Elliptical Machine Multi-Link Pedal Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elliptical machines provide a fixed pedaling trajectory, leading to tedious workouts that do not effectively train the leg muscles of other parts.
Innovation Solution
An elliptical machine with a multi-link pedal design, including vertical arms, driving main arms, pedal mounts, slanting rods, and rocking links, allowing for three-dimensional pedaling motion, along with adjustable step length and handlebars for enhanced user engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed pedaling trajectory is used in conventional elliptical machines, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the workout becomes tedious and does not effectively train different leg muscles
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal unit is divided into multiple independent linkages including vertical arm, driving main arm, pedal mount, slanting rod, and rocking link. Each segment can move independently, allowing the pedals to trace complex three-dimensional elliptical trajectories while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional pedaling motion to three-dimensional motion by adding vertical arm movement and slanting rod articulation. This dimensional enhancement enables varied pedaling trajectories that engage different muscle groups without requiring complete structural redesign
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-link pedal design is implemented to enable three-dimensional motion, then different leg muscles can be trained and the workout becomes more engaging, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-link pedal unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides varied elliptical trajectories, enables three-dimensional motion, and accommodates different user preferences through adjustable step lengths. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity by delivering comprehensive muscle training coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal unit employs dynamic linkages where each component (vertical arm, driving main arm, pedal mount, slanting rod, rocking link) can move relative to others, creating adaptable three-dimensional motion patterns that respond to user input while maintaining mechanical efficiency
3Ease of operation
If adjustable step length is added to personalize training, then user comfort and training effectiveness improve, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical arms are pre-configured with adjustable mechanisms that allow users to set preferred step lengths before beginning exercise. This preliminary adjustment capability is built into the structure through movable connections between vertical arms and the frame, enabling personalization without complex real-time control systems
Data Source
AI summary
An elliptical machine includes a machine frame and two pedal units each including a vertical arm having a top end pivotally connected to the machine frame and swingable back and forth, a driving main arm having a front end arranged on an opposing bottom end of the vertical arm in a vertically swingable manner, a pedal mount arranged on an opposing rear end of the driving main arm and swingable left and right, a pedal arranged on the pedal mount and swingable left and right, a slanting rod having a front end arranged on the vertical arm in a vertically swingable manner and an opposing rear end arranged on the pedal mount in a universally rotatable manner, and a rocking link that has a front end arranged on the rear end of the driving main arm and swingable back and forth and up and down.