Elliptical Climber Span Adjustment via Servo Motor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elliptical climbing exercise apparatuses require users to lift the front end or fold the device for span adjustments, making the process complicated and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
An elliptical climbing exercise apparatus comprising a base frame, swing unit, pedal unit, damping unit, guiding unit, and an adjustment unit with a servo motor and gearbox that allows for stepless and easy adjustment of the span between pedal shafts, enabling users to adjust the exercise apparatus without lifting it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated electromechanical system. A servo motor (220) drives a lead screw (210) that converts rotational motion into linear motion, automatically positioning the link (53) at the desired span without requiring the user to manually lift or fold the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment system performs self-service through automated control. The servo motor receives control signals and autonomously adjusts the span by rotating the lead screw, which moves the link to the correct position, eliminating the need for user intervention in the physical adjustment process.
2Ease of operation
If lifting the front end is required for adjustment, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated electromechanical system. A servo motor (220) drives a lead screw (210) that converts rotational motion into linear motion, automatically positioning the link (53) at the desired span without requiring the user to manually lift or fold the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows preliminary setting of adjustment parameters through control signals. The user can pre-program or pre-set the desired span position, and the servo motor will automatically execute the adjustment to that predetermined position, saving time and effort.
3Ease of operation
If automated adjustment system is added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The servo motor assembly serves multiple functions: it provides powered adjustment, maintains position through electronic control, and can potentially adapt to different span requirements through programmable control. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating multiple operations into a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead screw (210) acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the rotational motion of the servo motor into precise linear positioning of the link. This intermediary component enables smooth, controlled adjustment while isolating the complexity of the motor control system from the mechanical structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An elliptical climbing exercise apparatus includes a base frame, a swing unit including a pair of swing arms, a pedal unit including a pair of pedal shafts respectively pivotally connected to the swing arms, a damping unit including a rotating wheel with a spindle, a guiding unit including a pair of cranks respectively affixed to the two opposite ends of the spindle, a pair of rockers respectively pivotally connected to the cranks and a pair of links respectively pivotally connected to the rocker. Cooperation between the base frame, the swing unit, the pedal unit, the resistance unit and the guiding unit is used to achieve a training of the leg muscles.