Elliptical Exercise Machine Linkage Adjusts Foot Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise machines for elliptical striding motion lack adjustability in user-preferred foot paths and orientations, often relying on noisy and expensive linear guides or tracks, and have a large footprint.
Innovation Solution
The exercise machine features a frame with pivotable rocker arms and adjustable pedal members, utilizing linear actuators and a controller to change the shape and orientation of the elliptical path without tracks or linear rollers, allowing for user-defined adjustments in foot path and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If linear guides or tracks are used to enable elliptical motion, then the foot path can be maintained, but the device becomes noisy and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the linear guides or tracks from the system entirely, replacing them with a linkage mechanism composed of interconnected arms and joints that naturally constrain the pedal to follow an elliptical path through geometric design rather than physical guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical guidance system (linear guides/tracks) with a kinematic linkage system where the elliptical motion is generated through the coordinated rotation and connection of multiple arms and joints, eliminating the need for sliding contacts that produce noise
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional elliptical machines are designed with fixed frame structures, then structural stability is maintained, but the footprint becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable frame structure where the first frame portion can pivot relative to the second frame portion about a pivot axis, allowing the machine to compact its footprint while maintaining structural stability through controlled geometric transformation rather than fixed rigid connections
3Device complexity
If the elliptical path is fixed in shape and orientation, then the mechanism is simple, but user adjustability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the elliptical path dynamically adjustable by allowing the first frame portion to pivot relative to the second frame portion, changing the orientation and shape of the elliptical path according to user preference while maintaining the simplicity of the linkage mechanism through geometric design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the natural curvature and geometry of the linkage mechanism to generate the elliptical path, where the rotation and connection of arms create the desired curved trajectory without requiring complex control systems or additional actuators
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise machine is for performing a striding exercise motion. The exercise machine has a frame; first and second pedal members; first and second foot pads on the first and second pedal members, respectively, each of the first and second foot pads being movable along an elliptical path during said striding exercise motion; and first and second rocker arms each having a first end that is pivotable with respect to the frame about a rocker arm pivot axis and further having a second end that is pivotable with respect to one of the first and second pedal members about a pedal lever hub axis. The frame has first and second frame portions. The first frame portion supports the first and second rocker arms and is pivotable about a frame pivot axis relative to the second frame portion. Pivoting the first frame portion relative to the second frame portion adjusts a position of the rocker arm pivot axis, which thereby changes a shape of the elliptical path.