Skating Machine Crank Lock Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art skating machines suffer from a design flaw where the double crank apparatus can lock at a 180-degree angle, causing the machine to 'freeze' when the pedals are at extreme left or right positions, resulting in a non-smooth skating experience.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a resilient tension means, such as a bungee cord, connected between the crank and pedal connector bar intersection to prevent locking and ensure continuous motion by maintaining alignment and providing tension to prevent the machine from freezing at extreme positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a double crank apparatus is used to enable the skating foot pedal to move side to side, then the skating machine can simulate skating motion, but the double crank can be rotated to a point where the two cranks are at 180 degrees to each other which creates a dead angle so that the two cranks lock in place and the skating machine is frozen
Solution Approach 1:
A tension means (spring or elastic element) is introduced as an intermediary component between the two cranks to prevent them from reaching the 180-degree dead angle position. The tension means acts as a mediator that maintains a minimum angular separation between the cranks, preventing locking while allowing the skating simulation motion to continue smoothly throughout the full range of motion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the crank and pedal connector bar are aligned in an almost horizontal 180 degree position when the pedals are at extreme left or right position, then the pedals can reach extreme positions, but the machine locks and becomes immobile
Solution Approach 1:
The tension means applies a preliminary counteracting force before the cranks can reach the 180-degree aligned position. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful alignment from occurring in the first place, ensuring that the pedals can reach extreme positions without causing the cranks to lock and the machine to become immobile.
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 addition of the resilient tension means allows for smooth side-to-side skating action without locking or freezing, ensuring synchronized movement of the pedals and preventing the machine from becoming immobile at extreme positions.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a resilient tension means, such as a bungee cord, connected between the crank and pedal connector bar intersection to prevent locking and ensure continuous motion by maintaining alignment and providing tension
Data Source
AI summary
An improved apparatus to enable a user to simulate skating, hereafter referred to as a skating machine, wherein the improvement involves the incorporation of a tension means connected at one end to the location of the intersection of a pedal connector bar and a crank to prevent the skating machine from locking or freezing when the pedals are at their most sideways positions. The crank is connected at its opposite end to a resistance means and the pedal connector bar is connected at its opposite end to a portion of a pedal assembly. The tension means is connected at its opposite end to a location on the skating machine frame. The crank and pedal connector bar are aligned in an almost horizontal 180 degree position when the pedals are at their extreme left or right position and the tension means prevents the machine from locking in this position.