Mini Stepper With Horizontal Footpads Using Four-Bar Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mini steppers require users to step in unnatural angles due to pivoting footpads, which can lead to imbalance and discomfort during exercise.
Innovation Solution
A compact mini stepper design featuring a four-bar linkage arm structure that maintains footpads in a horizontal relationship, with adjustable resistance and a display for tracking exercise metrics, allowing for natural stepping motion and customizable workout intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If footpads are designed to pivot from a single axle, then the stepper achieves a compact structure, but the footpads change angle from flat to elevated position requiring users to step in unnatural manner
Solution Approach 1:
The footpad assembly is segmented into multiple components: a footpad platform, a first arm pivoting at a first axle, and a second arm pivoting at a second axle. This segmentation allows each arm to perform a specific function in maintaining the footpad's horizontal orientation while enabling compact folding of the entire structure when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism dynamically adjusts the footpad orientation during operation. As the first arm pivots to elevate the footpad, the second arm simultaneously pivots to counteract the angular change, dynamically maintaining a horizontal footpad surface throughout the stepping motion while allowing compact storage position.
2Ease of operation
If footpads are maintained in horizontal relationship during movement, then natural stepping motion is enabled, but the device complexity increases with four-bar linkage arm structure
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism merges two four-bar linkage systems into a coordinated assembly where the first and second arms work together with their respective axles. This unified linkage system efficiently maintains horizontal footpad orientation through geometric constraints, achieving the natural stepping motion with a relatively compact and integrated structure rather than separate complex mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If resistance mechanism is added to provide workout intensity, then exercise effectiveness is enhanced, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pneumatic resistance mechanism using air resistance chambers that provide variable resistance to the stepping motion. This pneumatic system offers adjustable workout intensity without requiring complex mechanical friction devices, weights, or magnetic systems, maintaining relative simplicity while enabling customizable exercise programs.
Data Source
AI summary
Improvements in a transportable stepper are disclosed. The mini stepper has steps that remain horizontal through the entire stroke. The mini stepper uses parallel connected arms to maintain flat steps so a user steps in a natural position and maintain a balanced posture. The stepper has a step height adjustment that links the two pedals. The travel or highest position for the foot pads is adjustable to change the resistance or work-out intensity for the user by limiting the vertical travel for the foot pads and links the foot pads to ensure when one footpad is being pushed downward, the opposing footpad is being elevated. The resistance pistons are surrounded by an insulation tube that minimizes skin contact to hot pistons. The mini stepper has a display that links to an application for tracking/displaying exercise related information.