Portable Elliptical Pedal Height Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable elliptical exercise apparatuses do not allow for incremental variation of the ellipse height during use, limiting user customization and effectiveness of the workout.

Innovation Solution

A portable elliptical exercise apparatus with a chassis, axle, and pedal supports that enable co-rotating elliptical movement of pedals and varying wheel travel, allowing users to adjust the ellipse height by positioning their feet differently on the pedals, which are 15 to 20 inches long and pivotally coupled to wheels for reciprocal directional travel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the pedal surface length is increased to allow for incremental variation of ellipse height, then the adaptability of the exercise apparatus is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveellipse height variation capabilityVSAvoidpedal support mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pedal support mechanism is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the ellipse height to vary based on foot position. The pedal support first end pivotally couples to the member second end, creating a dynamic system where the effective ellipse height changes as the user positions their foot at different locations along the pedal surface, rather than requiring fixed mechanical adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a dimensional aspect to the exercise by utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the extended pedal surface (15-20 inches) to control the ellipse height. By moving the foot position along this dimension, the user can incrementally vary the ellipse height, transforming a single-degree-of-freedom motion into a multi-dimensional adjustable exercise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the pedal surface length is extended to 15-20 inches to enable height adjustment, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepedal surface location adjustmentVSAvoidpedal and support assembly manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pedal support system is segmented into distinct components: the pedal surface, the pedal support structure with first and second ends, and the pivotal coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard fabrication processes, then assembled through pivotal connections, simplifying the overall manufacturing complexity despite the extended pedal length

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12251599B2Elliptical cycle

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 CKNAPP SALES INC

AI summary

A portable elliptical exercise apparatus where movement of the right pedal or left pedal defines an ellipse having an ellipse width and ellipse height, where the ellipse height can be incrementally varied according to the pedal surface location of a left foot or right foot on a corresponding left pedal or right pedal.