Linear Motion Synchronizing Mechanism for Dynamic Stride Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise equipment lacks versatility in accommodating varying user-defined paths and stride lengths, limiting the effectiveness of workouts by restricting motion to specific dimensions and not allowing dynamic adjustment.
Innovation Solution
The exercise assembly features elongated rocker arms that pivot in a scissors-like motion, coupled with a slider and linkage system, allowing the foot pedal members to move along elliptical, vertical, and horizontal paths of differing dimensions, and includes a linear motion synchronizing mechanism for synchronized motion of rocker arms, enabling dynamic stride length adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If exercise equipment uses fixed motion paths and stride lengths, then the device structure is simple, but the versatility and adaptability to different user needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability by allowing the rocker arms to pivot about movable pivot points rather than fixed points. The pivot points can be repositioned along the rocker arm length, enabling dynamic change of stride length and motion path characteristics. This transforms a static mechanism into a dynamic one that adapts to different exercise requirements without requiring complete mechanism replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The exercise equipment achieves multi-functionality through the combination of adjustable pivot points and elliptical motion generation. A single device configuration can provide multiple exercise modes by changing pivot positions, allowing the same mechanical structure to serve different user needs, body types, and exercise goals, thereby reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the equipment allows dynamic adjustment of stride length and path dimensions, then user engagement of different muscle groups is improved, but the mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker arms are segmented into multiple functional zones with pivot points that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows different portions of the rocker arm to serve different functions at different times, enabling stride length adjustment without requiring complete redesign of the entire motion mechanism. Each segment can be independently adjusted to achieve desired motion characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary adjustment mechanisms that mediate between the user's adjustment inputs and the resulting motion changes. These intermediaries (such as adjustable pivot mounts or repositionable bearings) provide a mechanical interface that translates simple user adjustments into complex motion path modifications, reducing the direct complexity burden on the main drive mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If fixed pivot points are used for rocker arms, then the mechanism is simple and reliable, but the motion is restricted to specific dimensions only
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot points are transformed from static, fixed locations to dynamic, repositionable locations along the rocker arm structure. This allows the mechanism to adapt its motion characteristics during operation, enabling users to switch between different exercise intensities and muscle group engagements by simply repositioning the pivot points rather than changing entire mechanism configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise assembly comprises elongated first and second rocker arms that pivot with respect to each other in a scissors-like motion about a first pivot axis. A slider has a slider body that slides along a linear axis extending through and perpendicular to the first pivot axis. A linkage pivotally couples the first and second rocker arms to the slider body. Pivoting the first and second rocker arms with respect to each other causes the slider body to slide in a first direction along the linear axis. Opposite pivoting of the first and second rocker arms with respect to each other causes the slider body to slide in an opposite, second direction along the linear axis.