Elliptical Pedaling Mechanism for Adjustable Stride Length
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycles cause discomfort and musculoskeletal issues due to the seated position, while recumbent bicycles are less stable and inefficient for commuting. Upright step-cycles and scooters have limitations in pedaling profile adjustment and propulsion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle with an elliptical pedaling motion that mimics walking or running, featuring adjustable crank arms, foot link guide tracks, and a low cross-over height frame, allowing for customizable pedaling profiles and improved stability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional bicycles use a seated position with circular pedaling, then propulsion efficiency is achieved, but operator comfort and musculoskeletal health deteriorate due to stress on pelvic region, lower back, arms, and shoulders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a fixed circular pedaling motion to a dynamic elliptical pedaling path that varies throughout the stroke. The foot platform moves along an elliptical trajectory defined by guide tracks, allowing the operator to maintain power application through all phases of the pedal stroke while reducing stress on the body. This dynamic motion pattern resolves the contradiction by optimizing both propulsion efficiency and operator comfort simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of pedaling motion from circular to elliptical. By modifying the path geometry through adjustable guide tracks and crank arms, the system alters the kinematic parameters of foot movement. This parameter change enables the operator to apply force more effectively throughout the entire pedal stroke while reducing harmful stresses on the pelvic region, lower back, arms, and shoulders.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If recumbent bicycles are used to alleviate discomfort, then operator comfort improves, but vehicle stability and commuting efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elliptical pedaling motion that engages the operator's leg muscles in a weight-bearing manner, providing proprioceptive feedback and active stabilization. This dynamic engagement allows the operator to maintain balance and control while experiencing the comfort benefits of reduced pelvic and back stress, thereby resolving the stability-comfort contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the operator to actively participate in vehicle stabilization through the elliptical pedaling motion. The weight-bearing nature of the exercise requires continuous muscular engagement, which provides natural stabilization without requiring a rigid fixed-position structure, thus maintaining both comfort and stability.
3Device complexity
If fixed pedaling profiles are used in upright step-cycles and scooters, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to various rider sizes and preferences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable guide tracks and crank arms that allow the elliptical pedaling profile to be dynamically modified. The guide tracks can be repositioned along the frame, and crank arm lengths can be changed, enabling the system to adapt to different rider sizes and preferences while maintaining the core elliptical mechanism's relative simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the pedaling mechanism into adjustable segments: the guide tracks are separable and repositionable, and the crank arms can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows for customization of the elliptical profile without requiring complete redesign of the entire mechanism, thus maintaining simplicity while enhancing adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a frame; a drive wheel coupled to the frame; a first and a second foot link operably coupled to drive wheel to transfer power to said drive wheel so as to propel the apparatus, each including a foot receiving portion for receiving an operator's foot, a front end, and a rear end; and an adjustable stride length mechanism operable to change a stride length of an operator's foot positioned on the foot receiving portion of the foot link.