Elliptical Exercise Machine Adjustable Foot Motion Bracket

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elliptical exercise machines lack a practical mechanism to adjust the level of exercise, limiting user variability in their workout experience.

Innovation Solution

The elliptical exercise machine features adjustable foot motion through double or single brackets that can be positioned forward or rearward, altering the elliptical path and resistance level by connecting link arms to foot supports, allowing users to easily change the exercise intensity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the elliptical exercise machine uses a fixed mechanism for foot support motion, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the user cannot adjust the level of exercise or vary the workout intensity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of exercise levelVSAvoidcomplexity of foot support mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the bracket position adjustable rather than fixed. The bracket that connects the link arm to the foot support can be repositioned along the link arm, allowing the elliptical path geometry to change dynamically. This enables users to adjust exercise intensity by changing bracket position, while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure without requiring complex control systems or multiple complete mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the bracket position parameter to be varied. By changing the position of the bracket along the link arm, the geometry of the elliptical path changes, which directly alters the exercise parameters such as path length, verticality, and resistance. This provides exercise level adjustment through simple geometric parameter modification rather than complex mechanical changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If the elliptical exercise machine includes mechanisms for increasing resistance, then the exercise intensity can be enhanced, but there is no practical way to readily adjust the level of exercise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance levelVSAvoidease of exercise level adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic adjustability of the bracket position allows users to readily change resistance levels by simply repositioning the bracket along the link arm. This mechanical adjustment changes the elliptical path geometry, which naturally alters the resistance characteristics of the exercise motion. The system provides easy operation through direct mechanical adjustment rather than requiring complex control interfaces or multiple resistance mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the bracket position parameter along the link arm, the exercise resistance parameter is directly modified. The geometric change in the elliptical path caused by bracket repositioning inherently adjusts the resistance level, providing an intuitive and easy method for users to control exercise intensity without additional complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS7674205B2Elliptical exercise machine with adjustable foot motion
Publication Date: 2010.03.09 IFIT INC
  • US7674205B2 patent drawing
  • US7674205B2 patent drawing
  • US7674205B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An elliptical exercise machine with adjustable foot motion is provided. The elliptical exercise machine, which is adjustable to yield different elliptical paths selectable by a user, comprises a frame, a drive assembly situated on the frame, first and second link arms, the first end of each link arm being rotatably connected to the drive assembly, first and second reciprocating foot supports, the first end of each foot support being pivotally interconnected to the frame, and first and second brackets, wherein the first bracket adjustably connects the first link arm to the first foot support, and wherein the second bracket adjustably connects the second link arm to the second foot support.