Elliptical Exercise Machine Stride Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elliptical exercise machines do not allow for adjustable stride lengths, limiting users as tall individuals require longer strides while short users prefer shorter ones, despite a constant distance between the elliptical path ends.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a stride-adjusting unit with a threaded rod and carrier mechanism that adjusts the position of the rocking element, allowing for variable stride lengths by rotating the threaded rod and moving the carrier along a guiding element, connected to the frame and linkage units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between two ends of the elliptical path is kept constant, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different user heights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the previously fixed distance between elliptical path ends adjustable. The stride-adjusting unit allows the distance between the upper end of the rocking element and the post to be dynamically changed through threaded rod rotation, enabling adaptation to different user heights while maintaining a reasonable level of structural complexity through modular design
2Adaptability or versatility
If a stride-adjusting unit is added to enable adjustable stride, then the adaptability to different user heights is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by integrating the stride-adjusting unit within the existing frame structure. The threaded rod is received by the carrier which is connected to the rocking element, creating a nested arrangement where adjustment components are housed within the structural framework, minimizing space requirements and reducing overall device complexity despite adding adjustment functionality
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
Enables users to customize stride length, enhancing user comfort and exercise effectiveness by accommodating different user heights, thereby improving the adaptability and personalization of the elliptical exercise experience.
Implementation Method 1
The stride-adjusting unit includes a threaded rod and a carrier. The threaded rod is supported on the post. The carrier is connected to the upper end of the rocking element and formed with a screw hole for receiving the threaded rod so that the threaded rod can rotate to move the carrier and the upper end of the rocking element to adjust a stride of the elliptical exercise machine.
Data Source
AI summary
An elliptical exercise machine includes a frame, an impedance unit, two linkage units and a stride-adjusting unit. The impedance unit includes a flywheel supported on the frame and two cranks connected to the flywheel. Each linkage unit includes a rocking element and a moving element. The rocking element includes an upper end and a lower end. The moving element includes a rear end and a front end connected to the lower end of the rocking element. The stride-adjusting unit includes a threaded rod and a carrier. The threaded rod is supported on the frame. The carrier is connected to the upper end of the rocking element and formed with a screw hole for receiving the threaded rod so that the threaded rod can rotate to move the carrier and the upper end of the rocking element to adjust a stride of the elliptical exercise machine.