Pedal Vibration Mechanism for Exercise Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanically complex exercise machines, such as bicycles and elliptical trainers, have not successfully incorporated vibration technology due to the destructive effects of vibrations on their bearings and pivot points, despite the known benefits of vibrations for recovery and injury prevention.
Innovation Solution
An exercise machine with a vibrating mechanism that directly vibrates the pedals or footplates, using a rotatable pedal or footplate mounting shaft with an offset rotation axis to create wobble or oscillation, or an electrical vibration motor mounted to the footplate, allowing for controlled vibration transmission directly to the user while minimizing damage to the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vibration technology is incorporated into mechanically complex exercise machines, then the beneficial effects of vibrations for recovery and injury prevention are achieved, but the bearings and pivot points of the machine are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful vibration energy that would damage machine components into a beneficial force by directing it through a transmission mechanism to the pedals, where it provides therapeutic vibration to the user's feet and legs during exercise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vibration transmission mechanism as an intermediary between the vibration source and the pedals. This intermediary transmits the vibration energy selectively to the pedals while isolating the machine's bearings and pivot points from direct exposure to damaging vibrations
2Ease of manufacture
If a rotatable pedal mounting shaft with offset rotation axis is used to create vibration, then the vibration is transmitted directly to the pedals, but the mechanical complexity of the machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mechanical vibration principles by using an offset rotation axis on the pedal mounting shaft. As the shaft rotates, the offset creates a centrifugal force that generates periodic vibration directly transmitted to the pedals, eliminating the need for separate vibration generation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The offset rotatable shaft serves multiple functions: it acts as the pedal mounting mechanism, the vibration generation source, and the vibration transmission path. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the added vibrational capability
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 effectively transmits vibration energy directly to the user, minimizing damage to the machine and providing the desired frequency and amplitude of vibrations for recovery and injury prevention, while eliminating the need for electrical motors and external power sources.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable pedal or footplate mounting shaft of which the rotation axis and the pedal or footplate mounting point is offset to cause a wobble, vibration or oscillation of the pedal or footplate as the shaft is rotated during exercise
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an exercise machine (10) of the type which have pedals (38) or foot plates through which a person can, in use, transfer kinetic energy to the machine, which machine comprises a means for vibrating the pedals or foot plates during exercise. The exercise machine includes a mechanism (40) to engage or disengage the vibration.