Pendulum Stride Exercise Device with Adjustable Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise devices, such as cross country ski machines, elliptical machines, and pendulum motion machines, fail to accurately simulate walking, striding, jogging, or climbing motions due to constrained foot paths and fixed stride lengths, which do not accommodate various user heights and natural foot motion.
Innovation Solution
An exercise apparatus featuring a pivotal linkage pendulum system with a crank system, brake/inertia device, and movable members that allow for variable stride length and natural foot motion, with a pendulum length at least three times the crank radius to provide a smoother and more comfortable exercise experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed pendulum length is used in exercise apparatus, then the structure is simple and stable, but the foot motion cannot accommodate natural foot lift and vertical amplitude
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pendulum length adjustable rather than fixed. The pendulum system allows the length to be modified to accommodate different user heights and exercise types, enabling natural foot lift and vertical amplitude while maintaining structural stability through controlled adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the pendulum length parameter to be varied. This enables the exercise apparatus to adapt to different user requirements and simulate various walking, striding, jogging, or climbing motions by changing the pendulum length parameter accordingly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed stride length is used in exercise apparatus, then the device structure is simplified, but it cannot accommodate users of different heights or simulate various exercise activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing an adjustable stride length mechanism that can be modified during operation. This allows the apparatus to adapt to different user heights and exercise types (walking, striding, jogging, climbing) while maintaining a relatively simple base structure through controlled dynamic adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the exercise apparatus to perform multiple exercise functions through stride length adjustment. A single device can simulate walking, striding, jogging, and climbing motions by varying the stride length parameter, making it suitable for users of different heights without requiring multiple specialized machines.
3Ease of operation
If the upper pivot point of the link member is fixed, then the mechanism is simpler, but the foot path does not accurately represent natural walking or jogging motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the upper pivot point of the link member movable rather than fixed. This allows the pivot point to move in a controlled path, enabling the foot to follow a more natural trajectory during exercise that accurately represents walking or jogging motion while maintaining mechanism simplicity through guided movement.
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 apparatus provides a more natural, comfortable, and accommodating exercise motion by simulating walking, striding, jogging, or climbing through a variable stride length and allowing for dynamic adjustment of stride length, accommodating users of different heights and enhancing the exercise experience.
Implementation Method 1
a brake/inertia device coupled to the crank system
Implementation Method 2
a brake/inertia device may be coupled to the crank system
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise apparatus may include a frame. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. A brake/inertia device may be coupled to the crank system. A pivotal linkage pendulum system may be coupled to the crank system. The pivotal linkage pendulum system may include one or more link members. An upper pivot point of at least one of the link members may be coupled to the crank system. In some embodiments, the upper pivot point of the at least one of the link members may be coupled to the crank system through a movable member. The upper pivot point may move in a closed path motion. A foot member may be coupled to one or more of the link members. The foot member may include a footpad. A majority of a path of motion of the footpad may be below the closed path during use.