Selectable Stride Elliptical Adjustment Synchronizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elliptical exercise machines often confuse users with complex operation and do not provide a comfortable elliptical path, leading to distracting and confusing foot motion flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The exercise apparatus features an adjustment synchronizer that synchronously adjusts both the step height and stride length of the elliptical path in response to a single input, allowing for a more natural and controlled movement by maintaining a proportional relationship between these parameters, ensuring footpads move in coordinated and non-colliding paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adaptive motion exercise machines provide foot pedals movable in a variety of elliptical paths, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into two independent controls: a first adjustment mechanism for stride length and a second adjustment mechanism for step height. This segmentation allows users to adjust each parameter separately rather than dealing with complex coupled adjustments, reducing operational confusion while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the elliptical path parameters through independent control mechanisms that allow real-time modification of stride length and step height. The foot pedals can be repositioned along the elliptical path by users through these simple adjustment mechanisms, providing adaptability without complexity.
2Ease of operation
If elliptical exercise machines provide fixed elliptical path, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed elliptical path to a dynamically adjustable path. Users can modify the stride length by positioning footpads at different locations along the elliptical path using the first adjustment mechanism, and change step height using the second adjustment mechanism, thereby achieving customization while keeping operation simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanisms serve multiple functions: the first mechanism adjusts both the position and effective stride length, while the second mechanism adjusts the step height. This multi-functionality allows a single device to accommodate various user needs and fitness levels without requiring multiple specialized machines.
3Adaptability or versatility
If step height and stride length are adjusted independently, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is divided into two separate, simple mechanisms rather than one complex coupled mechanism. The first adjustment mechanism handles stride length independently, and the second adjustment mechanism handles step height independently. This segmentation reduces overall device complexity while maintaining full adjustability of both parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides more adjustment capability than strictly necessary by allowing independent adjustment of both stride length and step height. This excessive action in terms of adjustability is achieved through simple segmented mechanisms rather than complex integrated systems, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise apparatus comprises a frame, a left foot link supporting a left foot pad, a right foot link supporting a right foot pad in a left foot link supporting a left foot pad. The right foot pad is linked to the left foot pad so as to synchronously move out of phase with the left foot pad through an elliptical path having an adjustable step height and an adjustable stride length. An adjustment synchronizer is operably coupled to the left foot link and the right foot link to synchronously adjust both the step height and the stride length of the elliptical path.