Rowing Stepper Pedal Linkage for Seated Exercise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current exercise apparatuses either lack coordinated hand and foot movement or fail to provide independent opposing movements, and often require heel or toe lift during foot exercise, which limits effective muscle engagement and ease of use, particularly for seated operations.
Innovation Solution
The exercise apparatus features pedal linkages guiding feet along an inclined linear path with adjustable resistance, coordinated with arm linkages for synchronized or independent hand and foot motion, allowing for rowing or stepping exercises while maintaining heel and toe contact with the pedals, and includes adjustable resistance cylinders for varying intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pedals are designed for stationary foot placement during rowing exercise, then leg muscle exercise is provided, but foot articulation for dorsi-flexion and plantar flexion cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal assembly is segmented into multiple components: pedal plate, pedal support, and linkage elements (lower link, lower central link, upper central link, upper end link). This segmentation allows independent movement of the pedal plate relative to the support, enabling foot articulation while maintaining the overall rowing mechanism structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the rowing mechanism with foot articulation capability by merging the pedal linkage system with the resistance mechanism. The pedal support is pivotally connected to the framework, and the linkage system coordinates both the rowing motion and foot exercise motion, allowing dual functionality without requiring separate apparatus.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pedals move along curved or circular paths in recumbent exercisers, then foot exercise is enhanced, but the heel or toe must lift from the pedal surface
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal plate is designed with a contoured surface that adapts to the foot shape, and the linkage system guides the pedal through a controlled arc-shaped path. This curvature allows the foot to articulate naturally while maintaining contact with the pedal surface throughout the motion range.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal assembly is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing the pedal plate to rotate relative to the pedal support. This dynamic adjustment enables the foot to maintain contact with the pedal while performing dorsi-flexion and plantar flexion exercises, adapting the pedal orientation to the foot's natural motion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate rowing and stepping apparatus are used to provide coordinated hand and foot exercise, then comprehensive full body exercise is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges rowing and stepping exercise capabilities into a single integrated apparatus. The pedal linkage system and handle resistance mechanism work together to provide coordinated hand and foot exercise. The framework supports both the pedal assembly and handle assembly, allowing simultaneous or independent operation of upper and lower body exercise functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple exercise modes: rowing exercise with coordinated arm and leg movement, stepping exercise with independent foot articulation, and isolated upper or lower body exercise. The resistance mechanisms and linkage systems are configured to accommodate various exercise patterns using the same basic structure.
4Productivity
If resistance mechanisms are added to provide variable intensity exercise, then exercise effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic resistance cylinders (air resistance mechanisms) to provide variable intensity exercise resistance. The resistance cylinders are connected to the pedal linkage and handle mechanisms, using compressed air to create adjustable resistance forces. This pneumatic system provides smooth, variable resistance without requiring complex mechanical gear systems or weight stacks.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus operated in a seated position where foot operated pedals and arm operated handles follow linear paths. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise apparatus having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with motion of the feet. The foot pedals and handles are positioned forward the operator to allow easy ingress and egress. The handles and pedals may be operated in unison for rowing exercise or the left handle and pedal may be operated independent of the right handle and pedal for opposing stepping exercise. Adjustable resistance is provided.