Pivoting Stepper Foot Engagement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stepper machines do not provide a flexible and effective exercise routine for the lower body, as they lack the ability to pivot, resulting in limited muscle engagement and flexibility in workout movements.
Innovation Solution
A Pivoting Stepper Apparatus with a Frame Structure Member, Foot Engagement Member, and an optional Resistance Member, where the Foot Engagement Member is pivotally mounted to the Base Frame Member and includes a Dual Lever Assembly allowing horizontal foot support members to move in reciprocating upward and downward motions, creating a pivoting motion through engagement with the Guide Platform Member, and an optional Resistance Member using a closed loop chain and sprocket assembly to vary resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional stepper machines are used, then the structure is simple, but the exercise effectiveness and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the foot engagement member pivotally mounted to the base frame member, allowing it to rotate between a first position (engaging the guide platform member) and a second position (disengaged). This dynamic repositioning capability enables the machine to provide varied exercise routines including pivoting motions, thereby improving exercise flexibility and adaptability without requiring an overly complex overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the foot engagement member is fixed, then the structure is stable, but the pivoting motion and muscle engagement are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The foot engagement member is designed with pivotal mounting to the base frame member, enabling it to rotate between a first position where it engages the guide platform member and a second position where it is disengaged. This dynamic capability allows the structure to adapt between stable (when engaged) and movable (when pivoting) states, thereby providing comprehensive muscle engagement while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the foot engagement member into separate components including the foot support members, lever support member, and pivotal connections. This segmentation allows each component to move independently and perform its specific function, enabling the pivoting motion that engages different muscle groups while maintaining overall structural stability through the coordinated movement of these segmented parts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the foot support members move vertically only, then the motion is simple, but the exercise effectiveness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The foot support members are connected through a lever support member that is pivotally mounted to the base frame member. This dynamic linkage allows the foot support members to move not only vertically but also pivot horizontally between engaged and disengaged positions. The combination of vertical reciprocating motion and horizontal pivoting motion creates varied exercise routines that target different muscle groups, thereby improving motion variety without requiring an excessively complex mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A Pivoting Stepper Apparatus comprising a Frame Structure Member, a Foot Engagement Member, and an optional Resistance Member. The Frame Structure Member is comprised basically of a Base Frame Member and a Guide Platform Member. The Foot Engagement Member is pivotally mounted to the Base Frame Member and mainly comprises two Foot Support Members pivotally coupled together by a lever assembly such that they move in reciprocating upward and downward motions. The lever assembly is a dual lever assembly which keeps the Foot Support Member in a relatively horizontal position while moving upward and downward. The Foot Support Members operatively engage the Guide Platform Member, with the upward and downward movements of the Foot Support Members create the pivoting movement of the Foot Engagement Member, and vice versa. The optional Resistance Member provides resistance in the pivoting motion of the Foot Engagement Member, and thus also in the upward and downward movements of the Foot Support Members.