Hill Climbing Exercise Apparatus with Adjustable Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elliptical exercise apparatuses cannot simulate a hill climbing exercise effectively, limiting training intensity.
Innovation Solution
The exercise apparatus includes a support frame unit, a crank wheel unit with a resistance unit, and link units with pivot arms forming an included angle, allowing for adjustable stride length and increased training intensity by mimicking the angle changes of hill climbing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an existing elliptical exercise apparatus is used, then the structure is simple and easy to operate, but it cannot simulate hill climbing exercise effectively, limiting training intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise apparatus is divided into multiple independent link units (first link unit and second link unit), each containing pivot arms, pedal rods, and drive rods that can move independently. This segmentation allows each unit to simulate different phases of hill climbing motion, enhancing overall exercise versatility while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic motion simulation by allowing the first and second pivot arms in each link unit to rotate around fixed axes, creating variable motion paths that dynamically adjust to simulate hill climbing angles. The pedal rods and drive rods dynamically transmit force and motion, enabling the apparatus to adaptively simulate different terrain conditions rather than following a fixed elliptical path
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed elliptical path is used, then the device structure is simple, but the training intensity cannot be increased for hill climbing simulation
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic rotation of pivot arms around fixed axes creates variable motion paths that simulate hill climbing angles, transforming the static elliptical path into a dynamic trajectory that adapts to different exercise intensities and simulated terrain conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a rotational dimension to the traditional planar elliptical motion by introducing pivot arms that rotate around fixed axes perpendicular to the motion plane. This dimensional addition allows the pedal to follow a three-dimensional path that better simulates hill climbing biomechanics, increasing training intensity without requiring excessive structural complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the first pivot arm and second pivot arm are aligned in the same direction, then the structure is simplified, but the included angle necessary for hill climbing simulation cannot be formed
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second pivot arms are deliberately configured asymmetrically with respect to each other, forming a specific included angle rather than being aligned. This asymmetric arrangement is essential for creating the biomechanically accurate motion path that simulates hill climbing, where the legs operate at different angles during ascent versus level ground exercise
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise apparatus includes a support frame unit, a crank wheel unit disposed on the support frame unit, a resistance unit for providing resistance to the crank wheel unit, and two link units respectively disposed on left and right sides of the support frame unit. Each link unit includes a first pivot arm pivotally connected to the support frame unit, a pedal rod pivotally connected to the first pivot arm, a second pivot arm pivotally connected between the support frame unit and the pedal rod, a drive rod pivotally connected between the first pivot arm and the crank wheel unit, and a foot plate disposed on the pedal rod.