Free Terrain Elliptical Exercise Apparatus with Variable Stride
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise equipment, such as varying stride elliptical cross trainers, face difficulties in providing easy startup and varying stride lengths with pedals following generally elliptical curves, which are essential for efficient full-body exercise.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features pedals guided through oblong curves with controlled pedal angles and arm exercise coordinated with handle movement, allowing for adjustable stride lengths by varying handle range, and incorporates load resistance and adjustable incline to enhance exercise intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If pedals follow arcuate curves for short stride lengths, then stride length is reduced, but startup becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus dynamically adjusts the pedal trajectory shape based on the selected stride length mode. The pedal follows different curve types (arcuate for short stride, elliptical for long stride) depending on the operational state, allowing easy startup in short stride mode while maintaining elliptical paths in long stride mode
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the geometric parameters of the pedal path by adjusting the eccentricity and curvature of the elliptical trajectory. By varying these parameters based on stride length requirements, the system achieves both easy startup and maintained elliptical motion characteristics
2Length of moving object
If pedals follow banana-shaped closed loop curves for long stride lengths, then stride length is increased, but pedal path deviates from elliptical shape
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus maintains a consistent elliptical pedal trajectory shape across different stride length modes by dynamically adjusting the elliptical parameters. This ensures that regardless of whether short or long stride length is selected, the pedal path remains fundamentally elliptical rather than deviating to banana-shaped curves
3Adaptability or versatility
If handle movement range is increased to determine longer pedal stride length, then stride length varies, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus allows the user to self-regulate stride length by naturally moving the handles through their range of motion. The mechanical linkage automatically translates handle displacement into corresponding pedal trajectory adjustments without requiring external control systems or complex electronic sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage system acts as an intermediary that translates simple handle movements into controlled pedal trajectory changes. This mechanical mediator achieves stride length variability through pure mechanical means, avoiding the need for complex electronic control systems
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates walking and jogging with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet where the pedal stride length is determined by the movements of an operator. Crank arms are positioned on the framework rearward the operator. Easy starting occurs in the default mode.