Step-Cycling Apparatus with Adjustable Hydraulic Piston
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bicycles require constant movement to stay upright, making them unsuitable for touring, and static stepping machines lack mobility, failing to provide the biomechanical benefits of cycling while allowing outdoor travel and exercise.
Innovation Solution
A step-cycling apparatus that combines elements of stepping with mobility, featuring adjustable hydraulic pistons for variable resistance, a lightweight aluminum alloy frame, and a collapsible design for easy storage and transportation, allowing users to exercise outdoors while providing a low-impact workout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional bicycle is used for transportation, then mobility is achieved, but the user cannot remain stationary and the knees experience excessive strain
Solution Approach 1:
The bicycle is segmented into a traditional frame and a separate stepping exercise machine component. The stepping machine includes foot platforms, cranks, and resistance mechanisms that can be detached or folded, allowing the knee-strain-reducing stepping function to be integrated with the bicycle's mobility function.
Solution Approach 2:
The stepping machine components are designed to be dynamically adjustable and reconfigurable. The foot platforms can be positioned at different heights and angles, the resistance can be adjusted, and the entire stepping mechanism can be folded or detached when not in use, allowing the system to adapt between cycling and stepping modes.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a static stepping machine is used for exercise, then low-impact workout and correct posture are achieved, but mobility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The stepping machine is designed with dynamic, movable components including foldable foot platforms, adjustable cranks, and a collapsible frame. These components can be configured for stationary exercise or folded/attached to a bicycle for mobile use, eliminating the static nature of traditional stepping machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The stepping machine is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be used as a stationary exercise machine for low-impact workouts, or it can be attached to a bicycle to create a mobile exercise station that provides the same biomechanical benefits while allowing outdoor travel and scenic viewing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable stepping machine is created, then both exercise benefits and mobility are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate modular components: a traditional bicycle frame, a stepping machine assembly with foot platforms and cranks, and connection mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall structure by using standardized interfaces for connection and detachment.
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 users to achieve a low-impact, weight-bearing workout with customizable resistance, reducing knee stress and improving cardiovascular fitness while allowing outdoor travel and easy storage, addressing the limitations of both bicycles and static stepping machines.
Implementation Method 1
adjustable hydraulic pistons for variable resistance
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising, a paddle lever, a hinge joint, the hinge joint pivotally attached to the paddle lever, a hydraulic piston, the hydraulic piston pivotally attached to the paddle lever, a crankshaft, a piston bar, the piston bar pivotally attached to the paddle lever on a first end and to the crankshaft on a second end, a chain assembly, the chain assembly interlocked to the crankshaft, and a wheel, the wheel attached to the chain assembly by a rear axle, wherein a force pushes down the paddle lever hinged on the pivot joint, the force is transmitted to both the hydraulic piston and the crankshaft at the same time therefore rotating the wheel. A method of transportation comprising, using human force to simultaneously move a crankshaft and a hydraulic piston, whereby a wheel is rotated.