Adjustable Elliptical Stride Mechanism With Variable Incline Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise machines fail to provide a seamless adjustment of the elliptical striding motion, limiting user flexibility and comfort during workouts.
Innovation Solution
An exercise machine with adjustable rocker arms and incline links, controlled by actuators, allows for dynamic adjustment of the elliptical path's incline shape, enhancing user experience and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the elliptical path shape is adjusted to provide a more natural striding motion, then user comfort and engagement improve, but the device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability of the rocker arm pivot axis position through an adjustment device that allows the pivot axis to be repositioned along an adjustment path. This enables the elliptical path shape to be dynamically modified during operation, providing users with the ability to customize their striding motion for optimal comfort and effectiveness without requiring complex permanent structural changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the elliptical path by adjusting the position of the rocker arm pivot axis. By varying the pivot axis location along a predetermined adjustment path, the system modifies the incline shape and dimensions of the elliptical trajectory, thereby altering exercise characteristics to enhance user comfort and engagement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment mechanisms are added to customize the elliptical path, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment device serves multiple functions: it repositions the rocker arm pivot axis, modifies the elliptical path shape, and enables customization of exercise parameters. This multi-functional component allows a single mechanism to provide extensive adaptability for different user preferences and exercise requirements, reducing the need for separate specialized adjustment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic adaptability through a movable pivot axis that can be repositioned during operation. This dynamic adjustment capability allows users to customize their exercise experience in real-time, enhancing versatility without requiring multiple fixed configurations or complex interchangeable components.
3Ease of operation
If the rocker arm pivot axis position is adjusted to change the elliptical path shape, then the striding motion becomes more natural, but the mechanical stress on components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the rocker arm pivot axis position to optimize the elliptical path shape for natural striding motion. By allowing continuous or stepped repositioning of the pivot axis, the system adapts to user needs while distributing mechanical stresses across the adjustment mechanism and supporting structures, preventing excessive stress concentration on any single component.
Data Source
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AI summary
An exercise machine is for performing a striding exercise motion. The exercise machine has a frame, first and second pedal members, first and second foot pads on the first and second pedal members, respectively, wherein the first and second foot pads are configured to move in respective elliptical paths during the striding exercise motion, and first and second rocker arms. The first and second pedal members are pivotably coupled to the first and second rocker arms and move with the first and second rocker arms relative to the frame. An adjustment device pivotably couples the first and second rocker arms to the frame. The adjustment device is configured to actively adjust and set a position of the first and second rocker arms relative to the frame, respectively, which thereby changes an incline shape of the elliptical paths, respectively, during the striding exercise motion.