Gymnastic Machine Movable Stair Segmented Articulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gymnastic machines with movable steps, or stepmills, are bulky and uncomfortable for users due to their high volume and elevated starting step, making accessibility and exercise execution difficult.
Innovation Solution
A gymnastic machine with a compact design featuring a movable stair system where each elongated element is articulated, forming steps with a main and secondary hinge, and a motion transmission system using chains and toothed wheels, allowing for controlled stair movement and easy access with a single velocity sensor for controlling the exercise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the movable stair is designed with traditional continuous sliding steps arranged transversely, then the stair can perform continuous motion, but the machine volume becomes very high and the starting step is located at high height above the ground
Solution Approach 1:
Each elongated element is divided into at least one first part and one second part articulated to each other. This segmentation allows the steps to be reconfigured, enabling the first step to be positioned at a lower height above the ground, thereby improving user accessibility while maintaining the continuous motion capability of the stair.
2Ease of operation
If the first step is arranged at high height above the ground to maintain continuous motion, then the stair can operate continuously, but it becomes uncomfortable for user access and descent
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation between the first part and second part of each elongated element enables dynamic reconfiguration of the step positions. This allows the first step to be positioned at a lower, more comfortable height for user access while maintaining the ability to perform continuous motion during exercise through the articulated movement of the step components.
3Measurement precision
If multiple velocity sensors are used to control stair movement precisely, then the control accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single velocity sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures the velocity of the movable stair during exercise and also provides information for controlling the motion transmission system. This multi-functional approach maintains control accuracy while reducing the number of sensors required, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a gymnastic machine of the type having movable steps, comprising a supporting frame, for the resting of said gymnastic machine on the floor, a movable stair comprising a plurality of elongated elements, each elongated element being hinged in series to a preceding elongated element and to a following elongated element, so as to form a closed series, two consecutive elongated elements forming a step of said movable stair acting respectively as tread and riser, said gymnastic machine being characterized in that at least one elongated element comprises at least one first and one second part articulated to each other.The present invention also concerns an operating method of said gymnastic machine.