Adjustable Elliptical Striding Motion Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise machines lack the ability to efficiently adjust the incline shape of elliptical paths during striding exercises, limiting user variability and customization.
Innovation Solution
The exercise machine incorporates an adjustment device with incline links and linear actuators that pivotably couple the rocker arms to the frame, allowing for active adjustment of the incline shape of the elliptical paths, enabling users to change the incline of the exercise motion through a controlled actuator system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing exercise machines use fixed rocker arm positions, then the structure is simple and stable, but the incline shape of elliptical paths cannot be adjusted, limiting user customization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the rocker arm position adjustable rather than fixed. The adjustment device allows the rocker arms to be repositioned along the frame, changing the incline shape of the elliptical paths. This transforms a static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt to different user needs while maintaining structural stability through controlled adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements Parameter changes by modifying the position parameter of the rocker arms relative to the frame. By changing the location where rocker arms pivotally couple to the frame through the adjustment device, the incline shape parameter of the elliptical paths is altered. This allows the same machine to provide different exercise intensities and path characteristics without redesigning the entire mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If active adjustment devices are added to change incline shape, then user customization is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies Segmentation by dividing the adjustment function into separate modular components. The adjustment device is distinct from the rocker arms and frame, allowing each component to be manufactured independently using standard fabrication processes. This modular approach simplifies manufacturing compared to integrating the adjustment mechanism directly into the frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary adjustment device that mediates between the fixed frame and the movable rocker arms. This intermediary component provides the adjustment functionality without requiring complex integration into the main structure, simplifying manufacturing by isolating the adjustable mechanism as a separate, standardized component that can be produced independently.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rocker arm position is adjusted to change incline, then exercise variety is improved, but the adjustment mechanism increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment device serves multiple functions: it positions the rocker arms to change incline shape, maintains structural support during adjustment, and enables various exercise intensities through a single mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for different exercise modes, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment device is designed to be self-contained, with the adjustment mechanism integrated into the connection between the frame and rocker arms. The device adjusts the incline through its own internal mechanism without requiring external complex control systems, maintaining simplicity while providing the desired exercise variety.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine is for performing a striding exercise motion. The exercise machine has a frame, first and second pedal members, first and second foot pads on the first and second pedal members, respectively, wherein the first and second foot pads are configured to move in respective elliptical paths during the striding exercise motion, and first and second rocker arms. The first and second pedal members are pivotably coupled to the first and second rocker arms and move with the first and second rocker arms relative to the frame. An adjustment device pivotably couples the first and second rocker arms to the frame. The adjustment device is configured to actively adjust and set a position of the first and second rocker arms relative to the frame, respectively, which thereby changes an incline shape of the elliptical paths, respectively, during the striding exercise motion.