Elliptical Exercise Device Crank Linkage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elliptical exercise devices are often large, complex, and costly, with undesirable characteristics in the motion of the user's feet, failing to provide a simplified and effective path of travel.
Innovation Solution
The elliptical exercise device features a frame with pivot axes, guide links, foot support links, and a crank system that allows for a horizontal and vertical component of motion, reducing mechanical complexity and enhancing the path of travel to a generally elliptical path, with adjustable components for customizable motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional elliptical exercise devices are designed to provide a closed curved path of travel, then the user experience is improved, but the device becomes large, complicated, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the motion generation into separate functional components: a crank system for rotational input, guide links for path constraint, and foot support links for user interface. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the complex elliptical path to be achieved through coordinated simple mechanisms rather than a single complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a vertical dimension to the motion path by incorporating both horizontal and vertical control links that pivot about different axes. The foot support links move in a path having both horizontal and vertical components, creating a three-dimensional elliptical trajectory that provides superior exercise mechanics compared to traditional two-dimensional designs
2Ease of operation
If traditional elliptical exercise devices are designed to provide a closed curved path of travel, then the user experience is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism employs nested linkages where the foot support links are pivotally connected to the guide links, which in turn are connected to the frame. The crank system rotates within the space defined by the guide links and foot support links, creating a compact nested arrangement that generates the elliptical path within a smaller footprint than traditional designs
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses dynamic linkages with multiple pivot points that allow the mechanism to adapt its configuration during operation. The guide links and foot support links pivot about fixed axes while maintaining constrained motion, enabling the system to generate the elliptical path dynamically rather than requiring a fixed rigid structure
3Ease of operation
If traditional elliptical exercise devices use complex mechanisms, then the path of motion is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crank system serves multiple functions: it provides the primary rotational input, drives both the horizontal and vertical control links, and generates the elliptical motion path. The guide links simultaneously constrain the foot support links and transfer motion from the crank system, making each component multi-functional and reducing the total number of parts needed
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses identical left and right guide links and foot support links that are mirror images of each other, allowing for standardized manufacturing of symmetrical components. This duplication of proven designs simplifies production and reduces tooling costs compared to creating unique custom components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design results in a more efficient and user-friendly elliptical exercise device with reduced mechanical complexity, offering a desirable path of motion that is adjustable, thus improving user experience and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
A crank system is pivotally attached to the frame at the second pivot axis thereof. The crank system is rotatable about the second pivot axis. A first and a second horizontal control link each have a first end coupled to a respective one of the guide links and a second end coupled to the crank system such that rotation of the crank system about the second pivot axis causes the respective first and second guide links to pivot about the first pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
Each guide link is pivotally attached, through its first attachment point, to the frame at the first pivot axis thereof... rotation of the crank system about the second pivot axis causes the respective first and second guide links to pivot about the first pivot axis
Implementation Method 3
The foot receiving area of each foot support link moves in a generally elliptical path when the crank system rotates about the second pivot axis
Data Source
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AI summary
An elliptical exercise device has guide links pivotally attached to a frame and foot support links pivotally attached to the guide links. Horizontal control links couple the guide links to a crank system and vertical control links couple the foot support links to the crank system such that rotation of the crank system moves foot receiving areas in a generally elliptical path.