Elliptical Machine Pedal Lateral Swing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current elliptical machines have limited pedal movement trajectories, restricting exercise variability based on user force application modes, as the running trajectories of the pedals are fixed in two parallel planes, failing to accommodate different force applying modes effectively.
Innovation Solution
The elliptical machine features a base with a transmission mechanism, including a flywheel, cranks, lateral swing tracks, and connecting rods, allowing for free lateral movement of the pedals through user-controlled force application, enabling selective manipulation of the pedal's swing section in left and right lateral arc tracks, and an angle suppression limit device to set the rotation range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pedal movement trajectory is fixed in two parallel planes, then the machine structure is simple and stable, but the exercise variability and adaptability to different force applying modes are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the pedal movement trajectory adjustable rather than fixed. The connecting rod mechanism allows the pedal to dynamically change its movement path between parallel plane mode and lateral swing mode, enabling the machine to adapt to different exercise requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the pedal movement into two independent components: the primary elliptical motion in parallel planes and the secondary lateral swing motion. This segmentation is achieved through the connecting rod mechanism that can independently control lateral movement, allowing users to select different exercise modes without complicating the basic structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pedal movement trajectory is fixed in two parallel planes, then the machine structure is stable, but the ability to accommodate different force applying modes is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting rod mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of pedal trajectory, allowing users to switch between fixed parallel plane movement and lateral swing movement. This dynamic capability provides exercise flexibility for different force applying modes while maintaining structural stability through a well-defined mechanical linkage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lateral movement of the pedal is added, then exercise variability is improved, but the machine structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting rod mechanism serves multiple functions: it transmits power from the pedal to the flywheel, controls the lateral swing motion, and enables trajectory adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in overall structural complexity while achieving lateral movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the lateral swing control function with the existing power transmission system by integrating the connecting rod mechanism into the pedal-flywheel linkage. This combination allows lateral movement capability to be added without requiring a completely separate control system, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enhances exercise variability and fitness effectiveness by allowing users to apply lateral force freely, improving the exercise experience by accommodating multiple muscle group workouts without interference between pedals.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission mechanism, including a flywheel, cranks, lateral swing tracks, and connecting rods
Implementation Method 2
users to apply lateral force freely, improving the exercise experience by accommodating multiple muscle group workouts
Implementation Method 3
an angle suppression limit device to set the rotation range
Data Source
AI summary
An elliptical machine includes: a transmission mechanism disposed a the base, one end of the lateral swing track disposed on both sides is pivoted at the base, and each lateral swing track can swing laterally; a connecting rod and a stepping mechanism are disposed on both sides of the transmission mechanism, and the front end of the front connecting rod in each mechanism is pivotally connected to the base; a front end is connected to the rear connecting rod of the front connecting rod in a universal joint type, the rear connecting rod is disposed on the corresponding track; the rear connecting rod free end part is pivoted to the pedal. When the pedal is stepped on, the front connecting rod is reciprocally extended with the transmission mechanism, and the user can freely manipulate the swing angle of the lateral swing track through the lateral force applied to the pedal.