Telescoping Frame Integrates Elliptical and Strength Training

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exercise equipment typically focuses on either anaerobic or aerobic activities, requiring separate devices that occupy space and are costly, limiting users who want a comprehensive workout regimen.

Innovation Solution

A compactable exercise machine with a telescoping frame that combines an elliptical device for aerobic exercises and a strength training device for anaerobic exercises, allowing users to switch between modes and featuring sensors and motors for electronic signal management and resistance adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a user purchases separate exercise systems for anaerobic and aerobic exercises, then each exercise type can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the total space required and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexercise functionalityVSAvoidspace occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines an elliptical exercise device (aerobic) and a strength training device (anaerobic) into a single integrated exercise system. The elliptical device includes a first exercise station with foot pedals and handlebars, while the strength training device includes a second exercise station with weight stacks and pulleys. Both devices share a common frame structure, allowing users to perform multiple exercise types in one compact unit rather than requiring separate machines for each exercise category.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated exercise system provides multi-functionality by incorporating both aerobic elliptical exercise capabilities and anaerobic strength training capabilities within a single device. The frame structure supports multiple exercise stations that can be used independently or in combination, allowing the same equipment to serve multiple exercise purposes and replacing what would traditionally require separate dedicated machines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a user purchases separate exercise systems for anaerobic and aerobic exercises, then each exercise type can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the total cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexercise functionalityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines an elliptical exercise device (aerobic) and a strength training device (anaerobic) into a single integrated exercise system. The elliptical device includes a first exercise station with foot pedals and handlebars, while the strength training device includes a second exercise station with weight stacks and pulleys. Both devices share a common frame structure, allowing users to perform multiple exercise types in one compact unit rather than requiring separate machines for each exercise category.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated exercise system provides multi-functionality by incorporating both aerobic elliptical exercise capabilities and anaerobic strength training capabilities within a single device. The frame structure supports multiple exercise stations that can be used independently or in combination, allowing the same equipment to serve multiple exercise purposes and replacing what would traditionally require separate dedicated machines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If exercise equipment is designed for specialized functions, then performance for that specific exercise type is optimized, but the device cannot perform other exercise types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexercise performanceVSAvoidexercise type coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The exercise system is segmented into distinct functional modules: an elliptical exercise module with foot pedals and handlebars for aerobic exercise, and a strength training module with weight stacks, pulleys, and exercise stations for anaerobic exercise. Each module can be used independently for its specialized function, maintaining optimized performance for each exercise type while allowing both to coexist in a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated exercise system provides multi-functionality by incorporating both aerobic elliptical exercise capabilities and anaerobic strength training capabilities within a single device. The frame structure supports multiple exercise stations that can be used independently or in combination, allowing the same equipment to serve multiple exercise purposes and replacing what would traditionally require separate dedicated machines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7740563B2Elliptical exercise machine with integrated anaerobic exercise system

Publication Date: 2010.06.22 IFIT INC

AI summary

A combined anaerobic and aerobic exercise system comprises a multi-part frame, for example a telescoping frame, or a pivoting frame. The aerobic system may include an elliptical exercise device, while the anaerobic system may include a cable-based system wherein resistance is adjustable. An electronic console system at the exercise system allows a user to view progress in both anaerobic and aerobic workouts, and to send input signals that adjust anaerobic and aerobic resistance mechanisms.