 36 drives the connector 24 in the direction in which the resistance knob 12 will be driven to decrease or increase the resistance respectively. The decrease or increase of resistance will result in a change of resistance from the point the motor 36 begins to drive the connector 24 until the motor 36 ceases to drive the connector 24, preferably when the output signal stops. The motor 36 may be a stepper motor 36. That is, a stepper motor 36 which does not provide feedback.

-20 -Alternatively, the output signal may be continuous, wherein a power supplied to the motor 36 is variable depending on receiving the signal indicative of the desired resistance, such that when the signal indicative of the desired resistance is received the power supplied to the motor 36 is increased for driving the connector 24. Further, when the output signal is continuous and the signal indicative of the desired resistance is unchanged the power supplied to the motor 36 is decreased for the connector 24 to remain substantially stationary. In this arrangement the power supplied is variable based on the signal indicative of the desired resistance. This allows the motor 36 to always be operable and the time taken to set the resistance can be decreased by maintaining the power supplied above or below the frictional driving force necessary to rotate the connector 24.

The electronic circuit 30 may further comprise a power source 46. The power source 46 of the electronic circuit 30 may supply the power to the electronic circuit 30. For example, the power source 46 may be a battery 46. The power source 46 of the electronic circuit 30 may include a dynamo 46 configured to convert a kinetic input to the exercise bike 10 into electrical energy/power in the electronic circuit 30. That is, the dynamo 46 may convert rotation of the pedals 3 of the exercise bike 10 into electrical energy/power. The dynamo 46 may be further configured to provide electrical energy to battery 46, such that the battery 46 is charged by the dynamo 46. The power source 46 discharges power/electrical energy to the electronic circuit 30.

The user of the exercise bike 10 is able to take part in an exercise program which is administered via the processor 34. The exercise bike 10 is administered by providing the signal indicative of the desired resistance of the resistance knob 12 for the exercise bike 10 to the smart attachment 20. The exercise bike 10 may be configured to receive an exercise program, such that the signal indicative of the desired resistance is provided to the processor 34 of the smart attachment 20. For example, an exercise program may comprise a series of different desired resistances which are input to the processor 34 in sequence. The processor 34 then provides the output signal based on the signal indicative of the desired resistance to the motor 36. The motor 36 then drives the connector 24, thereby setting the resistance of the exercise bike 10 to the desired resistance of the exercise program.

The smart attachment 20 may performs a calibration, for example when the smart attachment 20 is attached to the exercise bike 10. The housing 22 is attached to the -21 -exercise bike 10 and the connector 24 is engaged with the resistance knob 12. The resistance knob 12 can then be driven in a direction to change the resistance to a first end-stop position where the resistance knob 12 can no longer can rotate any further, this is the minimum or maximum position for the resistance depending on which direction the resistance knob 12 is rotated. Further, the resistance knob 12 is then driven in the opposite direction until it can again no longer can rotate at a second end-stop position, this position is the other of the minimum or maximum position for the resistance of the first position. The maximum position is the position of a maximum resistance of the exercise bike 10 and the minimum position is a minimum resistance of the exercise bike 10.

When the smart attachment 20 performs the calibration, the processor 34 records the period and/or amount of rotations of the resistance knob 12 in both directions for the minimum and maximum positions, thus completing the calibration. The resistance knob 12 is preferably first driven in a direction to increase the resistance of the exercise bike 10, to the maximum position, such that the exercise bike 10 starts on minimum position after the calibration is completed. This allows the user to start with the exercise bike 10 set at the minimum resistance for ease of use. The registered calibration period and/or amount of rotations may be storable in the processor 34, and/or on a memory of the smart attachment 20. The processor 34 may calculate the necessary output of the motor 36 relative to the period and/or rotations to reach the desired resistance. The signal indicative of the desired resistance might be a percentage of the maximum resistance, thus the output signal provided to the motor 36 by the processor is a difference between the percentage of the maximum resistance to the percentage of the current resistance relative to the maximum resistance. The processor 34 then provides the percentage difference in terms of the period or rotations of the resistance knob 12 to the motor 36.

When the smart attachment 20 is used to simulate a gear ratio, the signal indicative of the desired resistance is used to simulate the resistance that a rider would experience when riding with that gear ratio. The gear ratio may be defined relative to the gear ratios found on mountain bikes, road bikes etc. The processor 34 receives the signal indicative of the desired resistance based on the gear ratio and provides the output signal to the motor 36. The motor 36 is configured to drive the connector 24 based on the output signal and thereby set the resistance knob 12 to the desired resistance based on the gear ratio. For example, the gear ratio is preferably selected by the at least one user input 42. The user input 42 may be directly provided on the smart attachment 20, such as via one or more -22 -buttons or a touchscreen. Alternatively, or additionally, the user input 42 may be an attachment for the handlebars 17, similar to a gear changing mechanism for a road bicycle. This may then adjust the signal indicative of the desired resistance based upon how the particular gear ratio selected would perform on the road being simulated.

