Selectable Stride Elliptical Synchronizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elliptical exercise machines often confuse users with complex operation and do not provide a comfortable elliptical path, lacking flexibility in stride length and shape adjustment.
Innovation Solution
An exercise apparatus with a frame, left and right foot links, and an adjustment synchronizer that synchronously adjusts the step height and stride length of the elliptical path, using flexible members and crank guides to ensure smooth and natural movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adaptive motion exercise machines provide foot pedals movable in a variety of elliptical paths, then the adaptability of the exercise machine is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users find the flexibility distracting and confusing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adjustment complexity from the user interaction by providing fixed predetermined elliptical paths instead of allowing continuous user adjustment. The machine offers selected predefined paths (e.g., through buttons or displays) rather than requiring users to manipulate multiple parameters, thereby maintaining adaptability while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the elliptical path parameters during operation. The foot pedals can transition between different predetermined elliptical paths while the machine is running, allowing the exercise intensity and path characteristics to change dynamically without requiring user reconfiguration or stopping the exercise.
2Ease of operation
If elliptical exercise machines have fixed operational parameters, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates as users cannot adjust to different fitness levels or preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the elliptical path parameters dynamically adjustable during exercise operation. Users can switch between different predetermined elliptical paths (with different strides, inclinations, and shapes) while the machine is running, allowing adaptation to different fitness levels and preferences without complicating the user interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the exercise machine to universally accommodate different user needs through multiple predetermined elliptical paths. Each path is optimized for different exercise goals (e.g., cardio, strength, rehabilitation), making the single machine adaptable to various fitness levels and preferences while maintaining simple operation through automated path selection.
3Device complexity
If the elliptical path has fixed stride length and step height, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates as users cannot customize their exercise experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of the elliptical path parameters (stride length, step height, inclination) during operation. The linkage mechanisms can automatically adjust between different predetermined paths without requiring manual intervention or complex user setup, maintaining relatively simple device architecture while providing customizable exercise experiences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the elliptical path parameters into discrete predetermined configurations (different strides, inclinations, and shapes). Each configuration is pre-programmed into the linkage system, allowing the machine to offer multiple customized paths while avoiding the complexity of continuous user-adjustable mechanisms. The segmentation enables adaptability through selection rather than direct manipulation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An exercise apparatus comprises a frame, a left foot link supporting a left foot pad, a right foot link supporting a right foot pad in a left foot link supporting a left foot pad. The right foot pad is linked to the left foot pad so as to synchronously move out of phase with the left foot pad through an elliptical path having an adjustable step height and an adjustable stride length. An adjustment synchronizer is operably coupled to the left foot link and the right foot link to synchronously adjust both the step height and the stride length of the elliptical path.