Compact Elliptical Trainer with Rotating Assembly and Foldable Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elliptical exercise apparatuses are either too long, occupying excessive space, or they do not conform to ergonomic foot movement, leading to discomfort and inefficiency during exercise.
Innovation Solution
The design features a compact elliptical exercise apparatus with a rotating assembly and supporting rods that allow pedals to move along a circular path, aligning with ergonomic foot motion, and a foldable structure for reduced space occupation, incorporating a flywheel for adjustable resistance and an eddy-current brake for controlled exercise intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tracks at the rear end of the frame are made longer to accommodate the pedal motion path, then the pedal motion path is adequate for exercising, but the longitudinal length of the apparatus increases, requiring more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the rotating assembly and flywheel in the front region of the frame, closer to the tracks, thereby utilizing the lateral dimension more effectively. This spatial reconfiguration allows the pedal motion path to be adequate while reducing the longitudinal extension of the apparatus, as the circular path of the rotating assembly overlaps with the track area rather than extending beyond it.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the pedals are fixed securely on the supporting rods to maintain stability, then the structure is stable, but the angle of the pedals varies with the motion path, failing to conform to ergonomic foot movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent connects the pedals to the supporting rods through a pivotal connection rather than a fixed rigid attachment. This dynamic connection allows the pedal angle to adjust automatically during the elliptical motion cycle, maintaining ergonomic alignment with the user's feet while the overall structural stability is preserved through the constrained motion path defined by the supporting rods and tracks.
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
The apparatus provides an ergonomic and efficient workout with reduced space requirements, allowing for comfortable foot movement and adjustable resistance, making it suitable for home use and commercial settings while minimizing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
an eddy-current brake for controlled exercise intensity
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise apparatus is disclosed herein, including a frame, a rotating assembly, two supporting rods, two swing arms, two links, and two pedals. The front ends of the supporting rods are connected respectively to two connecting points of the rotating assembly, and the rear end of each supporting rod moves back and forth along a corresponding track. The front ends of the links are connected respectively at two swing ends of the swing arms. Each pedal is mounted at the rear end of a corresponding link and pivotally coupled to a corresponding supporting member. The distance between the bottom of a circular path of the connecting points and the tracks is smaller than 10 cm. The length of the supporting rod is smaller than two times diameter of the circular path. The longitudinal horizontal distance between the front edge of the closed path and the rear edge of the circular path is smaller than 20 cm. The rear ends of the supporting rods are located between the front ends and rear ends of the pedals.