Exercise Apparatus Foot Support Arc Segment Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise machines for simulating walking or running lack adjustable foot paths and resistance mechanisms that vary non-linearly with user input, limiting the ability to customize exercises for different muscle groups and intensity levels.
Innovation Solution
An exercise apparatus with a foot support that can move along multiple arc segments of a master arcuate path, allowing users to select different inclines and resistance levels through a manually actuatable arc segment selection device, and a non-linearly force-dependent resistance mechanism that adjusts resistance exponentially or geometrically with speed, force, or power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the foot pedal path is fixed in an elliptical shape, then the machine structure is simple, but the user cannot customize exercises for different muscle groups and intensity levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable foot pedal paths that can be reconfigured between multiple arc segments (first, second, third, and fourth arc segments) corresponding to different inclines. This dynamic adjustability allows users to customize exercises for different muscle groups while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure through a selection device that switches between predetermined paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The master arcuate path is divided into multiple selectable arc segments, each representing a different incline and exercise type. The selection device enables users to choose between these segmented paths (first arc segment for lower incline, second arc segment for higher incline, etc.), providing exercise customization without requiring complete structural redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the resistance varies linearly with user force, then the resistance mechanism is simple, but the user cannot achieve varied intensity levels for different muscle groups
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance mechanism is designed to vary resistance non-linearly with user input parameters such as speed, force, or power. This allows the system to provide different resistance characteristics for different exercise intensities and muscle groups without requiring multiple separate resistance mechanisms, thereby achieving adaptability while controlling complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the foot travels along different paths from back to front than front to back, then the mechanical linkage is simple, but the exercise experience is unnatural and less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric mechanical linkages (such as four-bar linkages with different arm lengths) to create foot paths that are mirror images between forward and backward movements. This asymmetry in the mechanical design produces a symmetric, natural foot trajectory that mimics actual walking or running motion, enhancing exercise effectiveness while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An exercise apparatus comprising a foot support movable by the user on the frame back and forth through any one of a plurality of complete, reproducible and different arc segments of a master arcuate path, the foot support being interconnected to an arc segment selection device that is manually actuatable to enable the user to manually select any one of the plurality of different arc segments.