The processor 34 then receives the signal indicative of the desired resistance and a signal indicative of the desired gear ratio. The processor 24 provides the output signal based on the signal indicative of the desired resistance and the signal indicative of the desired gear ratio to the motor 36. That is, the processer 24 may take both of these inputs and calculate what output signal will provide an appropriate resistance for the user. The motor 36 is configured to drive the rotation of the connector 24 based on the output signal and thereby set the resistance knob 12 to the desired resistance.

Alternatively, the processor 34 receives the signal indicative of the desired resistance and the signal indicative of the desired gear ratio separately. Then, the resistance is set based on the gear ratio and/or the desired resistance. When the processor 34 receives both signals, the processor 34 provides the output signal based on both signals, preventing the resistance being set more than once where possible. This provides the user with an experience that can closely compare with an experience of using a bike with a smart trainer in a virtual simulation. This also allows the user to change the work required in a virtual simulation. For example, if a virtual simulation route increased in incline, the signal indicative of the desired resistance would increase, however for the user it may be more comfortable to reduce the work required by switching to a lower gear. Therefore, much like a road bike can change gear ratio to alter the work required to pedal, the smart attachment 20 can allow the user to select the gear ratio to alter the work required to pedal. The gear ratio may also or alternatively be changed directly by the processor 34, based upon a particular route to be simulated or an instruction received by the processor 34.

The remote server 48 may provide the signal indicative of the desired resistance to the processor 34 of the smart attachment 20. The remote server 48 may provide an exercise program for the smart attachment 20, such as a series of desired resistance values corresponding to a virtual cycling route. The signal indicative of the desired resistance from the remote server 48 is received by the processor 34 of the smart attachment 20, for example via the receiver 32 of the smart attachment 20. The remote server 48 may administer the exercise program for the smart attachment 20. The remote server 48 may -23 -provide the signal indicative of the desired resistance wirelessly, such as via Bluetooth or WiFi. The remote server 48 may also receive the signal indicative of the performance data from the smart attachment 20, for example via the transmitter 40.

An exercise system of a plurality of smart attachments 20 and a plurality of exercise bikes may be formed. The plurality of smart attachments 20 may each be in communication with the remote server 48 such that the remote server 48 provides the signal to each smart attachment 20. In this sense, the single remote server 48 may administer an exercise program for a number of exercise bicycles 10. Each smart attachment 20 of the plurality of smart attachments 20 is attached to a respective resistance knob 12 of the plurality of exercise bikes 10. The remote server 48 may be a plurality of remote servers 48. The remote server 48 provides the signal indicative of the desired resistance to all the smart attachments 20. This effectively allows for a virtual spinning class to be carried out. The remote server 48 may provide two signals indicative of the desired resistance, where each signal sets a different resistance, to at least one smart attachment 20 each. For example, the remote server 48 may adjust the signal indicative of desired resistance based upon a user profile. Alternatively, or additionally, the smart attachment 20 may modulate the desired resistance based upon a user profile.

In order to administer an exercise program, the processor 34 receives a signal indicative of the desired resistance. The exercise program may comprise a sequence of signals indicative of a desired resistance, such as those imitating a particular cycling route or regime. The processor 34 receives the sequence of signals and provides the output signal based on the sequence of signals, such that the signals indicative of the desired resistances are processed in the order of the sequence of the signals. Further, the sequence of the signals may comprise a time period signal between each signal indicative of the desired resistance, such that the desired resistance is set for the time period indicated and then the next desired resistance is set. The electronic circuit 30 may further comprise a memory 35 configured to provide the signal indicative of the desired resistance.

The memory 35 may further be configured to provide the exercise program and/ or the calibration.

For example, the user may be providing the kinetic input to the exercise bike 10, such as by pedalling the pedals 3. When the exercise program is being administered, the processor 34 may receive a first signal indicative of the desired resistance, thus setting the first -24 -desired resistance. The user then pedals against this first desired resistance. The processor 34 may receive a first time period signal and/or a second signals indicative of the desired resistance, thus setting the second desired resistance. Since the processor 34 may receive the sequence of signals or the signals indicative of the desired resistance, each set desired resistance may be set for a predetermined period of time. Therefore, the exercise program may be administered lathe smart attachment 20 for the resistance knob 12 of the exercise bike 10.

A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions is also provided, in particular for running or administering an exercise program. The smart attachment 20 may be configured to receive the instructions. This may be directly from the non-transitory computer readable medium being connected to the smart attachment 20. Alternatively, the non-transitory computer readable medium may be connected to a remote device such as a server or a transmitter arranged to communicate with the smart attachment 20. The instructions may be for one or more signals indicative of the desired resistance or the sequence of signals for the smart attachment 20 of the resistance knob 12 for the exercise bike 10. For example, the remote server 48 or the smart attachment 20 may comprise the non-transitory computer readable medium for the exercise program. The instructions stored on the non-transitory computer readable medium are executable by the processor 34 to administer an exercise program.

