Lateral Elliptical Trainer Cable Adjustment System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elliptical exercise machines with lateral motion features have costly, heavy, and complex adjustment systems, which are not cost-effective, lightweight, or simple.
Innovation Solution
A lateral elliptical trainer with a frame, foot support platforms, linkage systems, and a cable-based adjustment system that includes carriages and a cable actuator to adjust lateral movement, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable path lateral motion feature is provided in elliptical exercise machines, then lateral movement of foot support platforms is enabled, but the adjustment system becomes costly, heavy, and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage assembly incorporates a movable carriage that travels along a guide rail, transforming the static adjustable path system into a dynamic one. The carriage can be repositioned along the rail to change the lateral motion path, providing adaptability without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to offer multiple lateral movement patterns while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable and cable actuator are introduced as intermediary elements to control the carriage position. The cable actuator serves as a mediator between the user control and the carriage, translating rotational input into linear displacement of the carriage along the guide rail. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the control system compared to direct mechanical linkages, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adjustability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable path lateral motion feature is provided in elliptical exercise machines, then lateral movement of foot support platforms is enabled, but the adjustment system becomes costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a cable and cable actuator mechanism instead of expensive mechanical adjustment systems. Cables are relatively inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This approach substitutes costly precision mechanical linkages with simpler, more economical cable-based actuation, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the adjustable path functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable actuator serves as a cost-effective intermediary mechanism that provides the necessary control function without requiring expensive precision mechanical components. By using a cable-based system with a simple actuator, the design achieves lateral path adjustment capability at a lower manufacturing cost compared to traditional mechanical adjustment systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable path lateral motion feature is provided in elliptical exercise machines, then lateral movement of foot support platforms is enabled, but the adjustment system becomes heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The cable and cable actuator system replaces heavy mechanical adjustment mechanisms with lighter components. Cables have minimal weight compared to rigid mechanical linkages, and the cable actuator can be designed to be compact and lightweight. This intermediary system provides the necessary adjustment functionality while significantly reducing the overall weight of the adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable carriage system provides dynamic adjustment capability without requiring heavy fixed mechanical structures. The carriage travels along a lightweight guide rail, and its position can be changed as needed. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for heavy multi-position mechanical linkages, reducing the weight of the adjustment system while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A lateral elliptical trainer includes foot support platforms and an adjustment system configured to adjust the amount of lateral movement of the foot support platforms. The adjustment system includes a cable operative to adjust the amount of lateral movement of the foot support platforms. The cable is coupled to an actuator that is controllable by a user to enable the user to set the amount of lateral movement of the foot support platforms.