OEM CASE STUDY
POWER
INDOOR BIKE CONSOLE
Background
The global popularity of the indoor group cycling market has grown substantially in recent years, with health clubs, gyms and gym equipment manufacturers demanding more ways of integrating technology into the classes. We analyzed the current market and took the opportunity to develop an indoor bike console that could be adapted to nearly all indoor bikes and display all the data the user needed to get the most out of the indoor cycling class.
Product Development
To better understand the key features and requirements of an indoor bike console, we spoke directly to indoor bike class instructors, bike manufacturers, gym owners and frequent indoor cycling users. With this practical information we developed the product to cater to the demands of each stakeholder.
Bike Class Instructor: The indoor bike class instructor has a very important role. They set the tempo, power and RPM targets, music, workout intensity, and are responsible for the welfare of each class participant. The class instructors need the bike consoles to display clear RPM, Heart Rate, %MHR, Calories, Time and Distance data in the often dark bike class rooms. Therefore we developed the LCD to display the key data in large text with a bright back light to illuminate the screen at the touch of a button.
Bike Manufacturers: The bike manufacturers aim is to give their users the best cycling experience and feeling when on the bike, focusing on usability, build quality and styling. They require a bike console to adapt to their bike designs and fit securely to the handle bars, in a good visible position. We designed a bike console that could fit on multiple handle bar mounting systems, could be easy to install and adapted our cadence sensors to fit securely inside and around the bike flywheel or crank arms.
Gym Owners: The gym owner has to make the purchasing decision based on a number of important facts and figures. How long do the batteries last? How easy are they to change? How will they cope in a hot and humid environment? How easy are they to set up? How will a bike console make my members book more bike classes?
We began developing the product to address each of these factors. To make sure the console has extra long battery life and easily replaceable batteries, we use AAA batteries that are easy to access and take no engineering skill or know-how to install.
To make sure the console would be durable in the hot and humid operating environment, we developed a sweatproof screen, large buttons and high quality ABS case. To keep gym members booking more classes, we added a workout summary showing their calorie burn, distance and key data averages so they can track their progress and try and improve next time.
Indoor Bike Class Users: The feedback from frequent users of indoor bike classes shapes the design of the bikes, the class format and our console. They asked for a clear and easy-to-read display that would show their key data at the top, a quick and easy process of pairing their heart rate monitors and a log of their calories for the session.
We incorporated each of these features into our design and installed our own patented advanced calorie expenditure algorithm to give greater accuracy for the end user.
Commercial Model
We make our products available for bespoke artwork, branding and alterations to suit the clients specific indoor bike console requirements. All tooling, testing, certification, packaging and shipping of the products is handled by ourselves, making the process of ordering quicker and easier. We work directly with bike manufacturers, health clubs, gyms and independent indoor cycling boutiques to deliver either rebranded or bespoke indoor bike computers based on our proprietary technology.
For all OEM enquiries please contact sales@cardiosport.com
BIOVEST
SMART HEART RATE VEST
Background
Heart rate tracking using ECG/EKG signals has always been the most accurate and reliable method for sports and fitness use cases. Heart rate monitor straps are the most accurate and low cost sensor solution, but often face the same criticism from male and female users - comfort.
The solution was to develop a new electrode made from a conductive fabric weave, with exceptionally low resistance (Ohms) that was soft to the skin, yet durable. This new conductive fabric sensor was first built into a compression vest, we called the BioVest.
Product Development
Before 'Wearable' was an industry term, Cardiosport and Zentan Technology developed a patented fabric electrode that could be woven into an electrode configuration, capable of detecting a clear and reliable ECG/EKG signal. This technology was developed further and eventually become the FF5 Fabric chest strap. The only fabric based conductive electrode used for heart rate monitoring.
Unlike polymer electrodes that can only be bonded to textiles, the fabric electrodes could be integrated into the clothing, forming a strong and flexible weave that expands and contracts with every breath. This ensures the electrode is in perfect contact with the lower chest at all times even during high intensity exercise. The reduced vertical movement across the skin greatly improves comfort and reduces any chaffing at the electrode contact point.
Commercial Integrations
Cardiosport can integrate heart rate detecting electrodes into almost any style of garment and material; from compression vests, cycling jerseys, base layers and even a conventional T-shirt. A wide range of connector sockets are available to ensure compatibility with brands such as: Garmin, Polar, Wahoo, MyZone and more...
We have the ability to scale production for the requirements of large clothing brands and offer seamless integrations into existing garment designs. Including Lycra, polyester, cotton, nylon, spandex and silicon.
