Variable Footpath Exercise Apparatus with Adjustable Incline
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stationary exercise apparatuses lack variety in exercise experience and intensity, relying primarily on speed adjustments and limited incline variations, which do not effectively engage the gluteus muscles or provide a compact design.
Innovation Solution
A stationary exercise apparatus with a frame, rotating supporting members, and adjustable pedals that move along a closed path with variable shapes, allowing for adjustable incline and stride length, enhancing exercise intensity and engaging the gluteus muscles, while maintaining a compact appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If exercise intensity is increased by adjusting incline or stride length, then exercise variety and effectiveness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the incline adjustment mechanism and stride length adjustment mechanism into a single integrated moving assembly. The moving member simultaneously performs both functions through its motion along the curved track and its rotation about the axis, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining exercise variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving assembly serves multiple functions: it adjusts the incline of the footpath, varies the stride length, and enables different exercise modes (forward motion, backward motion, lateral motion). This multi-functionality allows the apparatus to provide exercise variety without requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the moving path of the footpath is adjusted to enhance exercise intensity, then exercise effectiveness is improved, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical motion (incline adjustment) in addition to horizontal motion to create varied footpaths. The moving member moves along a curved track that changes both the horizontal position and vertical height, allowing multiple exercise configurations within a compact horizontal footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs dynamic adjustment of the footpath configuration through the movable assembly that can change its position and orientation during operation. This allows the footpath to be reconfigured on-demand without requiring multiple fixed paths or a large structure to accommodate all possible paths simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a curved track is used to adjust incline, then exercise intensity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved track is divided into multiple discrete segments or stations positioned at different heights and locations. The moving member travels between these segmented positions rather than following a continuous complex curve, simplifying manufacturing while still achieving incline adjustment and varied footpaths.
Data Source
AI summary
A stationary exercise device having variable footpaths is disclosed. The exercise device includes a frame, a pair of supporting members that have a first end to rotate about an axis and a second end to move along a reciprocating path, a pair of pedals joined to the supporting members, and a guider assembly for adjusting an incline angle of the reciprocating path.