Pedal-Driven Exercise Machine Foot Space Securer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pedal-driven exercise machines used under desks are cumbersome to move and disrupt workflow when not in use, hindering continuous exercise due to the need for frequent relocation.
Innovation Solution
A pedal-driven exercise machine design featuring a foot space securer mechanism that includes a guide system with a changeover switch, torque-resistance hinge, and elastic plate to retract the pedal unit from the user's foot space when not in use, allowing for easy conversion between use and non-use postures without obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pedal-driven exercise machine is placed under the desk for easy access during sedentary work, then the ease of operation is improved, but the pedal unit obstructs the foot space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal unit is designed to be movable between a first position (extended forward) for exercise use and a second position (retracted) for non-use. The guide mechanism enables this dynamic repositioning, allowing the pedal unit to adapt its position based on whether it is being used or stored, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of access and foot space obstruction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the pedal unit is kept in a fixed position under the desk, then the stability of the object's composition is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for movement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise machine is divided into separable components: the main body portion and the movable pedal unit. This segmentation allows the pedal unit to be independently positioned and retracted without affecting the stability of the main body, reducing the complexity of the overall movement mechanism while maintaining positional stability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A guide mechanism acts as an intermediary between the main body portion and the pedal unit. This guide prescribes the trajectory of the pedal unit during movement, enabling smooth transition between positions without requiring complex control systems, thus maintaining stability while minimizing mechanism complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the pedal unit is retracted to secure foot space, then the foot space obstruction is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for position changeover
Solution Approach 1:
The guide mechanism is designed to automatically guide the pedal unit along a prescribed trajectory during retraction and extension. This self-guiding feature eliminates the need for complex manual positioning or additional control mechanisms, making the position changeover simple and intuitive while effectively securing foot space when retracted.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables the pedal-driven exercise machine to be used without obstructing the workspace, allowing for continuous exercise without the need to move the machine, thus promoting sedentary work compensation and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the out-of-use guide holder holds the guide in the second guide posture by imparting frictional resistance to rotation of the guide
Implementation Method 2
the elastic plate holds the guide in the second guide posture by an elastic restoring force of the elastic plate along the fold
Data Source
AI summary
A pedal-driven exercise machine is designed for an exerciser in a seated position to do pedaling. The pedal-driven exercise machine is equipped with a main body portion, a crank unit that is rotatably supported by the main body portion, a pedal unit that is rotatably supported by the crank unit, and a foot space securing unit that secures a foot space at a foot of the exerciser by retreating the pedal unit from the foot of the exerciser when the pedal-driven exercise machine is out of use.