Elliptical Pedal Locking Mechanism for Stable Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elliptical exercise machines lack a convenient and user-friendly mechanism to securely lock foot pedals in place during mounting and dismounting, which can lead to instability and require users to bend down to operate the locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
An elliptical exercise machine with a locking mechanism integrated into the control module, allowing users to lock and unlock foot pedals remotely using a sensor and input mechanism, such as a button, to prevent accidental movement and provide adjustable resistance levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism is located near the resistance mechanism (traditional design), then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users must bend down to operate it
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is separated from the resistance mechanism and relocated to the control module area. This segmentation allows the locking function to be accessed independently at a convenient location while the resistance mechanism remains at its traditional position, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A control module serves as an intermediary between the user and the locking mechanism. The control module receives user input through its interface and transmits control signals to activate the locking mechanism, allowing users to operate the lock without bending down while maintaining system integration.
2Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism is integrated into the control module with remote operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and communication systems
Solution Approach 1:
The control module is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as the user interface for resistance control, monitors system status through sensors, and controls the locking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining improved ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect user presence and pedal position, and the control module automatically manages the locking state based on detected conditions. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex manual control systems while improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism uses high resistance to secure pedals, then the reliability of locking is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates when users need to release the lock
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance mechanism provides dynamically adjustable resistance levels. During normal operation, high resistance ensures reliable locking, but when the user activates the release function through the control module, the resistance is dynamically reduced or disengaged, allowing easy release. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between reliable locking and easy release.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the resistance parameter based on operational mode. In locked mode, maximum resistance is applied to ensure security. When release is commanded, the resistance parameter is changed to a low or zero state, enabling easy pedal movement. This parameter change allows the system to satisfy both reliability and ease of operation requirements at different times.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An elliptical exercise machine includes a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal attached to a frame to travel along reciprocating paths. A resistance mechanism is also integrated into the elliptical exercise machine to resist movement of the first and second foot pedals along the reciprocating paths. A locking mechanism is arranged to secure the first and second foot pedals in place and prevent them from moving when the locking mechanism is in a secured mode. The locking mechanism is in communication with a locking input mechanism and is arranged to switch between the secured mode and an operational mode that allows the first and second foot pedals to travel in response to user input received through the locking input mechanism.