Supine Elliptical Exercise Device for MRI Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI scans are typically performed at rest, limiting the assessment of cardiac function and disease, as they do not simulate the stress of everyday activities, and existing exercise devices are not compatible with medical imaging devices like MRI scanners, particularly in a supine position and with adequate knee clearance.
Innovation Solution
An elliptical exercise device designed for use in a supine position, compatible with medical imaging devices, featuring a pedal assembly, drivetrain, resistance assembly, and a base assembly that can be securely attached to an MRI scanner, with a linear sliding assembly and adjustable pedal path to minimize knee height and interference with the scanner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an exercise device is designed for supine position use with minimized knee height, then compatibility with MRI scanners is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exercise device is divided into separate functional modules: a pedal assembly with elliptical path mechanism, a resistance assembly, and a base assembly with attachment features. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall compatibility with the MRI scanner environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a linear sliding assembly that adds a horizontal dimension to the pedal movement, creating an elliptical path that minimizes vertical knee height while maintaining exercise effectiveness. This dimensional change allows the device to fit within the constrained vertical space of the MRI scanner bore.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pedal assembly is designed to minimize knee height, then interference with MRI scanner is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The linear sliding assembly and crank arm combination creates a naturally smooth elliptical motion path for the pedals, which reduces interference with the MRI scanner while maintaining ergonomic operation. The curved elliptical path provides continuous force application throughout the exercise cycle, improving ease of operation compared to linear reciprocating mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the exercise device is configured for supine position with minimized knee height, then compatibility with medical imaging device is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The linear sliding assembly incorporates self-aligning features where the slider carriage automatically centers itself on the slide rail during operation, reducing the need for high-precision manufacturing tolerances. The geometry of the linkage members provides self-correcting alignment that compensates for normal variations in manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An elliptical exercise device includes a pedal assembly, the pedal assembly including at least one pedal member configured to receive a force exerted thereon by a user, the at least one pedal member configured to rotate in an elliptical pedal path when the force is exerted thereon; a drivetrain assembly operatively coupled to the pedal assembly; and a resistance assembly operatively coupled to the drivetrain assembly, the drivetrain assembly configured to transfer the motive power generated by the user from the pedal assembly to the resistance assembly, and the resistance assembly configured to provide a resistance force to oppose a rotational movement of one or more components of the resistance assembly. In some embodiments, the elliptical exercise device is configured to accommodate a user in a generally supine position.