Stationary Leg Exercise Linkage for Compact, Stable Pedal Motion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise apparatuses for leg exercises are cumbersome, have a high center of gravity, and lack stability, which affects their practical applicability and commercial viability.
Innovation Solution
A stationary exercise apparatus with a simpler, compact configuration and a lower center of gravity, featuring first and second link rods with restricted paths and pedals that move along overlapping vertical and horizontal trajectories, enhancing stability and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the exercise apparatus uses a traditional crank arm and swing arm structure with multiple connecting rods, then the leg exercise function is achieved, but the structure becomes cumbersome and the center of gravity becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple separate components (crank arm, swing arm, connecting rods) into an integrated link rod assembly. The first and second link rods work together as a unified mechanism, eliminating the need for separate crank arms and swing arms, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the leg exercise function.
Solution Approach 2:
The link rods serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide the rotating portion for circular motion, the reciprocating portion for back-and-forth movement, and the pivot portions for connecting to pedals and frame. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while achieving the same exercise effect.
2Ease of operation
If the exercise apparatus uses a traditional crank arm and swing arm structure with multiple connecting rods, then the leg exercise function is achieved, but the center of gravity becomes high affecting stability
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple components into a compact link rod assembly, the overall height of the mechanism is reduced. This lowers the center of gravity of the apparatus, improving stability during exercise operations while maintaining the necessary leg exercise functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the exercise apparatus uses a traditional crank arm and swing arm structure with multiple connecting rods, then the leg exercise function is achieved, but the distribution and movement range of components become large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates the distributed components (crank arm, swing arm, connecting rods) into a compact link rod assembly with defined rotating, reciprocating, and pivot portions. This merging reduces the spatial distribution and movement range of components, creating a more compact apparatus while preserving the leg exercise function.
Data Source
AI summary
An exercise apparatus for leg exercises includes a frame, two first link rods, two second link rods, and two pedals. Each first link rod has a rotating portion and a first reciprocating portion respectively moving along a circular path and a first reciprocating path. Each second link rod has a second reciprocating portion moving along a second reciprocating path. Each first link rod has a first pivot portion connected to a second pivot portion of the corresponding second link rod. Each pedal is coupled to the corresponding second link rod, moving along an elongated closed path. The first reciprocating path, the second reciprocating path and the closed path are located below a lowermost position of the circular path, and height ranges of the first reciprocating path and the second reciprocating path at least partially overlap.