Adjustable Geometry Exercise Device Crank Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Exercise devices with flexible elements struggle to provide adjustable geometry, limiting the user's ability to vary between nearly vertical stepping motions and closed path striding motions effectively, as the length of the striding motion is not instantaneously variable based on applied force.
Innovation Solution
An exercise apparatus with a crank system, pivotal linkage assemblies, and flexible support systems allows for adjustable geometry, enabling users to change the vertical amplitude of stepping motions and instantaneously vary the length of striding motions by applying forward and rearward force to the foot plates, using a servo/screw assembly to alter the structural geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the exercise device uses a fixed geometry structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability of the exercise device is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise device employs a dynamic geometry adjustment mechanism that allows the structural geometry to change during exercise. The adjustment assembly modifies the linkage configuration in real-time, enabling transition between different motion patterns (stepping and striding) without requiring multiple fixed-geometry devices. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by making the device structure changeable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometry adjustment assembly enables a single exercise device to perform multiple functions by altering its structural configuration. The same basic mechanism can produce different foot paths and motion characteristics, allowing the device to serve both stepping and striding exercise modes, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the exercise device allows instantaneously variable striding motions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crank system and linkage assembly are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing instantaneous changes in striding motion parameters. The linkage configuration can be modified on-the-fly to change the foot path length and motion characteristics, enabling users to vary exercise intensity and type without leaving the exercise mode. This dynamic capability provides instantaneous variability while keeping the adjustment mechanism integrated into the existing crank system.
3Ease of operation
If the flexible element is used to couple the foot support member, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible element coupling system allows for parameter changes in the coupling geometry without requiring high manufacturing precision. The flexibility of the element compensates for variations in coupling location and orientation, enabling ease of operation and adjustment. This approach trades off some manufacturing precision for significant gains in operational flexibility and ease of use.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
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AI summary
An exercise apparatus comprises: a frame; a crank system comprising first and second crank system coupling locations, the crank system being supported by the frame; a right foot support member; a left foot support member; a first flexible support system comprising a first flexible element, the first flexible element coupled to the right foot support member and the first crank coupling location; and a second flexible support system comprising a second flexible element, the second flexible element coupled to the left foot support member and coupled to the second crank coupling location, and an adjustment assembly, wherein the user of the exercise apparatus may undertake a stepping motion or an instantaneously variable striding motion, and wherein the structural geometry of the exercise apparatus can be changed with operation of the adjustment assembly.