Adjustable Linkage Pedals for Sit-Stand Elliptical Trajectories

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional portable elliptical exercise machines are limited to single-use postures, either sitting or standing, due to fixedly disposed pedals that hinder smooth elliptical exercise trajectories when attempting to switch between positions.

Innovation Solution

A portable sit-stand elliptical exercise machine with adjustable linkage mechanisms and mobile pedals that allow for varying angles, enabling users to switch seamlessly between sitting and standing postures by forming different angles between the pedals and linkage mechanisms, facilitated by a track and hole system with fixing pins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the pedals are fixedly disposed at the pivotal rotating assembly, then the structure is simple and stable, but the user cannot smoothly perform elliptical exercise trajectory when standing on the pedals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmooth elliptical exercise trajectoryVSAvoidpedal adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the pedal position adjustable rather than fixed. The linkage mechanism includes multiple connection positions that allow the pedal angle to be dynamically changed according to whether the user is sitting or standing, thereby enabling smooth elliptical exercise trajectory in both postures while managing structural complexity through a modular adjustment system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the pedals are fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but the machine cannot be applied for dual use of both sitting and standing postures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedual sitting and standing applicationVSAvoidlinkage adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing the linkage mechanism with multiple connection positions that enable the same exercise machine to function effectively in both sitting and standing postures. The adjustable pedal angle allows the device to adapt to different user needs, achieving dual application versatility while managing complexity through a standardized adjustment interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the pedal position adjustable rather than fixed. The linkage mechanism includes multiple connection positions that allow the pedal angle to be dynamically changed according to whether the user is sitting or standing, thereby enabling smooth elliptical exercise trajectory in both postures while managing structural complexity through a modular adjustment system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the pedals are fixedly disposed, then the manufacturing is simple, but the user experience for standing exercise is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestanding exercise comfortVSAvoidadjustable linkage mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the pedal position adjustable rather than fixed. The linkage mechanism includes multiple connection positions that allow the pedal angle to be dynamically changed according to whether the user is sitting or standing, thereby enabling smooth elliptical exercise trajectory in both postures while managing structural complexity through a modular adjustment system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10220246B2Portable sit-stand elliptical exercise machine
Publication Date: 2019.03.05 PRO SPORTS INC
  • US10220246B2 patent drawing
  • US10220246B2 patent drawing
  • US10220246B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A portable sit-stand elliptical exercise machine includes a seat, a transmission wheel installed at the seat, two linkage mechanisms installed at the transmission wheel, and two mobile pedals respectively installed at the linkage mechanisms. Each linkage mechanism includes a driving portion connected to the transmission wheel, an axle portion disposed at one side away from the transmission wheel, and an adjustment portion disposed between the axle portion and the driving portion. Each mobile pedal is pivotally connected to the axle portion and includes a plurality of assembly portions. Thus, an angle is formed between each mobile pedal assembled to one of the assembly portions and the linkage mechanism to facilitate a user to utilize the portable sit-stand elliptical exercise machine in either a sitting or standing posture, thereby solving issue of a conventional solution that cannot be applied for a dual use of both sitting and standing postures.