Vertical Stepping Machine Pedal Path Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vertical stepping machines often have a complex and bulky linkage assembly due to the placement of the flywheel, which can make them difficult to manufacture and maintain, and do not provide a natural feel for the user's foot movement, as they typically follow arcuate paths rather than elliptical paths with a vertical major axis and horizontal minor axis.
Innovation Solution
A vertical stepping machine design that positions the rotary resistance mechanism, such as a flywheel, above the crank wheel, simplifying the linkage assembly and allowing the pedals to move in an elliptical path with a vertical major axis and horizontal minor axis, and incorporates a linkage assembly that changes the tilt angle of the pedals throughout the exercise, providing a more natural feel and a smaller footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the flywheel is placed in a conventional position in vertical stepping machines, then the linkage assembly becomes complex and bulky, but this placement makes the machine difficult to manufacture and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional placement of the flywheel by positioning it above the crank wheel instead of below or to the side. This inversion allows the linkage assembly to be simplified and made more compact, directly resolving the contradiction between device complexity and ease of manufacture
2Ease of operation
If the pedals follow arcuate paths in conventional machines, then the structure is simpler, but this does not provide a natural feel for the user's foot movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the pedal path from a two-dimensional arcuate path to a three-dimensional elliptical path with both vertical and horizontal components. This dimensional change provides a more natural feel for foot movement while the inverted flywheel placement keeps the linkage assembly manageable in complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If the linkage assembly is simplified by positioning the flywheel above the crank wheel, then manufacturing and maintenance become easier, but the footprint of the machine may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the flywheel vertically above the crank wheel, utilizing the vertical space within the existing machine footprint rather than expanding horizontally. This nesting arrangement simplifies the linkage assembly for easier manufacturing while maintaining a compact overall machine footprint
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 design enhances user experience by providing a natural feel and reduces manufacturing complexity by simplifying the linkage assembly, while allowing for adjustable resistance and incline options, making the machine easier to use and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
The rotary resistance mechanism may include at least one fan blade
Implementation Method 2
The rotary resistance mechanism may include a flywheel
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A vertical stepping machine includes a frame, a crank wheel connected to the frame, a crank arm extending away from a rotational axis of the crank wheel, and a pedal beam connected to the crank arm. A linkage assembly is connected to the frame at a fixed frame location and to the pedal beam at a fixed pedal beam location. A first linkage member of the linkage assembly has a length that forces the pedal beam to travel along an elliptical path as the crank wheel rotates.