Flexible Element Exercise Apparatus Step Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise apparatus do not allow adjustment of maximum vertical step height and are often bulky, complex, and expensive.
Innovation Solution
The exercise apparatus incorporates flexible elements and a step height adjustment mechanism, allowing users to adjust both horizontal and vertical stride lengths, featuring a compact and less complex design with a resistance system for customizable workouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid linkage mechanisms are used to adjust stride length, then the apparatus can provide stable support, but the device becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional rigid linkage mechanisms with flexible cables that run through guide elements. This flexible cable system maintains the structural stability needed for reliable exercise support while dramatically reducing the bulk and complexity of the apparatus. The cables can be routed through compact guide elements mounted on the frame, eliminating the need for large mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes complex mechanical linkage systems with a cable-pulley system. Instead of using multiple rigid bars and joints to achieve stride length adjustment, the patent uses flexible cables that can be tensioned and routed through guide elements, simplifying the mechanical system while maintaining functional reliability.
2Device complexity
If fixed stride length design is used, then the apparatus structure is simpler, but the user cannot adjust vertical step height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment system where the vertical position of guide elements can be changed to modify the stride path. By making the guide element positions adjustable rather than fixed, the system allows users to change vertical step height while maintaining the simplicity of the overall cable-based structure. The guide elements can be repositioned along vertical tracks or mounted on adjustable brackets.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable guide element system serves multiple functions: it controls cable routing, defines the stride path, and enables vertical height adjustment. This multi-functional design allows the apparatus to adapt to different exercise requirements without adding separate complex mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity while enhancing versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable stride parameters are implemented, then workout customization is improved, but the apparatus becomes more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cable system provides adjustable stride parameters at a lower manufacturing cost compared to rigid mechanical systems. Cables are inexpensive components that can be easily tensioned and repositioned, allowing workout customization without significant increases in manufacturing complexity or cost. The guide elements can be simple mounted brackets or tracks that are easy to fabricate.
Data Source
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AI summary
An exercise device includes a flexible support element (104, 404,406) and a step height adjustment mechanism (38, 338). The flexible support element (104, 404, 406) couples at least one crank (70, 370) to a right foot support (60, 360) and a left foot support (60, 360). The step height adjustment mechanism (38, 338) allows a person to adjust a step height of a path through which the left and right foot supports (60, 360) move.