In practice, the non-transitory computer readable medium may provide the instructions that may be sent to the remote server 48 or smart attachment 20 via the signal indicative of the desired resistance or the sequence of signals. The instructions may comprise information for the exercise program such as the sequence of the signals indicative of the desired resistance. The processor 34 of the smart attachment 20 receives the signals indicative of the desired resistance and provide the output signal to the motor 36. The motor 36 may drive the connector 24 based on the output signal, thereby setting the desired resistance relative to the signal indicative of the desired resistance from the instructions.

Additionally or alternatively, the instructions may be compiled and then stored on the non-transitory computer readable medium. The instructions may comprise a plurality of the signals indicative of the desired resistance and a plurality of the time period signals, wherein each signals indicative of the desired resistance may have a corresponding time period signal. The plurality of the signals indicative of the desired resistance and the plurality of the time periods may be arranged such that they provide the sequence of -25 -signals and thus the exercise program when provided to the smart attachment 20 attached to the exercise bike 10.

Claims

-26 -CLAIMS: 1. A smart attachment for a resistance knob of an exercise bike, the smart attachment comprising: a housing attachable to the exercise bike, to prevent rotation of the housing relative to the exercise bike; a connector for engaging the resistance knob of the exercise bike, wherein when the housing is being attached to the bike, the connector engages the resistance knob, such that the resistance knob is rotatable in cooperation with the connector, wherein the connector is rotatable relative to the housing; and an electronic circuit comprising: a processor arranged to receive a signal indicative of a desired resistance for the exercise bike and, to provide an output signal based on the signal indicative of the desired resistance: and a motor to receive the output signal from the processor, wherein the motor is configured to drive the rotation of the connector based on the output signal and thereby set the resistance knob to the desired resistance.
2. The smart attachment of claim 1, wherein the processor is arranged to calibrate the smart attachment by: actuating the motor in a first direction to drive the resistance knob to a first end stop; and actuating the motor in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, to a second end stop.
3. The smart attachment of any preceding claim, wherein the smart attachment further comprises a spindle connecting the housing to the connector.
4. The smart attachment of any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises at least one projection attachable to the exercise bike, to prevent rotation of the housing relative to the exercise bike.
5. The smart attachment of any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises at least one pair of projections arrangable on opposite sides of the bike.
-27 - 6. The smart attachment of any preceding claim, wherein the connector comprises at least one projection engageable with a recess of the resistance knob.
7. The smart attachment of any preceding claim, wherein the connector comprises a plurality of projections, each projection of the connector is engageable with each recess of a plurality of recesses of the resistance knob.
8. The smart attachment of claim 7, wherein the plurality of projections of the connector are rotationally symmetrical about an axis of rotation of the connector.
9. The smart attachment of any preceding claim, wherein the electronic circuit further comprises a receiver operable to receive the signal indicative of the desired resistance and provides the signal indicative of the desired resistance to the processor.
10. The smart attachment of claim 9, wherein the receiver is operable to receive a wireless signal, preferably Bluetooth.
11. The smart attachment of claim 9 or 10, wherein the receiver is configured to receive the signal indicative of the desired resistance from a remote server for the exercise bike.
12. The smart attachment of any preceding claim, wherein the electronic circuit further comprises a display module operable to display a performance data.
13. The smart attachment of any preceding claim, wherein the electronic circuit further comprises at least one user input operable to provide the signal indicative of the desired resistance.
14. The smart attachment of claim 13, wherein the user input is operable to indicate a gear ratio, wherein the processor is configured to adjust the output signal based upon the indicated gear ratio.
15. The smart attachment of claim 14, wherein the processor is configured to calculate the output signal based upon the indicated gear ratio and the signal indicative of the desired resistance.
-28 - 16. The smart attachment of any preceding claim, wherein the electronic circuit further comprises a transmitter operable to transmit a signal indicative of a performance data.
17. The smart attachment of any preceding claim, wherein the motor drives a gear and the connector comprises a toothed surface engaging the gear.
18. The smart attachment of any preceding claim, wherein the motor is a stepper motor driver.
19. The smart attachment of any preceding claim, wherein the electronic circuit further comprises a power source, preferably a battery.
20. The smart attachment of claim 19, wherein the power source is a dynamo configured to convert a kinetic input to the exercise bike into electrical energy in the electronic circuit. 15
21. A smart training system comprising at least one server, a plurality of exercise bikes and a plurality of smart attachments according to any preceding claim, each smart attachment attached to a respective resistance knob of the plurality of exercise bikes: wherein the at least one remote server provides the signal indicative of a desired resistance for each smart attachment.
22. A method of administrating an exercise program, the method comprising: providing the signal indicative of the desired resistance to the smart attachment according to claims 1 to 20.
23. A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions for one or more signals indicative of the desired resistance for the smart attachment according to claims 1 to 20.