Movable Step Transition Track for Lower Step-On Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise devices fail to simulate an infinite staircase experience efficiently, leading to potential safety hazards and user discomfort due to high step-on heights and uneven transitions.
Innovation Solution
A movable step system with a drive mechanism and guide tracks that allows steps to move along a step path, including a support zone, transition zone, and return zone, utilizing positioning elements to maintain platform orientation and reduce step height, with a drive element connected to the front side and free-floating rear side for vertical positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed staircase structure is used in exercise devices, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot simulate an infinite staircase experience and creates high step-on heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic step system where steps are movable along a defined path rather than fixed in position. The step (102) travels along a step path (230) from the upper portion (104) to the lower portion (106), continuously changing its position to create an infinite staircase effect. This dynamic configuration allows the step to be reused in a continuous loop, providing unlimited climbing simulation without requiring a physically infinite structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The step path is divided into distinct functional zones: support zone (230-1), transition zones (230-2, 230-4), and return zone (230-3). Each zone serves a specific purpose in the step's journey, with guide tracks (212, 214, 228) and positioning elements (256, 562) strategically placed in different segments to control the step's movement and orientation at appropriate locations along the path.
2Productivity
If the step-on height is increased to provide a more challenging workout, then the exercise intensity is improved, but user safety and comfort are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The transition zones incorporate curved guide tracks that guide the step through smooth arc-shaped paths rather than abrupt angular transitions. The rear guide track (214) and base guide track (228) are positioned and angled to create a gradual curvature in the step's trajectory, reducing sudden height changes and providing a more comfortable, safer transition for users while still maintaining effective step-on height for exercise intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
Positioning elements (256, 562) act as intermediary components between the guide tracks and the step platform. These elements actively control and maintain the step's orientation and position during transitions, ensuring the platform remains substantially parallel to the support surface and minimizing abrupt vertical movements that could compromise user safety.
3Ease of operation
If the step platform orientation is not maintained during transitions, then the mechanism complexity is reduced, but user comfort and safety deteriorate due to uneven transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning elements are integrated into the step's own structure and movement system. The rear positioning element (256) and lower transition positioning element (562) utilize the step's rear end (210) and bottom surface (109) as part of the positioning mechanism itself, rather than requiring completely separate external positioning systems. This self-service approach maintains platform orientation while minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex active control systems with passive mechanical guidance. The guide tracks (212, 214, 228) are designed with specific geometries and angles that passively guide the step through the desired path and orientation changes. The positioning elements work in conjunction with these tracks to maintain platform parallelism through mechanical constraint rather than requiring active sensors, motors, or control algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A step path for an exercise device includes a support zone, a return zone, and a transition zone between the support zone and the return zone. In the support zone, a front end of a movable step is supported by a front track guide and a rear end of the movable step is supported by a rear track guide. A transition element supports the rear end of the step between the rear guide track and a base guide track, thereby lowering the step-up height of the exercise device.