Overview Rowing Arrangement Drive Train Weight Transfer System
With
this vehicle I’ve tried to combine the power of
traditional rowing strokes with exceptional
gliding ability (between strokes) to achieve high
performance.
Looking somewhat like a cross
between a bobsled and a small iceboat, it rides on one steering runner
forward and two runners aft.
Thrust comes from a traction
wheel that engages the ice only during the rowing strokes. Between strokes, the vehicle is free to
coast on the runners to reduce drag and improve control.
Approx. Dimensions …
|
|
Length |
Width |
Height |
Weight |
|
Runners removed: |
9.0 ft |
23 in. |
32 in. |
65 Lbs |
|
Runners attached: |
9.5 ft |
54 in. |
37 in. |
95 Lbs |
Rowing
Arrangement …
This rower sits facing
forward with feet on a sliding foot-stretcher and straddles a pivoting
steering column. A handle bar
is attached to the upper end of the column and functions as both oars and steering
wheel. Steering cables are routed
through the base of the column to the front-runner.
Notice that with this
arrangement you could row with legs or arms only. Or, if your arms get tied, take full
strokes with less effort by simply lowering the cable attachment point on the
steering column.
Drive Train …
A bicycle drive train,
complete with gear-shifter and specially studded tire, is pivotally mounted
behind the seat. The wheel can move up
and down. Flanged drums replace
the standard pedal cranks.
A drive cable
connects the steering column and foot stretcher to one of the drums. Rowing strokes cause the drum (and connected
wheel) to rotate and provide forward thrust.
A lightweight shock cord
is attached to the other drum to provide both a rewinding force for the
cable and a means for controlling wheel loading between strokes.
Weight Transfer System …
A key feature of the
concept permits transferring weight to the wheel during strokes then back to
the runners between strokes … sort of like removing oars from water when rowing
boats J. [I’ve tried to show this in an Animated Illustration .]
The easiest way of doing it
is by controlling the alignment of the drive cable from the pivoting
wheel assembly. As envisioned, the user
could adjust this alignment while rowing to affect the amount of weight transferred.
Although not recommended, it could be set to actually lift the rear runners off
the ice during strong strokes.
At the end of each stroke, weight is automatically transferred back to the runners. Alignment of the now tensioned shock cord can be used to affect the amount of wheel “unweighting” between strokes ... from just kissing the ice (normal mode) to fully retracted if the surface is “slow”.
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