3D Elliptical Trainer with Out-of-Phase Handlebars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional elliptical trainers provide limited variability in motion paths, overwork specific muscle groups, neglect lateral and medial stabilizing muscles, and offer a monotonous workout experience, which can lead to joint damage and reduced exercise adherence.
Innovation Solution
A novel elliptical trainer design that moves in a three-dimensional space, creating a natural, one-sided flattened elliptical path with out-of-phase handlebars, allowing for continuous change in muscle engagement and incorporating a seated recumbent arrangement, to simulate natural foot motion and engage a broader range of muscle groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional elliptical trainers use a fixed symmetric elliptical path, then the machine structure is simple, but it overworks specific muscle groups and neglects lateral and medial stabilizing muscles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional two-dimensional elliptical path to a three-dimensional motion path by adding vertical rotation of the pedal assembly. This allows the feet to move through multiple planes (forward/backward, lateral, and vertical), engaging a broader range of muscle groups including lateral and medial stabilizing muscles that were previously neglected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the motion path through a control system that can modify the rotation angle and elliptical path parameters in real-time. This allows the exercise machine to adapt to different user needs and exercise programs, providing versatility in muscle group engagement without requiring multiple fixed mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If classic elliptical handlebars move in the same plane as foot pedals, then the mechanism is simple, but it limits upper body muscle engagement and workout variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the same three-dimensional motion principle to the handlebars as to the foot pedals. The handlebars rotate through multiple planes including vertical, lateral, and forward/backward motions, creating out-of-phase movement that independently engages upper body muscle groups while maintaining coordination with lower body exercise.
Solution Approach 2:
The handlebar assembly serves multiple functions: it provides upper body resistance training, maintains balance, and coordinates with lower body motion through the shared rotational mechanism. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified control system that manages both handlebar and pedal motion paths simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If elliptical trainers provide a fixed workout path, then the exercise experience is consistent, but it becomes monotonous and reduces exercise adherence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a control system with adjustable parameters that allow real-time modification of the exercise program. Users can change rotation angles, elliptical path dimensions, and motion speeds dynamically during workouts, providing variety while maintaining consistent resistance and coordination between upper and lower body movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes multiple adjustable parameters including rotation angle, elliptical path size, motion speed, and resistance levels. These parameters can be modified through a control system to create different workout programs, allowing users to maintain interest and adherence while ensuring consistent exercise intensity and form.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise apparatus orienting foot pedals and handlebars having first and second rotating armatures for generating subtended paths of rotation, with motors to revolve the first and second rotating armatures in opposite directions and allowing the subtended paths to migrate from a first two-dimensional plane into a second two dimensional plane and back into the first two-dimensional plane.