Free Stride Elliptical Pedal Linkage for Variable Stride Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user-defined motion elliptical cross trainers are difficult for users to start, particularly in achieving varying stride lengths that follow elliptical curves, which are essential for effective full-body exercise.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features separately supported pedals guided through an oblong curve motion with adjustable stride length controlled by handle movement, incorporating a pulley system for load resistance and an actuator for varying intensity, ensuring easy initiation and stable foot support with elliptical pedal curves throughout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If user-defined motion elliptical cross trainers are used to achieve varying stride lengths, then stride length variability is improved, but the apparatus becomes difficult to start
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic mechanism where the pedal path transitions from elliptical at the rear to increasingly straighter paths at the front as stride length increases. This is achieved through a linkage system with a fixed rear pedal position and a movable front pedal position that allows the user to control stride length while maintaining ease of initiation through the natural elliptical motion at the start position
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus changes the geometric parameters of the pedal path dynamically. The rear pedal follows a consistent elliptical path while the front pedal's path varies from elliptical to straighter configurations based on the selected stride length, allowing parameter optimization for both ease of starting and stride variability
2Productivity
If longer stride lengths are achieved in elliptical trainers, then exercise intensity is improved, but the pedal curve deviates from elliptical shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pedal system into two independent pedal assemblies - a rear pedal with a fixed elliptical path and a front pedal with variable path characteristics. This segmentation allows each pedal to optimize its motion characteristics, with the rear pedal maintaining the elliptical shape and the front pedal providing stride length variation through its adjustable mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The front pedal assembly incorporates a dynamic linkage mechanism that adjusts the pedal path shape based on the selected stride length. The mechanism transitions the front pedal's motion from elliptical at shorter strides to increasingly straighter paths at longer strides, while the rear pedal maintains its elliptical path, thus allowing exercise intensity variation without compromising the fundamental elliptical motion characteristic
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 solution allows for easy starting and varying stride lengths with low joint impact, providing a stable and effective full-body exercise experience by simulating walking and jogging while maintaining elliptical pedal curves, thus enhancing user accessibility and exercise intensity.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of rollers are each pivotally attached to a respective foot support member and maintain rollable contact with a respective track
Implementation Method 2
A tension belt covers the circumference of the flywheel to provide friction for load resistance on the intensity of exercise
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates walking and jogging with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet where the pedal stride length is determined by the movements of an operator. The exercise apparatus is easy to start and has generally elliptical shaped curves throughout stride variations.