Exercise Assemblies with Dynamic Foot Pedal Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise assemblies lack versatility in accommodating different user-defined paths and dynamic stride length adjustments, limiting their ability to effectively target various muscle groups and provide customizable workout experiences.
Innovation Solution
The exercise assembly features a frame with elongated foot pedal members, coupler arms, crank members, rocker arms, and link members that allow for movable paths of varying dimensions, along with a resistance device connected to a timing belt system, enabling elliptical and vertical/horizontal motion paths and adjustable resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing exercise assemblies use fixed mechanical linkages, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the ability to accommodate different user-defined paths and dynamic stride length adjustments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by replacing fixed mechanical linkages with a dynamic parallel mechanism that allows real-time adjustment of motion paths. The foot pedal members are connected through multiple movable connections (rocker arms, coupler arms, crank members) that can dynamically adapt their configuration, enabling users to define custom exercise paths while maintaining structural reliability through controlled mechanical degrees of freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the traditional single rigid linkage into multiple independent mechanical components (rockar arms, coupler arms, crank members, foot pedal members) that can move and adjust independently. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to the overall adaptability, enabling complex user-defined paths while keeping individual components relatively simple and manageable.
2Adaptability or versatility
If exercise assemblies provide fixed stride length, then the mechanism is simpler, but the ability to provide dynamic stride length adjustments for different muscle groups is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the parallel mechanism to serve multiple functions: it can adjust stride length dynamically, accommodate different user-defined paths, and target various muscle groups all through the same mechanical structure. The foot pedal members and their connections can adapt their configuration to provide different exercise modes without requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the foot pedal members follow fixed elliptical paths, then the mechanical design is simpler, but the ability to provide customizable workout paths for different user needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the Dynamics principle to enable the foot pedal members to transition from fixed elliptical paths to customizable workout paths. The parallel mechanism with its multiple movable connections (rockar arms pivoting, coupler arms moving, crank members rotating) allows the system to dynamically reconfigure its motion trajectory based on user input, transforming a static mechanical system into an adaptive one that can accommodate various exercise requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise assembly comprises a frame and elongated foot pedal members that are each movable along user-defined paths of differing dimensions. Each foot pedal member has a from portion and a rear portion. Footpads are disposed on the rear portion of one of the pair of foot pedal members. Elongated coupler arms have a lower portion and an upper portion that is pivotally connected to the frame. Crank members have a first portion that is pivotally connected to the front portion of one of the pan of foot pedal members and have a second portion that is pivotally connected to the lower portion of one of the pair of coupler arms, such that each crank member is rotatable in a circular path. Elongated rocker arms have a lower portion that is pivotally connected to one of the pair of foot pedal members in between the foot pad and the crank member and have an upper portion that is pivotally connected to the frame.