Design Constraints:
• Operable by 8-year-old (approx 60 RPM)
• Use a battery to provide a “buffer” to compensate for irregularities in pedaling RPMs
• Made from Re-usable components
• Easily Moveable

Original Design
I already owned a TV and VCR to use, but I had trouble finding an exercise bike. So as not to waste any more valuable time, I decided to construct it using a bicycle on a stand. I was able to find a children’s bicycle (fig. 1), but no luck finding a bicycle “trainer” to hold the bike in place. I decided to make my own bicycle stand out of a couple metal frames (fig. 2) I found at a thrift store.

The bicycle would be held in place by a stand that would stabilize the bike and lift the rear tire slightly off the ground to allow it to rotate freely. A 12V generator (with a rubber wheel) would be attached to the frame as well. It’s rubber wheel would be positioned against the rear tire, rotating as the rear tire rotates. The generator would be adjustable to increase or decrease friction with tire.

The generator will charge the battery, which is connected to a 400W inverter (fig. 3) with two AC outlets. The TV and VCR (fig. 4) will be plugged into the inverter outlets, and the 8-year-old (fig. 5) will be watching the TV.