Telescopic Link Rod Elliptical Machine Reduces Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elliptical machines have complex structures and large volumes due to multiple link mechanisms, increasing production and transportation costs.
Innovation Solution
The elliptical machine features a transmission mechanism with a flywheel and cranks on the same diameter, connected to telescopic link rods and pedals, allowing the link rods to change length and move in an elliptical path, reducing the flywheel diameter and overall machine volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple link mechanisms with certain length are used to transmit power, then the power transmission function is achieved, but the structure becomes more complicated and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple link mechanisms into a single integrated link rod that directly connects the crank to the pedal assembly. This merging of components simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the power transmission function, eliminating the need for separate intermediate linkages and reducing the number of joints and connectors required.
Solution Approach 2:
The link rod serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits power from the crank, provides the elliptical motion path through its geometric configuration, and supports the pedal assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components that would otherwise be required for each function.
2Force
If the crank length is extended to provide a larger force arm, then the force arm length is increased, but the flywheel housing volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the crank radius in the radial direction (which would increase flywheel diameter), the patent achieves a larger effective force arm by extending the link rod in the axial direction perpendicular to the flywheel plane. This dimensional transition allows the force application point to be farther from the crank center without increasing the flywheel's radial size.
Solution Approach 2:
The link rod is designed with telescopic capability, allowing its length to dynamically adjust during operation. This dynamic length adjustment optimizes the force arm length at different positions in the elliptical path while maintaining a compact overall structure, rather than using a fixed long crank that would require a larger housing.
Data Source
AI summary
An elliptical machine has a base, an upright column fixed to the base, a transmission mechanism mounted on the base, and two link mechanisms respectively connected with opposing sides of the transmission mechanism. Each link mechanism includes a first link rod that is telescopic and connected with both the transmission mechanism and the base, and a second link rod having a pedal and connected with the first link rod such that the pedals of the two link mechanisms are respectively linked to the transmission mechanism through the first and second link rods. When a user uses each pedal, a total length of the corresponding first link rod is reciprocatingly and continuously changed, so that a top end of the first link rod makes a first circulatory movement along a first elliptical path, and the corresponding pedal synchronously makes a second circulatory movement along a second elliptical path.