Inclined Elliptical Pedal Path for Compact Exercise Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elliptical exercise apparatuses face challenges in designing a compact structure that provides a sufficient pedal stroke while maintaining ergonomics and comfort, as well as handling space constraints and manufacturing costs, particularly in home models where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
The exercise apparatus features a frame with a movable unit and an adjusting mechanism that allows for the orientation of crank units and reciprocating members, enabling a longer pedal stroke within a smaller footprint, along with ergonomic handle design that maintains user comfort and stability, and a disassembly mechanism for efficient packaging and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the crank units' length is increased to provide a longer pedal stroke, then the leg exercise is improved, but the stationary exercise apparatus occupies larger space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the pedal path from a two-dimensional ellipse to a three-dimensional inclined ellipse by introducing the movable unit that can be oriented at different angles. This allows the pedal stroke to extend in multiple spatial dimensions, achieving a longer effective stroke length without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint of the apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable unit that can be adjusted between different orientations (e.g., horizontal and inclined positions). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same physical structure to provide different pedal stroke characteristics, enabling a longer stroke when needed while maintaining a compact footprint during storage or when space is constrained.
2Area of stationary object
If the crank units' length is decreased to save space, then the footprint is reduced, but the leg exercise is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
By orienting the movable unit at an angle rather than horizontally, the patent creates an inclined pedal path that extends vertically as well as horizontally. This allows the pedal stroke to achieve greater total length through three-dimensional movement while the horizontal projection remains compact, solving the space-exercise tradeoff.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable movable unit enables the apparatus to transition between compact configuration (for space saving) and extended stroke configuration (for exercise quality). Users can select the appropriate orientation based on their needs, allowing the same device to serve both space-constrained and exercise-quality-prioritized scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If the pedal path is designed with improper angle ratio to conform to ergonomics, then the leg exercise is improved, but the user feels unnatural or unsmooth during exercising
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows adjustment of the movable unit's orientation angle to optimize the pedal path geometry for ergonomic purposes. By changing this parameter, the system can achieve the desired balance between exercise effectiveness and natural movement feel, while the linkages maintain smooth mechanical operation through proper geometric design.
4Ease of manufacture
If the handles are pivotally coupled to the inner side of the U-shaped frame to meet basic needs, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the exercising space is reduced and the structure is prone to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the handles on the outer side of the U-shaped frame rather than the inner side, utilizing the external dimension of the frame structure. This placement maintains adequate exercising space within the inner area while providing ergonomic handle positions for users. The outer mounting also improves structural stability by distributing forces more effectively.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise apparatus includes a frame, two crank units, two reciprocating members, two swing arms, two linkages and two carrying arms. A predetermined portion oriented between the top and bottom ends of each linkage is pivotally coupled to the corresponding crank unit and is moved along a circular path. The top end of each linkage is pivotally coupled to the corresponding reciprocating member and is moved along a curved path between two retracing points. The front end of each carrying arm is pivotally coupled to the bottom end of the corresponding linkage and is moved along a first closed path which is elliptical-like shaped. A predetermined portion oriented between the front and rear ends of each carrying arm is pivotally coupled to the bottom of the corresponding swing arm. The rear end of the carrying arm supports user's foot and is moved along a second closed path.