Recumbent Stepper with Electromagnetic Brake and Speed Increaser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stair climbing machines require users to stand, limiting their accessibility for physical therapy and rehabilitation, and are often too challenging for less fit individuals, leading to reduced workout duration and aerobic benefits.
Innovation Solution
A recumbent step exercise machine with a frame, seat, and drive mechanism featuring pedals, axles, clutches, a speed increaser, and brake, allowing seated operation and adjustable resistance, which translates pedal motion into rotational motion and electrical energy, enabling a low-impact aerobic workout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user stands on the pedals to operate the stepper, then the user can use body weight to overcome resistance, but the machine becomes inaccessible to those unable to stand and reduces aerobic benefit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional standing position to a seated recumbent position. The seat supports the user's body weight on the seat rather than on the pedals, allowing users who cannot stand to operate the machine while maintaining cardiovascular exercise benefits through sustained pedaling motion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system where body weight directly drives the resistance mechanism with an electrical system. The brake mechanism converts mechanical energy to electrical energy, which is then fed back to assist in driving the brake, creating a self-sustaining electrical-mechanical system that provides continuous aerobic workload
2Duration of action of moving object
If the user stands on the pedals, then the machine structure can be compact, but the workout duration is reduced for less fit individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the brake mechanism: it provides resistance for exercise, generates electrical energy through energy recovery, and feeds back electrical power to assist in driving the brake. This multi-functionality enables extended workout durations by reducing the metabolic cost of maintaining resistance, allowing less fit individuals to sustain exercise longer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing electrical energy recovery and feedback. The brake mechanism operates with variable resistance that can be adjusted based on user performance, and the electrical energy feedback system dynamically adjusts the power assist level, enabling sustained exercise at appropriate intensity levels for different fitness levels
3Use of energy by moving object
If the user uses body weight to overcome resistance, then the machine is simpler to operate, but the aerobic benefit is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the brake mechanism generates electrical energy during resistance application, and this electrical energy is automatically fed back to assist in driving the brake. The system serves itself by converting mechanical energy to electrical energy and using that electrical energy to reduce the mechanical work required, creating a self-sustaining loop that enhances aerobic benefit without increasing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers energy that would otherwise be dissipated as heat in the brake mechanism. The electrical energy generated during braking is captured through energy recovery and fed back to assist in driving the brake, converting wasted energy into useful work that extends workout duration and enhances aerobic benefit
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
Enables a sustainable cardiovascular workout for users of varying fitness levels, providing accurate measurement of work performed and offering an upper body workout option, while being adaptable for both seated and potentially arm-assisted exercises.
Implementation Method 1
The brake, in turn provides resistance to the drive mechanism to vary the intensity of the workout for the user of the machine
Implementation Method 2
The clutch, or clutches in the case of multiple shafts, sum the driving rotational motion derived from reciprocation of each pedal assembly which is drivingly engaged with the speed increaser
Implementation Method 3
The linkage assemblies are essentially levers which translate the reciprocating motion of the pedal assemblies into rotational motion of the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A recumbent step exercise machine including a frame, a seat supported from the frame, and a drive mechanism supported from the frame. The drive mechanism includes a first and a second pedal, at least one axle shaft, at least one clutch, a speed increaser, and a brake. The first and the second pedal assemblies are each linked to at least one shaft by a linkage assembly. Each of the shafts are drivingly engaged to at least one clutch. The linkage assemblies act as levers that translate the reciprocating motion of the pedal assemblies into rotational motion of the shaft. Each linkage assembly extends downwardly from the shaft to which it is drivingly engaged and terminates with the pedal assembly. A first and a second arm mechanism may be linked through the linkage assembly to the first and second pedal assembly.